Advice...

Hi there ladies and gentlemen, I have a question. I have decided that I am going to have the roux-en-y surgery. Now, I feel like the laproscopy is the way to go. What do you all recommend? Blessings~ Becky

My surgeon recomends the lap, because its less messy, it has less complications, you don't have to wear a binder, there's a smaller scar(but there are 6 of them), Healing time is quicker, and there's less chance of infection. Hope this helps, God bless you, Annette

Wearing the binder may or may not be an option with the lap procedure. I had my surgery lap and my surgeon insisted I wear a binder for four weeks post op. He wanted to reduce the risk of hernia, yes you can get a hernia in even a small incision. It's really the call of the surgeon, whatever he/she says should be followed. And as far as the "less chance for infection", your chances are pretty much the same anytime your abdomin is opened, whether it's one long incision or several small ones. I'm not trying to start an argument or anything, I just want to make sure people are informed with the correct information.

Hi everyone, I double checked with my surgeon on this today. He told me my information was correct. Most people that have their surgery do not need the binder. As far as hernia and infection goes, there is less than 1% chance of getting either with the lap procedure, meaning it is greatly reduced compared to the open procedure. My best advice is for you to pray about it and take it from there. God bless you, Annette

I had Lap RNY a week ago. It was still rough. I can't imagine how bad it would be open. I do have to wear a binder...mostly for comfort. It keeps me from feeling like my insides are rolling around. On the Sept 2005 surgery page I have found that there are MANY variations, even with Lap. Some have staples, some don't, some have drains, some dont, etc. You might try reading through there and seeing the different stages everyone is going through during recent post op. It has really helped me. My only other suggestion is that you get a surgeon with a LOT of experience. My understanding is that a surgeon will not be proficient with Lap RNY until they have done it at least 300 times. My doc was close to 1000 when I had mine done and it made me feel more comfortable. Good Luck. I pray that God will help you make the right decision and that you will have a safe and uneventful surgery whatever you choose. In Him, Jacinda

I know your surgeon has a recommendation and I would probably choose the one he/she is most comfortable with. Having said that I was very thankful that my surgeon recommended the lap RNY. It has worked well for me. luvitsunnyv

Hi Becky, I am having LAP RNY on the 17th of this month (11 days to be exact!). Everything that has already been posted above is what I have heard also, except I have also heard that with the OPEN they don't have to pump a person full of air to perform the surgery, like they do with the LAP. Because of this, I have heard that there is not as much gas pain with the OPEN, but yet there is the higher risk of infection, etc. I, also will have to wear a binder, but from what I hear they are a God send and you'll want to wear it. Well, that's my 2 cents worth. God bless! Cindy

I had Lap RNY. I wore a binder.. washed it and wore it longer than the week reccomneded..Felt Good holding all that belly in... No real pain.. just soreness and very tired for the first week or so while they adjusted my B-12 No problem with gas... "this too will pass" while your walking the halls in the hospital. Have fun and enjoy the journey!!! Linda

Becky, I had lap RNY three years ago. I've had three different surgeries in my lifetime, two of which were open, the last lap. The lap was sooooo much easier as far as recovery. We were in the process of moving from AL to AR and the week after my surgery we drove from AL to AR to attend my grandmother's funeral. I didn't have any problems. I had my surgery on a Friday and went home on Saturday. I was up and walking as soon as possible. I don't remember having any problems with gas pains or anything of that nature. The nurses and docs were constantly telling me that I looked great and one doc couldn't believe I had had surgery the day before (my surgeon required a leak test before I could drink anything). If lap is possible, go for it. Just be sure to research the surgeon thoroughly. Shel

My surgeon recommends Lap. The healing process is faster than open. Hugs, Letty