Previous Surgeries....

Hello everyone....I have started the WLS journey....yet, I just have a question.  I have had several abdominal surgies, including (3) C-sections, a tubal, gallbladder removal(Lap) and appendectomy(lap).  My question:  Has anyone had this many(or theses types) of surgeries and still been able to have Lap RNY?  I am afraid of having an open procedure. Please let me know!  Thanks! Beth

Hello Beth and welcome to the NC OH Board.  You will meet a lot of wonderful, supportive people here. With respect to your underlying question regarding previous surgeries and how they might affect your chances of having a laparoscopic procedure as opposed to open surgery, I don't think anyone but the surgeon who intends to operate on you is qualified to answer that.  There are just too many variables involved that include the experience and expertise of the surgeon who is going to operate, that of the surgeons who operated on you previously, as well as other individual factors such as your body's tendency to form adhesions, among many other things.  My suggestion would be to consult with a surgeon and have him or her examine you and provide you with a QUALIFIED assessment and opinion. Looking forward to hearing from you again soon! Suzanne

You know I don't have a clue.  Dr. K. could better answer that.  Remind me and I will ask that very question.   Anyway, I was just going to say hello!!! 

You could call!  LOL (me, I mean!)

I agree that this is a good question to bring up with your surgeon. We are all different.  However, that being said, I just had my pre-op appointment and my surgeon plans on a lap RNY. I have had 2 c-sections, tubal ligation, appendectomy, hernia repair and an exploratory laparoscopy. Hope this eases your mind a little. Again, I can only speak for myself and my case.  Good luck. Linda

Thanks!  That does make it sound more hopeful for me! My OB surgeon was one of the best.  My sister (also had c-sections by the same surgeon) just had her RNY on last Monday and she had VERY little scar tissue.  I am REALLY hoping that is the case with me!! THanks!!!

I have heard of a lot being done Lap. after having other surguries but bear in mind any lap can have complications and need to be turned open. Your Dr. will tell you that. I have had 3 vertical c-sections and a massive open hernia sugery and want it dwon so bad that I don't care if they do it open. Good luck you will be fine. Myrtis

Two of my c-sections were also vertical (the first and third) and the second was a bikini cut.  Yeah, the surgeon who did my appendectomy said that he almost had to do it open.  It did reassure me when my sister had her RNY and they said there had never been an open procedure necessary at that hospital.  Her surgeon (who will also be mine) is fabulous...so I am sure it will work out. THanks!