Lap Band vs. Open RNY

Can anyone tell me the true differences besides the clinical ones. I have read everything the surgeon sent me. I am leaning towards the open RNY just because that is my surgeons specialty. Also the success rates are better from what I hear. My family is saying go less invasive. I just need some advice from people who have had both and what to expect from both instead of statistics in a brochure. I need real people's advice. Thanks in advance, and God bless all who are getting ready for surgery.

If you are asking about lap band vs open RNY, then I can tell you that the only thing that even appealed to me about the lap band was the fact that one day it can be reversed. However, if you are asking about lap RNY vs Open RNY, then I would say go for the Lap RNY because it is a much faster healing time and takes less time on the operating table. My 2nd c-section was more of an open procedure because they did a vertical cut from the belly button down. I weighed at the time, 400 lbs, and you just dont do a procedure like that on someone that big. But to make a long story short, that c-section popped open and had to heal open and it took 3 long months to heal completely. Even now, almost 4 years later, it still splits once in a while when it gets stretched. You can read more of what happened in my profile, but bottom line is.. after that incident, I didnt want anything to do with opening me up ever again! That is why I chose lap RNY over open. Darlene -100 (?)

Hey Angela, I have had two c-sections so I have recovered from an open surgery. I had lap for the surgery and I can personally tell you that I recovered very quickly after lap. I do know that some surgeons want to do open if the person is to obese, (they feel) to do lap. I would recommend lap if possible. Good luck and God bless, Penni

I had a c-section with my son and had the same problem as you did Darlene M. I had a bikini cut and it split completely open and took about 3 months for me to heal as well. I still have problems with it getting irritated. The healing with that totally sucked but that is part of the reason I thought about having the open RNY, I figure if I could make it through the c-section recovery I could make it through this. I just want my success to be the same if I went with the Lap Band and I heard it is not the same.

I've had 2 c-sections, 1 open gall bladder removal and 1 lap (to repair a bile duct rip from the gall bladder removal). I am going through this discussion regarding my bariatric surgery today. I am going to lean towards open. Lap is a quicker healing - no arguments there. I believe my surgeon will have better control with an open procedure. Lap is surgery through a keyhole - they also blow up your stomach with air - so your shoulders hurt with a referred pain. The RNY is permanent and non-reversible. I guess if I'm going to live with it, I want the benefit of the best possible technique. Lastly, I am right on the border with 59-60 BMI with 60 the cutoff for lap. That has influenced my decision to pursue open. I'll know they can do it - no false starts, no surprises. I had no incision problems with my c-sections - I used a cool blow dryer and sat under a lightbulb to keep it dry and it did heal. Good Luck and thanks for touching on this subject. It was very timely for me as well.