I am a newbie and very nervous.

Everything I have read here so far is very uplifting, I need this. I am looking in to haveing Open by-pass. My appointment is not until April 18th. I have been out of work since beginning of March. I am not able to eat much I get sick each time, would not be so bad if it wasn't bile coming up. My surgeon Dr. Guy Voeller sugessted this surgery and to have it witha Dr.George Woodman. From what I see He is pretty good. I have met him at one of his seminars. My Insurance has shot me down for approval. So we are trying to find a another route. Well just wanted to get out here and say HELLO to every one . YOU ALL HAVE A VERY BLESSED NIGHT, IF THESE TORNADOS ARE EFFICTING ANY OF YOU YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS BE SAFE.

Hi Sarina...welcome to the TN Board! Good luck with your journey Keep us posted. April

WELCOME!! I'm wondering why the OPEN bypass?? vs lap?? just curious GOOD LUCK!

Dear Maria, They will not do open bypass unless they have little choice in the matter. Most bypass's are done with a lapscope surgery. That means they use about 4 to 5 little cuts about 1 to 2 inches to cut and to do the surgery. It is less likely to get infected or worst. The open bypass is still being done, but that usually happen if you are too big for the lapscope or they have no other choice. But the main surgery is lapscope now. You heal quickly and tends to be a lot less work on patient and the doctors and nurses too. You get to go home alot faster than with the open bypass. I do so hope this help. I am sorry if I can not be more informative on the subject I am just now getting my stuff ready for my doctor's visit.So I am new to the subject on so many levels. It does not matter how much research you do or anyone does, It is the doctors who will tell you what is what in the end. Your friend, Tina

I have had other surgeries in the past, Doc says this would be more safe. Also I have a Hiatal Hernia that needs repair. They can do it all at once. Thanks I need all the luck I can get trying to pay for a surgery while not able to work before, Thank Heaven for FMLA. At least my job will be held.

Hi Sabrina, I too have had a lot of stomach surgeries, but I was able to have the laproscopic done instead of open. It's safer, and you heal faster. Less scar tissue that way. Most Dr.'s will start out doing the Lap and then if they have to do an open they can do it right then, as for hiatal hernia, they can fix that with a lap. Mine was fixed thru a lap. I wish you the best in whatever procedure you decide on. Always, Kathy

Hello!!!! I just wanted to say WELCOME!!!!! Hope you soon get your approval. Keep us posted. Sara.