LAP or OPEN

Hi Ohio, Which would recommend? I originally have a preference of LAP, but several say that there seems to be more complications, as well as less weight loss. I would appreciate hearing from folks that have either surgery, and do you have any regrets or likes. thanks

Both surgeries give you the same result. I will say that if someone wants to go cutting my insides. I want him to see what they are doing. Also I think you are sorer with Lap than Open. Good question though.

If I were given the choice, I choose open. (which is my only option right now anyway). I have a few reasons for this: --I've heard that it's easier to check for leaks --The operation is much quicker, which means I'm under anesthesia for a considerably shorter period of time. --I was already approved for the open procedure (although this wouldn't apply to you. The big factor for me really was similiar to what the above poster said... If i'm going to have a procedure this serious where they're rerouting my insides, I'd like for them to see what they're doing. Good luck in whatever you choose... I must admit, the lap procedure is very attractive to me... I'd love the shorter recovery time, that's for sure. Good luck in your journey April

Everything Jack and April have stated is true. I came to my decision to have an open from a similiar, but different view. My doctor stated rather bluntly that men have more fat and are more densely compacted around our middle than women. When he performs a LAP, it takes 30-40 minutes longer and he needs assistance from another doctor. He was willing to perform a LAP, but recommended an Open. I reached my conclusion by thinking that if it takes longer and it takes two doctors due to difficulty or complexity, I would take the option easiest for the doctor. I figured the easier for him, it would reduce the odds of any complications from the procedure. If I can shave a point or two of the chance on a complication, I'm all for that. Am I excited about the scar? No, but I would rather have the scar than some of the other possibilities. This usually turns into a very emotional dialogue with many different opinions. Even if I just reduced the risk factor of a complication by 1%, I would make the same decision everytime. You may decide that you are willing to proceed with the LAP because lack of scars are more important to you. Which ever procedure you pick, the end results will be the same.

This question can really only be answered once you find a competent doctor. I chose a lapascopic surgeon, (he is the chief of lapascopic surgery at UC) who has been doing lap surgery (not just bariatric) for years. Dr's who do open, or aren't trained well at lap, will be anti-lap. But I found an excellent surgeon who can do open, but prefers lap because he is so gosh darn good at it ;) His name is Dr. Keith Gersin. I am 12 days post op and feel great. I went grocery shopping 6 days after surgery. I do think the recovery is quicker, and I know I would feel comfortable going back to work 2 weeks post op. I have not heard of people losing less weight when they had lap. Remember, the insides are stapled exactly the same regardless if you have open or lap. The ONLY difference is the outside. Carnie Wilson and Al Roker both had lap and did great. Now, having said that, I know there are LOTS of excellent dr's who prefer open. OSU has a great bariatric program, as does BTC in Groverport. If BTC was closer, I would have chosen them and had OPEN because their post-op regime is incredible! They have been doing this for a really long time! Also, once you start calling around, you may find some dr's may be booking 5-6 months in advance or longer. That may also be a factor to consider. Sorry this was soo long! Good Luck to you!!

Andrea - so glad to hear you are doing well! Dr. Gersin was also my surgeon, as well as my husband's. I wanted to let you know that Dr. Gersin does a complete transection - he told me he can't fit the stapler in the incision. Keep doing what you have been doing! All the best - Sue

I had lap RNY on 10/29/2002 and I am 47 years old. I was in the hospital 2 days, back at my job full time on post op day 12. I remember waking up in the recovery room and feeling around to see if they actually did surgery! I had very little pain, very minimal soreness. My surgeon does an endoscopy on the table and a leak test the next morning. (And I know of a surgeon who does open and no leak test - yikes!) I went on a trip to Florida (on a bus) with 120 teenagers a month after surgery and had more energy than some of the other parents! As for the visual field during surgery, the surgeon is able to do as much retracting as well as having magnification, during the actual procedure. The surgeon is able to see just as well, if not better, doing a lap procedure. I don't believe there are any studies that will show more complications with lap procedures. There is obviously less chance of incisional hernia and incisional infection with lap surgery. The lap incisions are lateral through muscle and heal faster than the vertical incision done in an open procedure through muscle layers. Skilled lap surgeons can do the procedure in a shorter amount of time than some surgeons can do it open. My husband also had lap RNY and was walking in the hall about 10 minutes after they brought him up from the recovery room, and went home the next day! It all really boils down to what your surgeon does and if you are comfortable with him.

I had the lap done and I am doing well,I have loss 18lbs in less than 2 weeks so far.When they do the lap they can see what they are doing.Doing lap you will heal a lot faster and less pain.

I guess what I meant to say is I want them to be able to see without a device. But I think both surgeries are Ok. I only was in the hospital for 3.5 days and went back to work 8 days after with little or no pain. Just a stiffness. But Good luck in your journey. Everyone is welcome to comment at our website www.wlsbutterflynetwork.org. We a support group located in Cincinnati. Come join us and if you are in the area or making a trip. Stop by our next meeting on 10/10/03 at the Bethesda Oak Hospital Cincinnati.

Boy this topic is very heated isn't it? I am planning on having lap. I made my decision very quickly due to the experience of my awesome doctor and the reputation of my hopsital. Dr. Ben Meir at St. Vincent's in Cleveland told me that he has never lost a single patient, never had a patient get a blood clot, or a hernia in his care. I guess it boils down to your doctor choice and if you are even able to have it lap. I also have read profile after profile on this website and I would say 9 out of 10 times the lap people have much less pain and heal much quicker, that was a big factor for me. Best of luck with your decision. If you feel confident with your surgeon than going with lap makes all the sense in the word.