Curios... Any one had the open surgery?

Sorry Didn't mean to make that text so big... Russ

No Prob there Russ !

joe

Guess I forgot to mention the barium you get to drink for the xrays you the day after surgery to see if you are healing up OK.  Good stuff going down and coming out. Personally, I thnk they remix the chunks and liquify for reuse between patients,..but that just a guess. awful stuff.

Hey Mike, I had the open RNY procedure. It's similar to any other abdominal surgery, as far as pain goes. I was up and walking about 4 hours after surgery. The doctor prescribed a morphine pump w/ button for pain. It worked pretty well. The only rough part was standing up, and sitting back down. Everything else was very tolerable. My surgeon did not use staples to close either, it was great taking a hot shower the day after surgery. My hospital stay was 4 days. I ended up taking a Loritab prescription home, used it for two days, then I didn't need it. Even when I got home the only problems were standing up, and then sitting back down. Everything else was pretty much pain free, for me. My doctor had more experience with the open procedure, but did perform both. The complication rate is lower with the open procedure, that's why I chose it. I am 9 months out, and have had NO complications. I honestly don't think that the open is that much more painful than the Lap procedure. You may have a little rougher time standing up and sitting down. It's a very small price to pay. Looking back, it was nothing but a thing. Good Luck! Ronnie

Thanks for letting me know.   So far, everyone this afternoon has eased my "fear".  Wished I lived in McKinney and had to travel to Dallas, rather than living in Houston. Thanks again. Mike

Mike I am so glad to hear the VA is finally supporting vets with this surgery.  I am a Vet but have private insurance thru my wife's policy.  I was involved with the Weight Loss Program thru the VA here in Indiana.  I had the surgery 18 months ago and have returned to speak to the VA Weight Management Group a couple of times.  I do not try to encourage WLS but let them know that option is out there and also to let the guys know how much weight loss changes a persons life.  I know of two guys who have been approved for surgery.  When I had a check up the other day at the VA I stopped in to see the head of the weight loss  management program and she wanted to know if she could give my phone number to a couple of the guys who are considering WLS.  I am always willing to share my story with them.  Here in Indiana they are sending vets to Louisville, KY for surgery. By the way I had RNY lap.  I wish you all the best and hope you get your surgery soon.  It is the best thing I have ever done.  If I can help you with anything just drop me an email.  You are at the right place here on the Men' board to get your questions answered.  Just throw out your questions and you will get answers. Dan

Mike,

I think it depends on the surgeon. I was back at work in 4 days after lap RNY, then after I'd lost down to a normal BMI and become fit, I was back to work in 2 days after internal hernia surgery.

Both times, I was allowed full weight training and physical exercise one week post op.

When the doc went in for the hernia surgery, he said there were no adhesions from the RNY.

Just my Two,

Dave

I had the open and am pleased with it.  The scar is about 3" and very light at 17 months.  I do have an incisonal hernia that looks really funny when I tighten my stomach muscles.  The funny thing is that it will hopefully help with P.S.  I just have to "decide" when it will start to hurt.  Perhaps it will hurt in time to get some time off next summer.  Again, I am happy with the open. scott