Did I do the right thing? Open vs Lap...

Hey all! I was just curious, it seems that alot of people had the GB laparoscopically, and I was wondering if there really is a huge difference other than cosmetically? My surgeon gave me a choice, and I was all for lap until I seriously thought about it, and I wound up choosing open. I hear all different things about pain, scars, etc. My surgeon said they have a technique at the Wish Center that allows them to work within a smaller space so the scar is only 4 inches long and doesn't go anywhere near my belly button, and more than likely I won't need a drain after surgery. He said that if I went lap. then he would definitely be putting a drain in and the time under anesthesia would be twice as long. I have had roughly 9 surgeries in my life, all of which I had difficulty coming out of anesthesia, (nausea, labored breathing, sore throat) so my mother pointed that out and convinced me to go with open because of the time under. I'm just wondering what kind of success each person has had with either surgery? I have had my gallbladder removed laparoscopically and my scars are teeny tiny, but honestly, the scarring doesn't bother me nearly as much as I have so many from other surgeries LOL. Okay, I just wanted to put my feelings out there for a minute and get some feedback. My friends fiance (He is a member of OH as well, Jorge Torres) is getting the surgery the exact same day as me and he is having it done open as well, but not by choice. So at least I'll have a partner in crime that day! LOL So I guess my question is what kind of surgery did you opt for and what was it like? -Phoenix

Your question will probably open a whole cans of worms here since the lap versus open debate is ongoing. I think it is almost as common as Coke vs. Pepsi! I opted for the surgery that my surgeon performed the most prevelently (open) and his avg surgery time was less than half the time as lap and it was important to me that I be under less time. I didnt care about the scar since I will have to have a lower body lift done when I'm at goal anyway. It's a preference by the surgeon, you will hear good and bad about both. If you have faith in your surgeon than have faith in the type of surgery he prefers. Just my opinion...

Phoenix, I have not had my surgery yet and am scheduled for Dec 2nd in Ocala. I have heard pretty much the same things you have about both surgeries. I have chosen open because the surgery time itself is less, the recovery time is less and I have heard there is more pain with the lap. I decided to take my chances with the scar and there are things I can do to help the scar to fade over time. Good Luck to you! Pat

Thanks for your posts, I feel a little better knowing I'm not the only one who chose open. I know when given the choice, my friends were all for lap. I really feel that being under for less time is the BEST for me. (I'm the one having the surgery after all) LOL Thanks ladies!! -Phoenix

I went with Lap. Like Amy said, each surgeon has one he does more. My surgeon was a major Lap person. I have 7 little incision wounds about 1 inch each that have healed up quickly. I didn't have drains when I came home and I had no pain to speak of. I felt that not being opened up was less stressful for me. Mainly because my hubby had lap work done on knees and shoulder for arthritis and I was familar with that kind of work. It is something different for all people and which ever way makes you more at ease is the way to go. Carol

The healing time when you have your surgery lap is much less than with open. I was out of work for 10 days including a weekend, so I only missed 8 work days. But I would definitely choose whatever technique your surgeon is the best at and has had the most success with. My surgeon can do both, but since he's such a whiz at lap, it's less risky than open and far more desirable. Open has much higher risk of post-op infections and during surgery, it's actually easier to nick the liver during open vs. lap. In my opinion, the choice isn't so much open vs. lap, but whether you have a good, competent surgeon to start with!! Make sure your surgeon will stick with you if you have problems and find out what his complication rate is and how often his patients experience ulcers, leaks and infections. Good luck, Jan

Hi Phoenix, I haven't had my surgery yet, but I think your best bet is to go with what you are more comfortable with and what your surgeon does and knows best. My surgeon doesn't give a choice, but I am comfortable with the way he is going to do it. He does a combination of open and lap. He makes one 2 in*****ision and works from there. Take care, Wanda

It is an interesting question, and one I have been struggling to get a handle on lately. My insurance company (Tricare Standard) will not cover laproscopic procedures. They will only cover the the open WLS procedures. I cannot seem to get anyone at Tricare to tell me exactly why they do not cover the laproscopic surgery.

Amy and I had the same doctor, so I had open also. I had my gall bladder done lap years ago but I am not bugged by my 4 inch scar. Like you were saying only 4 inches and away from the belly button, sounds just like mine. I did get a small infection at the bottom part, but it was due to no electricity during Charley...I kept it as clean as I could with no ho****er. The strange thing is, I had more discomfort with my gall bladder surgery done lap. Still after 2 weeks out of work, I couldn't sit for long periods of time at my desk, it hurt the top incision. But with this surgery I got my staples out at 12 days and my incision didn't hurt when I sat. Go by what your doctor is comfortable with though. Tracey -74

Phoenix, my surgeon has done laproscopic surgeries for years, and still does many. But when he does bypass surgery, he does it open. he likes to get in there and feel around and check other things out while he is inside. I chose my surgeon knowing he only did it open, so i guess that means I chose to have it open. God luck, Steve.