Open RNY - have to decide!

Hello Everyone! My name is Christie and I live just outside of Charlotte, NC. I am new here but have been lurking for about a month. I am in the process of doing the 3 month Excercise/Nutrition/Psych thing for Aetna and tomorrow is my consult for an Endoscopy. I feel like I'm at the Do or Don't point of my decision making. I don't want to waste the Endoscopy Dr.'s time if I'm not going through with this. I think the one thing that is holding me back is that I have to have the procedure open due to 4 previous hernia surgeries. Dr. Zweng feels like this is the only way it can be done. And I am scared to death. I have had my abdomen cut wide open before and it's miserable!!! I've also read a lot about the complications. Today I've been sitting here reading post after post...trying to make a decision. Sometimes I'm sure and I feel good. Sometimes I can't decide, and sometimes I'm sure I won't and I cry because I know I need it. LOL...I promise I'm not completely crazy! Anyway, thanks for just listening!!! Christie

Hello, Only you can make this decision for yourself. I"m six weeks post op and was lucky enough to have a lap. I probably wouldn't have considered it if it was open. I didn't have any hernia's or anything to stand in the way so I don't know how that is. Please just ask yourself, do you want this? At what cost? Many people have lap rny and have complications, your surgeon wouldn't put you in harms way so it's probably the best option for you. Good luck with your decision and you will have to make peace with the decision before your comfortable with it. Jennifer

I had an open RNY with Dr. Zweng. I have had zero complications. The nurses always commented on the neat, beautiful suture. I do have a scar all the way down my belly, but my stretch marks are more embarassing! I truly feel that Dr. Zweng's ability to get in and see what he was doing made for such an easy surgery, fast recovery, and successful wieghtloss! I began at 350 July 5th (above 50 BMI), down to 328 at surgery date July 26, 2005 and lost 100 pounds (below 228) in 6 months. The bad part is that the healing was so clean, I can eat anything! I say that because my weightloss has slowed as I eat "normally" now. You have to make a decision about surgery, but I don't think lap versus open should make a difference, especially with Dr. Zweng! Consider it prayerfully, Frances

Thank you for all the support! My husband and I spent a long time talking this evening and I think I'm going for it. It helps that I know Dr. Zweng so well from the other surgeries. Thanks again for taking the time to respond!!!!

Arlies, thank you for the update! She looks really good. Is she talking on the phone now? She sure had a rough time. I will keep her in my prayers. Been missing you!

thanks for sharing the pictures!...i'm so glad you got to go and visit with her and i know she was tickled pink...you both look great!!....and what a nice tan you have!!!! did my pre-op today....had lost 50 pounds!...yippee!....unless i hear something, everything is on for Monday morning....i'll call on Friday to find out what time to be there..... Luv ya!!

You both look superfantistic!!!!!! I am so glad that Tams is finally getting better. Do they know what is wrong exactly and did it have something to do with WLS? Is there something that we all need to do better? Love, Cheryl

Christie - I would be eligible for the lap if my insurance goes through. I will tell you however if my doctor could only do me open I would still go through the procedure. The recovery is probably a little longer but I know the outcome would be worth it. Of course, the decision is yours and you must decide if you want to go through with it. My sister when she had her procedure 3 years ago they were not sure if she would be able to have the lap or the open until they were actually in surgery and she went ahead with the surgery. She was lucky enough to have the lap but I know she was determined enough to do the open if she had to. Good luck with your decision. Donna

Hi Christie You got an important decision to make but only you can make it. Follow your heart and do what YOU think is best for you. Ever thought about getting another opinon from another Surgeon? The only way you will be totally comfortable with your decision is also have total faith in your surgeon. Trust that hes doing whats best for you. I had open RNY 3 months ago and had ZERO complications and did not suffer from any gas. The healing time compared to someone having Lap was longer but it wasn't as bad as I thought. I have NO regrets what so ever. Good luck in your decison. Kay 450/388/332/175

I can understand your dilemma, but being 7 months out and very happy with my decision to have gastric bypass at any cost (I was self-pay) and very happy with the results, looking back I would have had this surgery if they had to go in through my big toe!!! Seriously, I am so happy I had this surgery and I don't thing lap vs open would have changed my mind. Go for it. That's my opinion! Pam 282/181/145