Open or Laparoscopic??? Help

bevluvslife
on 4/28/04 10:43 am - Springfield, OH
I just went to talk to the surgeon today and I am so confused. My sister had laparascopic surgery exactly 9 months ago and has lost over 110 pounds. My family doctor sent me to a surgeon (very nice guy) but he only does open. I am self pay and I live in Springfield. I could go to Columbus or Dayton (Dayton would be closer, have been looking at reviews from Kettering Medical Center). Can I have other's thoughts on open v. laparoscopic? My sister was back to working part time after 5 days (desk job), they told me minimum of 3 weeks with open. The Dr. told me that they can bypass more when they do open than they can with the lap. I'm on information overload but I want to get the ball rolling since I don't have to wait for insurance approval. I have waited for this for a long time and seeing my sister and how wonderful and energetic she is makes me want to make sure I make an informed decision. The Dr. I saw today said they can schedule me for the end of May. Any information would be greatly appreciated!!!
Sarahlicious
on 4/28/04 11:34 am - Portsmouth, OH
With your BMI, I wouldn't see why they would need to bypass anymore than what can be done Lap. In the end, both have pros and cons and it's a decision you should base one what your needs and wants are. If you need/want to have a quicker recovery then find a surgeon who does lap. Maybe making a list would help you decide. Consider the difference in scars, recovery time, skill of surgeon, time under anestesia, etc. Hope that helps. I had open, was told that was my only option at my BMI, for many reasons it was safer for me. But my BMI was over 80...I have seen other patients my size have LAP because they had surgeons skilled at doing the procedure on larger patients. If you don't like who your PCP referred you to, asked to be referred somewhere else.
PJ E.
on 4/28/04 12:11 pm - Wilder, KY
Hi Bev, I can see your dilemma. I am having open because my BMI is so high. If I didn't have to I would prefer lap too. I think the healing time inside is probably the same in both but that just the incision healing is different. And, of course the scarring will be different. Maybe someone more knowledgeable can shed some more light on that. Anyway I am going to Dr. Trace Curry at Deacones Hospital in Cincinnati. He does both open and lap. I don't know how far away you are because I don't know exactly where Springfield is. But I can tell you he previously practiced in Greenville, OH. Maybe you have heard of him. Good luck! PJ
glasscity mom
on 4/28/04 9:39 pm - Waterville, OH
Bev, There are lots of opportunity to read about the pros and cons of both surgerys attached to this site and to others on the internet. It really is a personal choice on what you want. Be sure before you make your choice. I had the lap done because I needed to go back to work quickly and could not afford to miss all that time from work. My recovery has been similar to your sisters. I am back to work part time this week and full time next week. Make the decision based on your wants and needs and what is safe for you. Best of luck.
DrC
on 4/29/04 12:34 am - Cincinnati, OH
RE: The Dr. told me that they can bypass more when they do open than they can with the lap. Let me just say that's a load of crap! Sorry but it makes me irate when surgeons bash the lap procedure when they can't even do it. Trust me, there is no comparison between the 2 operations, your recovery is much faster with the lap procedure. However your weight loss results (which is what really matters) will be the same with either approach. Good luck, Dr. C The Deaconess Surgical Weight Loss Center Cincinnati, Ohio
Carol R.
on 4/29/04 11:41 am - Fairfield, OH
Pay attention to what Dr. C wrote. Surgeons who do not have nor want to invest in getting the necessary skills for the lap procedure should be avoided! Come to Cincinnati and let Dr. C do your surgery; you won't be sorry!
junglejim
on 5/1/04 9:32 am - South Western, Oh
I dont think thats true. I mean what the surgeon told you. They can do many many things laproscopicly now. I would research other Dr in your area. You can investigate them here on the board or from others on this web sight. I love my surgeon and he does MOST of his RNY's lap now! damn why did I do this last year and not put it off a little longer Well anyway his name is Dr Derrick Martin at Miami Vally Hospital Jim open RNY 10/27/03 -145lbs
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