RNY Lap vs. Open

Good Morning! I would like to get your opinion on this issue: Is there a difference in the amount of weight loss if you choose to have Lap vs. Open or are the weight loss rates about the same? Thanks for your thoughts on this. Jeannie

Hi Jeannie, If you are talking a difference between laproscopic RNY versus open RNY it is the same procedure, just performed differently and there should be no difference in weight loss either way. I had consultations with two different surgeons prior to my open RNY in March 2004. I had thought I wanted lap RNY until I talked to each of them and then felt much more comfortable with an open procedure. Many people want lap to minimize the scarring and recovery time. I was healed and back to work (part-time the first week) two weeks after my surgery. Now if you are trying to compare RNY and LapBand, those are two totally different procedures and the ultimate results may be different. I really have no experience with the lap band. I have a woman on my staff here at work who was banded a few months ago and she is doing well with her weight loss. You might check the lap band message board and get their feed back. Best wishes on your journey. Hugs, Mo

Thanks for your reply. I was just trying to see if anyone felt there was a difference between the open sugery and laproscopic surgery when it comes to the amount of weight loss, or even how fast they would lose weight.

Jeannie, I'm with Mo, from what I understand the results are the same, the surgery is just performed differently. Could it be that you're thinking about the two different types of RNY? Distal vs Proximal. I can't remember which is which, but one has more of the small intestine by-passed and the other has less. This affects the malabsorption which would probably affect the amount of weight lost. Not sure that it affects the speed in which it comes off though. HTH Take Care, Terry

Jeannie, I can't comment specifically on the difference in weightloss. Ask your surgeon that question. I can tell you the recovery is well worth lap rny. At least in my program, my surgeon wanted you exerising at least 30 minutes a day by your first month visit. You take 3-4 weeks to heal (internal). Best wishes on your journey. lisa