Just Found Out!!!! Scared!!!!!!

I saw the surgeon in May of this year all along was under the impression it was going to be LAP. Two weeks ago I decided to ask to make sure I was told LAP RNY. On 9/12/03 I just felt like asking once again at this time I was told OPEN. I freaked out. I am more scared than ever and I really don't know why. How big is the incision? Is the healing process longer? Are any tubes left behind? Is there more complications with this type? Help! For some reason I feel like I'm at the beginning again since I did not do any research on OPEN only on LAP. Any suggestions or words of advise will be greatly appreciated since I'm freaking out about now since surgery is 10/22/03.

Hi Mildred! Lap or open it's going to be so worth it!! As far as I know major diference is a bit more time to heal w/open. You have plenty of time to do more research (does anyone really stop researching until well after surgery?). Keep thinking about the results - it's going to be so amazing!! Good Luck!!

Hi Mildred, Don't be scared. I was going to have Lap until I found out that Lap can take as long as 4 hours and Open can take maybe only an hour to an hour and a half. I decided that I'd rather take a little longer to heal then to be under anestesia almost 4 times longer than necessary.

Good Luck! I am excited for you. I had Open in April 2003. My scar is little. It is right above my belly button and is a little less than 5 inches long. You are going to do great and will be so happy! How wonderful that you have your surgery date! Like other people have posted here, really the incision is no big deal. You can even get creams that are supposed to help the scar fade more quickly. The scar, or at least mine is very thin and fine. Not bumpy or anything. Again, good luck and keep researching. I know you'll do fine.