lap surgery for bigger people

I was just wondering, have any of you had laproscopic surgery and weighed around 450? Or know anyone that has? I carry most of my weight in my midsection. I've heard that surgeons won't be able to do mine lap because of my weight and where I carry my weight. But I havent been to a surgeon yet....and goodness, I hate pain...I dont think I could make it if I have to have a big incision!!! HELP!

Bobbie I was 336 and had lap they say the more you lose before surgery the better chance you have of not haveing problems maybe your pcp can put you on medfast while you going thru the prosess just my two cents best of luck thru your journey and I pray all works out for you Michael

I was told by St. Vincent's that lap was possible as long as you had a BMI under 60 and only one adominal prior surgery. Good luck.

I weighed around 370 and just had lap surgery. I think it depends on the doctor. My doctor told me he would try it lap but it depended on scaring from previous surgeries and the thickeness of my adomonial wall. He was able to complete it laposcrapically. Sorry about the spelling. Dianna

I was 379 at surgery & had lap. At my first appt with my Dr he told me 400 is usually his cut off but there is always special cases. Denise W

Seems to me this is a question best answered by your surgeon. On the upside, it took me nearly 7 months to go from "submitting the first of the paperwork" to "surgery date" - so maybe you could drop a few pounds while waiting if they tell you you are too heavy for lap. I know they put me thru nutrition classes and made me journal my food, and I dropped a little knowing someone was watching (of course, as soon as the classes ended, I gained a few back ). And if you decide to do it regardless of the incision - remember this - they do give decent pain meds, and the pain will stop eventually. If you're like me - a few days pain to relieve this life-long pain, will be worth it. Hang in there - you could always call the surgeon and see if he has "set" rules like a BMI or weight limit for lap...I dunno...just trying to be helpful! Good luck!

Hello! I would start with a reputable doctor and take it from there. There is a bariatric support group at Adena Regional Medical Center. We meet the first Monday of every month at 6:30 in the Hopewell Room. It one if the conference rooms next to the ER waiting area. Any ER clerk can direct you. Please come and join us. Good Luck Sandy

The bottom line is this: if your abdominal wall fat is thicker than the trochars are in length, they can't do surgery laparoscopically, simple as that! (Trochars are the long skinny instruments that they use in the openings to perform the surgery.) That being said, my surgeon was able to do lap surgery on someone weighing about 525lbs. It also depends on how your abdominal fat "spreads" or stays in place on the OR table when you are flat on your back. Ask your surgeon what he/she thinks are the chances of having to go open Sue

Honestly, the big incision wasn't a big deal at all. I had open DS and they actually glued my incision instead of stitches. I was off pain meds within 2 days of being home. It was uncomfortable at times, but totally tolerable.

Well thanks everyone for your replies. I will let everyone know how it goes. Please pray for me though, as I am scared to death to have this surgery. Thanks.