How long is the open incision for rny?

About 1 11/2 years ago I attended one of the wls seminars at EMMC.  At that time I was told that Dr. Clough was the only surgeon in the program who accepted medicare and that he did not perform lap, he only did open.  I don't know if this all still applies.

Mostly, I want to know how big is the incision for open rny?  I have had lap surgery before for my gall bladder, so that I know I can handle, but open scares me.  Can anyone tell me more?

Thank you,
Beverly

I know there a quite a few with the open procedure........I'm sure they'll let you know once they see your post!  Sorry I can't be more helpful!

Mine is only about 5 inches. I did very well and I LOVE Dr. Clough.

Thank you Pam!  I have heard great things about Dr. Clough.  My concern is for my pain tolerance.  When I had my gall bladder removed in a lap procedure, the doctor told me that they prefer lap because it heals faster, with fewer complications and less pain.   That makes me a bit fearful of the open wls. 

May I ask how high or low they place the incision?  Is it centered?  Is it verticle or horizontal? 

Thank you for any info you can share!

Bev

Dr  Toder accepts medicare and   dr  Huang i believe  both do and they both  do   lap procedures if they can.

That is great news.  My SIL is having lap rny with Dr. Toder.  She has been approved and is waiting for her surgery date now.  I wishing that I could go with Dr. Toder.  Thank you so much for that info!

Bev

i have pics of mine .. i had open with dr clough ... if you would like to see.  i will add them to my porfile page

um, I had never thought about seeing the scar.  Sure, if you don't mind posting the pic.  How long did it take to heal and what about the pain?

Beverly have you gone to the emmc website?  There's a lot of information on there.  According to their chart Dr. Clough and Dr. Toder accept medicare.  Dr. Clough only does open whereas Dr. Toder does open and lap.

Here's the chart:  http://emmc.org/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=33880

Also don't be afraid to call their office.  Brenda tells me they get many inquiring calls everyday so you're not the only one looking for information.  The best and most accurate up to date information comes directly from their office. 

(207) 973-6383

Thank you.  I found their EMMC's swlp site yesterday and found that chart too.  I appreciate you taking the time to post the info.  I am getting very excited now that I know there is a chance that I could have a lap procedure instead of open. 

I have been trying to set up transportation to attend a support meeting, but my mother is usually my driver and she is going out of state for a few weeks.  I will just have to be patient.  From what I have read on OH, patience is something you have to have to get through this long journey.

Thanks again!
Bev