Open Roux-en-Y recovery?? instead of laproscopic
Most of the people I have spoken with have had their surgery laproscopically. My surgeon only does it open with a 5 in*****ision so the recovery is going to be different. I was wondering if anyone else out there had theirs this way and can share what their recovery period was like. I really don't want to be off 6 weeks from work and am hoping to return after 4 weeks.
thanks
Joanne
thanks
Joanne
Joanne, (RNY 1-25-11) HW 270, SW 244, CW 159
Joanne
I had my surgery lap and took 5 weeks off work and I'm glad I took that long so I could fully recover and get my energy back ... plus it gave me time to get accustomed to my new way of eating without having the fear of getting sick at work by eating the wrong thing. I would have taken the full recommended 6 weeks off, but I was needed back at the office to cover over the holidays for others who needed to take vacation.
My mom and sister both had open RNY many years ago before lap became the standard. Their recoveries were much much different than mine. They were both down and out for several weeks and were very slow to be moving around and getting back to normal. I personally had a very easy recovery, didn't need pain medication after the first day being home and even drove myself to my 1 week follow up appointment. Even a 5 in*****ision (which is less than what my mom and sis had) is still pretty invasive. My lap surgery scars have completely disappeared and look more like acne scars -- and I often have trouble even finding them on my tummy.
I guess my question to your surgeon would be is WHY doesn't he do lap surgery? Is he not trained in doing it (which would be odd that a surgeon doesn't know how to do lap surgery since it's so much the standard these days, but many doctors resist learning new techniques) -- or does he think open is better for some reason (the ASMBS recommends lap whenever possible because of lower complication rates) -- or has he chosen open surgery for you based on your medical history (multiple abdominal surgeries in the past or high BMI).
Find out WHY he insists on open. And if you really want your surgery done lap, maybe you need to look for a new surgeon. But definitely have that conversation with your doctor.
I had my surgery lap and took 5 weeks off work and I'm glad I took that long so I could fully recover and get my energy back ... plus it gave me time to get accustomed to my new way of eating without having the fear of getting sick at work by eating the wrong thing. I would have taken the full recommended 6 weeks off, but I was needed back at the office to cover over the holidays for others who needed to take vacation.
My mom and sister both had open RNY many years ago before lap became the standard. Their recoveries were much much different than mine. They were both down and out for several weeks and were very slow to be moving around and getting back to normal. I personally had a very easy recovery, didn't need pain medication after the first day being home and even drove myself to my 1 week follow up appointment. Even a 5 in*****ision (which is less than what my mom and sis had) is still pretty invasive. My lap surgery scars have completely disappeared and look more like acne scars -- and I often have trouble even finding them on my tummy.
I guess my question to your surgeon would be is WHY doesn't he do lap surgery? Is he not trained in doing it (which would be odd that a surgeon doesn't know how to do lap surgery since it's so much the standard these days, but many doctors resist learning new techniques) -- or does he think open is better for some reason (the ASMBS recommends lap whenever possible because of lower complication rates) -- or has he chosen open surgery for you based on your medical history (multiple abdominal surgeries in the past or high BMI).
Find out WHY he insists on open. And if you really want your surgery done lap, maybe you need to look for a new surgeon. But definitely have that conversation with your doctor.
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I've had both I had my Gallbladder removed lap in 2007 that recovery time was good, I took 3 wks off work for that didn't need to I actually felt good after a week and a half.
I just had open DS surgery Dec, 28th 2010 I'm still recovering I'm 17 days out. My incision is 8 inches long I still have the staples in. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I've been off pain meds for 7 days. I'm limited though I can't stand for long periods of time, when I go grocery shopping I have to use the get around buggy I can't walk for long periods of time at the most 10 minutes due the weight from my stomach pulling down on my incision. When the staples are out I think this will get better. It's still hard to get a good night sleep. If you have a recliner that is good but not a requirement propping up pillows will do just fine. I feel the most comfortable when I'm sitting up.I am unable to exercise at this time partly because of the incision and also due to how involved the DS surgery is.
Would I do open all over again?.... Yes ... It's not that bad nothing you can't handle. I did the open because my surgeon also only does open but he's the best a small price to pay when you're getting the *******so wanted more time off work LOL !
Would I prefer lap ? .... Yes
I just had open DS surgery Dec, 28th 2010 I'm still recovering I'm 17 days out. My incision is 8 inches long I still have the staples in. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I've been off pain meds for 7 days. I'm limited though I can't stand for long periods of time, when I go grocery shopping I have to use the get around buggy I can't walk for long periods of time at the most 10 minutes due the weight from my stomach pulling down on my incision. When the staples are out I think this will get better. It's still hard to get a good night sleep. If you have a recliner that is good but not a requirement propping up pillows will do just fine. I feel the most comfortable when I'm sitting up.I am unable to exercise at this time partly because of the incision and also due to how involved the DS surgery is.
Would I do open all over again?.... Yes ... It's not that bad nothing you can't handle. I did the open because my surgeon also only does open but he's the best a small price to pay when you're getting the *******so wanted more time off work LOL !
Would I prefer lap ? .... Yes
My surgery started out lap and ended up open. My incision was about 6 inches long. I used very little pain medicine in the hospital and none at home. I was walking 4 miles within 3 days of coming home. I scheduled 6 weeks off of work but only took 4. I think it all depends on you. Make sure you wear your girdle. That will help the weight from pulling to much. It keeps it nice and snug. Every person is different. I had abdominal surgeries before so I kind of knew what was coming. If you have a recliner chair to sleep in for a few days that would be great. Go at your own pace, don't compair yourself to anyone else. Good Luck.
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