Lap vs. Open

If any of you had a choice which would you choose & why? Open or Lap? I heard open was better because they could see more of what they were doing, but I heard Lap was alot easier to get over. Any suggestions would help. Thanks. Tammy Gunter

I used to think open was safer too until I asked my sister-in-law about it. (She is a surgeon) She replied that she preferred Lap since it was easier to see everything lol. Apparently filling up the abdomen with gas allows the docs an easier view of stuff, but with open (especially the docs who use a small incision) they cannot see as much or as well. At least this is how she explained it to me. I had Lap and my recovery was FAST. And add to that a few small scars vs. one long one. Plus, you have a lesser chance of getting a hernia later too.

I preferred open. I know the doctors do all sorts of tests pre-operatively, but if there was a problem he's already in and can get to the problem that much faster. I don't mind my scar....it's barely 2" long and fading more every day! It's a personal prefrence.....but it didn't really take me but the time in the hopsital to get over my surgery. I was begging to go back to work because I felt I was ready. I think it's a decision you should make for yourself......don't worry about vanity.....trust me - the scar isn't anything to be ashamed of! Dee Dee

Tammy, I thought long and hard about which to choose. First of all your insurance may only pay for a certain one. Luckily my insurance was willing to pay for lap. which was my choice. Mainly for the quicker recovery time and my dr. specializes in it. I had no problems at all, and was back to work in 2 wks. I was very happy with the outcome. Food for thought. Donna

My insurance company didn't offer a choice, at the time they were only covering the open. I'm glad though, because Dr. Appel found a hiatal hernia and was able to repair it at the same time. Also, it affords the opportunity to have the gall bladder taken out at the same time. I had already had mine out years ago, so didn't have that done. If you keep your gall bladder, chances are you will have to have it removed in about a year anyway, so it is best to get it out at the same time. Why have another surgery! I also have the silastic ring at the base of the pouch which regulates how much goes through. It is supposed to help keep the pouch from stretching. It is a pain because I will never be able to swallow pills again, I have to either crush them, get chewables or liquid. I'm getting used to it though. Choose whatever surgery that will give you the lifestyle afterward that you are looking for. Patti

Thank you all so much, I was approved last Tuesday, after almost 1 year, then on Tuesday I had my date. My surgery is 5/2/05 with Dr. Proctor. Right now my Insurance Co. has me approved for open only, but they are gonna see if they will approve me for Lap also just in case Dr. Proctor recommends Lap. I wanted Lap until someone said you have a greater risk of infection with open, which I don't think you do. I go 4/26/05 for Pre-Op & I guess Dr. Proctor & I will make the decision then. Thanks again everyone. I am so excited...... ((((HUGS)))) Tammy Gunter

With LAP they use sterile nitrogen to expand your insides, room air doesnt get inside your body thats why infection is more common with open. room air even filtered is dirty The major difference is that 1/3 of opens get a hernia, that generally requires a foillow up surgery to repair Plus LAP has less cutting to your body and much less pain. All of this from my surgeon Dr Philip Schauer a world leader in bariatric surgery. LAP is wonderful provided your surgeon has done at least a 100 LAP, it requires a lot oif experience

Thank you so much Bob, that makes alot of sense. I think I am gonna ask for Lap. Thanks again. Tammy Gunter

Tammy, I prefer Lap for recovery time. My hubby has had open surgery (colon re-section), so my personal opinion is based on comparing our healing processes. I don't know if that's a fair comparison since his was major surgery. Mine was much easier and less painful! If I had only been approved for "open," I would have had the surgery anyway. (I'm just a big baby!) Hugs, Becky