Open RNY - have to decide!

VITAMIN DEFICIENCY!!!!! Namely, B-12 and potassium. It can really do a number on you. She is slowly improving, and getting back to her old self, both physically and personality-wise. Smoochies Arlies

Christie I went in to surgery expecting a lap rny and woke up with an open rny. Dr. Melkonian let me know beforehand that if he needed to switch he would. He tried to do it laproscopically, but when he tried to put in the gas that separates the fat layer from the muscle mine just wouldn't separate. He then did it open. I have a 10" scar that runs from my sternum to my belly button. I did have complications, but they were not caused by my procedure being open versus lap. I don't remember anything particularly bad about my healing. It just happened. I've now lost 154 pounds and would run and jump on the table to do it again knowing about the complications. It has been a life changing experience for me. You need to ask yourself if you want it bad enough. This is a question that only you can answer. Lap or open it is still major surgery. This isn't a simple tonsillectomy. They are rearranging your pipes regardless of how they get in there. Pray about it and have peace. Larry

1. I have a new suit, but I am only a month into my wl journey. 2. I am planning to go to my favorite place...Gulf shores 3. I won't be having plastic s. Unless I was to win the lottery! 4. What you said Rhonda! 5. I will find out when I get there, but so far it is great!

I am 4 months out with an open RNY by Dr. Zweng. Zero complaints! This was my first surgery ever so I was terrified, but I'd do it all over again. So far, no hernia. No problems. I'm down 81 pounds and feeling great! I agree with everyone. Only you can decide. I personally liked the fact that he admitted that he did not like seeing everything in a mirror image when he was doing the surgery. My incision looks great (well, as great as one can look!). I'll be glad to talk to you on the phone if that helps. Please e-mail me and I'll send ou my phone number. Good luck! Nancy

No--i didn't have an open done---but when we are speaking of hernias---I had one repaired about 3 years back---large on in the belly button area---I am telling you ---that was some of the worst pain I ever had in my life---and while I am sure an Open RNY will have some pain associated---I still think you have more than weathered your share with the rest you have been through---Honestly--I feel you will do well---obviously the rewards will outweigh the pain---I always told people in my program its all about attitude---Go in with a good one girl--and nothing can go wrong! Take care and best wishes in your decision! Lisa 3/15/05 338.5/185.5/?

You ladies are amazing! Thank you so much for the replies. I went ahead with the Endoscopy Consult and the test is scheduled for April 24th. I am having a million gallons of blood drawn for tests today. Looks like I'm going through with this!!! YIKES!

Christie - Good Luck with your decision and I am sure everything will go great.

Hey Melissa, Sorry, I don't have any clothes ot offer but,I was looking at your profile,and was curious about something ,what type of Blue cross Blue Shield PPO is it that you have ? because ,I have Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and have had it for about 15 years now and they did not pay one penny on my surgery they refused it because ,they said it is considered cosmetic ,I was just wondering have they changed thier protocal because, I know of several others who have it as well and they were straight up refused for surgery too.My surgery was medically necessary I had high blood pressure,diabetes,swelling in my legs you name it I had it and they still would not pay.So I was just wondering Thanks ...........Sherry

I have clothes to donate--but they're size 26. I'm just now getting into the 22s, but I'll look through and see if there are any you'd be interested in as I hope to be here just a few weeks. I don't have many dress clothes as I always wear scrubs at work--but if any nurses out there need 3x scrubs let me know (or the size 26 stuff...some of the 26 are dress clothes, too) mary

Come to the mid MS meeting on July 15th. We are planning to have a big clothes swap then! I am sure that you can get several outfits in two or three sizes to help you along!