Question for Dr. Overcash patient

This question is for those who had the RNY.  Dr. OverCash prefers the open RNY vs the laparascopic procedure.  Did any of you have a problem with this?  I am having a revision and I am reluctant about the procedure being open vs lap.  I would like to know your experience.

Darrnell...I understand your concern...but OPEN is much better than lap. Have you seen a Lap RNY or surgery? I have seen quite a few and though it looks less evasive I think it's more tricky cause the surgeon has to rely on the camera to see and he does a mistake he won't see that as easily as if it's open. Recovery time is the same and it's NOT as bad as you might think.  He takes 20-30 minutes open with less anesthesia time than Lap. It was difficult to move around being so heavy initially and having that wound but I survived just fine. No problems. I actually had my gallbladder done lap and that was MORE painful cause when they do lap they have to expand the abdomen to get in there and that air has to get released so Im gathering the pain comes from that. Given all this what type of revision are you having?? Cause if you're having the stomaphyx that will be done through the mouth - no cutting any kind. Feel free to join our online support group as well..I'm sure others will be glad to help with some more input. We're at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/floridabariatriccenterwlssupportocala/ WELCOME!

Babypphat, I am not having the stomaphx.  I am having my mini gastric bypass changed to a RNY.  However, Madalyn said that my pouch want be touched since it is already in place.  I guess my stoma will be tighten and I will be bypassed some more.

the lap procedure is done in 45 minutes by a surgeron that knows how to preform a successful laparscopy procedure.  Why would you want your infection rate to go from over 30 % with open vs less then 99% with lap.  Patents having diabetes this could mean their life.  Your stay in the hospital is 1 day vs one week.  Why would someone want a BIG scar when you can have 1/2 in*****isions.  And dont even get me started on hernias.  Good luck having your revision.  Maybe if you would have had a ggod follow up program you wouldnt need to have a revision.

That is possible why you need to be "opened" to get to that area that he needs to bypassed. Honestly I don't see it being a problem. Some people have issues with open...both lap and open are done by Overcash he is QUALIFIED to do both. I am opened and I don't have a "big ugly scar" as some people say. Talk with Overcash if you have any concerns he will do it lap if you want. It's all about the same when the final result is what you're aiming for. Like I said - join the Yahoo group - as we had someone just switched from the mini gastric to RNY and can offer her opinion. Sometimes it's the decision of the surgeon to do open or lap and sometimes the patient can chose..talk it out...they know the % of what you need to know.

PS..We're in the hospital 2 days not a week...unless there are complications. I was back at work in 2 weeks but that was my choice..I could have gone back to work in a week or some people take more..their personal preference. Best of luck to you.

How do you figure open is much better than laparascopic????  I'm shocked to read this!

Why are you shocked? Are you shocked that women have c-sections all the time?? That is a cut and scar as well. There are PLENTY of surgeries that are done "open". I'm not a surgeon nor anyone who has worked in an OR so I can't say for sure..but I'm going by what my surgeon has said about the open vs lap in regards to what has been writen above - I will not repeat myself.  If can be done lap - then let it be..I don't care either way. I can tell you from experience that my RNY which was done open vs my gallbladder a few months later that was done lap - was more painful to me than the RNY.  Was it the introduction of air into the abdominal area? I don't know - could be. All I know it was done as such - and I have NO REGRETS. It's a small scar and I'd rather have a small scar vs being morbidly obese. That is my experience - can't speak for others. If you want it done lap - that's a private conversation between the patient and surgeon.

Okay, so I will agree that it is a personal choice to be made between a patient and a surgeon....However, as one who has had laparascopic AND open procedures, I'll take the lap procedure any day and lower my chance of incisional hernia, infection, dependence on pain meds post op, recovery time, etc any day.  I'm glad that you are happy with your results and that everything went well for you.

I had the open and did not regret it at all. It is kind of hard to admit the size of my scar because I was a special case. He had to cut me more than normal and he even admited that. most of the time from what he said it is about 4 inches long. I would much rather have someone be able to see and fix something right away then have to have him play with cameras. but that was me.  good luck