Open vs. Lap RNY surgery....HELP

So I just had my consult with my hopefully soon to be surgeon.  He was ok, I mean, I'm still trying to figure out if I trust him enough to put my life in his hands...From what I can tell he isn't a member of the ASBS...which is scary.  Anyhow upon talking to him at the consult I found out that he ONLY does the RNY procedure and he will ONLY do it open, not lap.  He says there is a higher chance of leakage with lap and that he feels more comfortable with open.  He said in the end open is a lot safer and u just run more of a risk of getting an infection in the cut.  I was really hoping to get this done lap but am now considering everything he discussed with me.  Can I get some viewpoints from some of u on the "other side" who have had either surgery...I would LOVE to hear from some poeple who have had open and some who have had lap and tell me if u had any complications, if u regretted it, etc.  Any information or opinions u give are much appreciated.  thanks

How about a second opionion?  From what I've read, Lap is safer as it is a much less invasive procedure. Sounds like this guy just doesn't do Lap. Are you restricted to this doctor?  I would look for another surgeon and get his opinion. There are some instances where a person has to have open RNY rather than Lap RNY but this doesn't appear to be the case here.

I'm not RESTRICTED by any means, no.  But I do have illinois medicaid, and not many docs accept it.  I drove for over 2 hours today to have this consult....the next closest one that would be able to get my in surgery within the next 2 years would be in chicago...and thats a 4 hours drive each way.  I would rather see one of the docs here at barnes-jewish, but the waiting list is going into '09.... I'm just trying to see what kinds of experiences some people have had.

Where is it at and what surgen. Im having mine on oct 30 and it will be open also. My dr doesnt like to do it lap for the same reasons he says.

Dr Albert F Gilman, Decatur Memorial Hospital....u? Are you nervous at all? 

yes im terrified I just lost my son a few months ago but I know its something I need to do. Your not that far from me are you?

honestly im not sure where energy il is.  Where r u having ur surgery? I seen ur videos and I am very sorry for ur loss.  I cannot imagine.  My oldest daughter is only a few months younger, she was born in Nov 2002.  My God bless ur family during this time and i wish u the best for staying strong, u really are amazing....

no, ur not that far at all, who is ur surgeon and where r u having urs done?

I had to have my open RNY due to my weight. I was scared at first but everything turned out okay

I chose open because I had already had gall bladder surgery years ago and they had tried te lap and failed so had to open me up.  I was devasted so this time I wanted no surprises and I figured there was probably a lot of scar tissue from the previous surgery.  I was fine, had a quick recovery with the open and was back to work in 1 1/2 weeks.  I'm glad I had open. Christina