Now I have to have open RNY

The staples are removed at your post op visit apporximately 10 days after the surgery.  The drain was removed in the hospital before coming home.  It didn't even hurt when they took the drain out.  It was more like a "weird" feeling. Don't let the "na sayers" who are opposed to open RNY talk you out of it.  You have to do what is right for you.  If lap is right for you then look around for a second opinion and wait it out.  If you are comfortable with your decision to have it open and have full trust and faith in Dr. Carauna then go for it girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Personally I would have never had it done laproscopically, but have had friends who have.   I got back into my room approximately 1pm (my surgery was at 10:30am last Wed).  I was up and walking by 5pm.  I came home Fri afternoon.  Was walking up and down the road on Saturday twice.  My son took me (couldn't drive) to Lowes and Walmart shopping on Sunday.  I was back out on Monday.  I am getting ready to go to Walmart with my daughter in the next hour.  There was some pain, but nothing unbarable.  Just do as the doctors say, take the pain pills (which I am down to only taking at night already).  My daughter said it didn't hurt at all to have the staples out.  I will let you know after Tuesday when I have them out.   I have absolutely no regrets with my decision and if I had to do it all over again, I would and I would only choose open again. Sally

The advantages to performing the lap RNY are that it yields cosmetically superior results and the recovery is faster. Some long-term problems of open surgery, such as incisional hernias, may also occur less frequently. Another disadvantage is that the incidence of leakage from the surgical staple lines may be more common in the postoperative period. Leakage from the staple line is a serious complication and often necessitates additional surgery and prolonged hospitalization, and sometimes even death.

Nonetheless, the idea of avoiding a large surgical incision is compelling, because of the decreased amount of pain experienced and the shorter recovery time.

Hi,    I had an open RNY in January. It is the best thing I ever did for myself and would do it again in a heartbeat. The pain is not that bad. By 3 weeks out I felt like me again. Yes, there is a scar but it will fade with time and besides I wasn't planning on wearing a bikini anytime soon anyway. My doctor does both lap and open surgeries although he much prefers to do the open procedure. I went in planning on having lap. After much discussion with my Doctor we decided that open was a better way to go. #1 The doctor can see what he is doing much more clearly. #2 He can feel the gallbladder. #3 He told me the chance of complcations is much lower with the open...I can't remember why though. I have 4 friends who have had the open procedure over the last 3 years. We are all doing great and glad that we did it. What procedure to have is a very important decision and one not to be rushed. You should discuss with your Doc the reasons why he prefers to do the "open". Yet, don't be scarred off by the horror stories. There are possible complications with both surgeries. Neither has a problem free guarantee. But both also have thousands of happy endings. Think positive, consider your options. You just need to be sure that you are comfortable with the choice you make.    PS. My tubes and staples came out in a week. That was certainly not fun but was bearable and over quickly. I was just so thankful to be done with them!!!

I hear you but REMEMBER: Doctors are going to push the procedure they do. I met with Dr. Cooperstone; he only does open....and he was like a used car salesman, telling me how Open was better, safer, etc. WRONG! But, that was all her did, and I can't help but notice that your surgeon didn't even do lap; his profile reflects open only....so it's no wonder he would sway you that way. Sorry but I believe lap is the way to go UNLESS there is no medical option.

Hi Karen,  I totally agree with you.  I too saw Dr. Cooperstone because a friend of mine used him.  She had a successful surgery but I was determined to go lap to decrease my chances of complications.  ALSO Dr. Cooperstone inserts that plastic ring around the end of your esophogus to make sure that you chew your food thoroughly.  I spoke with 3 other doctors who said it wasn't necessary and had too many patients complain about food getting stuck because of it.  So, I shopped around and went with someone whom I had peace of mind with.  But this decision is a personal choice and either way she is the one who has to live with her decision.  I would not feel comfortable rushing into a major life changing surgery just because that is all that is offered.  It's like buying a shirt or pair of pants that you realy don't like because that's all that fits.  The surgery has far greater consequences and should really e researched.  It takes perseverance and patience and ....time.   I didn't have any drains to worry about and was up and walking immediately after my surgery.   I'm sure she will be okay, either way but its the "rush" aspect that concerns me and the "reasons" she is choosing open (that's all there is?). 

You know, I am practicly the worst person to ask for advise on what surgery to have. Dr. Posner and I agreed on LapB and I was ok with that, but as I continually read all the comments on this, that and everything, I am again wondering. And will probably look to some of you for advise! We're all different. But I am now so much more patient. I'm looking out for what is best for ME....AND...finding out what would be best for me surgically. And my "time's" coming up relativley soon.
It is minnielover's desperation, and settling just to "Get It Done" that lit the alarms in MY head.
I'm not telling you what to do with your life, I am just praying you know that nothing in life comes out good in desperation. It's the DESPERATION that's scaring me. Not the actual type of surgery.

Again, good luck......see you soon.