Open Surgery

Hi my name is Sue and I am 54 years old. I will have My surgery May 4th with Dr. Wallace at Freidert Hospital in Milwaukee. I would like to hear from someone about my age that has had the open procedure. My insurance won't approve Lap. so open it is. I haven't heard alot about it so any info would help. Thanks Sue

Hi Susan! Congratulations on your surgery date! I also had open RNY at Froedtert, however my surgeon was Dr. Nakeeb (he recently moved however). Dr. Wallace is an EXCELLENT surgeon! As far as the open procedure, the main difference really between that and LAP is the opening in your skin. The procedure on the inside is exactly the same. My incision goes from my breast bone to just above my navel. I had 25+ staples in afterwards that were removed on my 2 week check up. I also had two drains after surgery. My surgery started out LAP, but due to a complication with my spleen, they converted to OPEN. The pain is a bit more with OPEN compared with some people I know who had LAP procedure done. I was taking my pain meds for about 3 weeks. I was up and moving though in the hospital. They say the more you move around the better. Do you have any specific questions that I can answer for you? My scar now is very light in color, but it is still noticable. But I am okay with that because I feel wonderful and have lost 135 pounds in the 10 months since my surgery! Some people will develop a hernia, but I haven't yet. I did use Mederma on my scar after my staples were removed, and I think that helped it heal really well. Best wishes to you! I think you will do terrific!! Again, congratulations on the choice to become a healthier YOU!! Traci

Congrats!! on your upcoming surgery. I had an open RNY Jan. 6, 2004 and I am almost 44 years old. I was cut open from just below my breast bone to the navel (I had an umbilical hernia repaired too). I had about 29 staples and didn't have any drain tubes. My Dr. prefers to do the open RNY because he has hands on and can see and touch to make sure everything is good, and there is no air pockets etc. The day my staples came out I started using 100% cocoa butter that I got at my local Walgreens. This stuff is great and I had no troubles with it healing. The cocoa butter comes in a small stick about the size of the stick kind of blusher. Costed me a whole .99 cents. As far as an open RNY and the scare...I figure I am never going to go to the beach in a bikini anyways.

Hi Sue, I had open RNY on March 9th. My scar is only 4 inches long and is completely healed. I did not have any staples, my doctor gave me a plastic surgery scar with inside stitches and steri strips. I had one Jason Pratt (drain tube) the scar is a small hole not noticeable. I feel wonderful, I am thankful I was able to have the surgery. I have lost about 35 to 40 lbs in 4 weeks... Good luck!!!!! Heather