Previous Abdomen Surgery...What to expect.?

I have a surgery date for the Realize band on Dec. 9...I have a large incisions, from the top of my abdomen to underneath my navel from a previous surgery back in 1996.  Can anyone relate?  If so, was it possible to get banded?  What type of problems, if any, did you have?   My surgeon told me that he would not know what to expect until he goes in if there is too much scaring.  Please help me sort out some of this tension.  I know I have not come this far to be disappointed.

hi, congrats on your upcoming surgery. As far as previous abdominal surgeries go and having band surgery don't worry too much. I am a surgical nurse and I have helped with hundreds of wls of different types. I have seen many ppl who have had abdominal surgeries of various types. There is scar tissue. What usually happens is more time is tacked onto the operation. Meaning that if it were to take an hour for no scar tissue then with scar tissue maybe two hours. The doctor just has to take down  the scarring and make a plain for the band. Adhesions are something that can be taken care of better when the patient is being banded. I have seen problems when someone is getting gastric bypass surgery that has scaring. Don't worry. You'll be banded in no time!

Thank you for the encouragement.  I am looking forward to the surgery!

HI.  I had just that problem myself.  I really wanted to get bypass but the doc told me that I would probably have a lot of adhesions as I had had previous gall bladder and hystectomy surgeries.

I had the Realize band installed on Nov. 19 and although the surgery did take 2 hours instead of 40 minutes, and I have 8 belly holes instead of four, I do have a band!!!  And, I am doing very well with it so far.

Being an old fart of 58 years, I consider everything very successful.  Don't worry , these surgeons are good .  Good luck
Eydie

Hi all,
Everything went fine.  I AM BANDED!  I am experiencing a lot of gas pain and I know, walk, walk, walk.  The hardest part for me is remembering not to drink and eat.  Although i am on full liquids, i tend to want to drink.  I see it is very miserable doing this now.  I'm still learning.  Thanks for all your support!