lap vs open

I went to see Dr. Byrne last week for my pre-op.  He told me he should not have any problems doing a lap, but he said people who carry their weight in their guts and they hang down, sometimes have problems with lap, the instruments can get thru.  Any one have him say this to them and which way did it go.   I also know I need to walk as much as possible after but when can I start back to the gym, situps etc.  and do they help with the excess skin.  Thanks for any advice

OK I have a different Doc but I wanted to add my 2 cents worth so here goes. Yeah sometimes it's more difficult to do the procedure when it's alot of abd fat but that doesn't mean it's impossible another thing that would help would be to make sur eyou follow your pre-op diet so you can make that liver nice and small so the don't have that to contend with also. As for exercise I was able to walk as soon as I wanted, but the gym, situps etc. I had to wait til 4 weeks. But I was still kinda weak so I didn't mind. And about the excess skin there isn't a whole lot to do about that. I'm sure some exercises will help some but there will be excess skin and there isn't really anything we can do about it we have stretched it out and it just won't go back to how it used to be w/o Plastic surgery. That was a fear of mine the excess skin but hey I would much rather have the excess skin than the excess weight. Hope that helps. P&PT's.

Thanks lots of help.  My doctor did not require a pre-op diet, just vitamins.  Hope I did not miss anything.

Hi JoAnn.  Yes, Dr. B tells everyone that carries their weight in their stomach that.  He told me that but did the lap fine.  He did tell me I stretched his instruments to the MAX after surgery...lol. Best of luck and don't stress about it.  Even if he has to do open, you will be fine, but I bet he will be able to do lap. And..no,  you didn't miss anything.  Dr. B doesn't require a pre-op diet and there is conflicting opinions as to whether it makes a difference....so don't worry about that either. Good luck tomorrow.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks, Susie Q- and everyone.  I have-not heard yet what time my surgery is, so I am going shopping to get my mind off.