Open vs lap RNY

I am having a revision to a open RNY next month.  I have some reluctance because I'm wondering if it is safer to have the procedure done lap?  The doctor I am using only does open revisions I don't know if I should accept it and go through with it or just look for a doctor who will do lap.  Any opinions?

I don't think its any "safer" to go lap. Lap will leave you with less incicion, but thats about it.

I can see why he'd want to do open if hes revising a previous surgery. He's going to need it all laid out there to see exactly what is what. If you're comfortable with your surgeon in every other aspect of him besides the open surgery, then I'l just go with it. If not, then by all means, look for a different surgeon.

 

I had Open RNY in 2003 and other that one day longer in the hospital not to much difference.  You scar is longer but inside the operation is all the same.  I was driving in less than 2 week,  I even drove myself to my 2 week check up. If you like and trust you doc it's no big deal open or lap.  Good Luck,  Robin

I agree with the other ladies, especially for a revision its imperative to get in there and get a good look around. I had an Open RNY so I don't know any different. Do you trust your surgeon? If so then that's the most important thing. Good Luck whatever you decide!!!!

Tracy, I read your profile.  I have a few questions.  Is there a reason you chose an open RNY over a lap RNY?  Also, did you have additional complications with your surgery?  You seemed depressed and sick alot from reading your profile.

Thanks for taking the time to read thru my profile. I had Open RNY b/c my surgeon was only performing open at the time. He now does lap and open, but I was unwilling to wait any longer than I had to. I did not have any complications directly related to the surgery. I was sick for the first 8wks but that was due to the fact that my sugar spiked very high after surgery so they put me on Glucophage 2x's per day and it was making me throw up several times a day. As soon as they discontinued the med I immediately felt 100% better!!!!! I was definitely depressed at that time b/c I was so physically sick that it took a toll on me mentally as well and caused me to have some pretty severe panic attacks and anxiety. After that inital 8wks, things got better and better every day. I don't regret those days b/c they really caused me to reflect on what I wanted to get out of this surgery and that was to be a long term success! Now, on days that it gets difficult to eat right, stay away from sugar, exercise etc. I look back and see where I started and where I am now~I went thru way too much to screw this up and I'm SO happy that I did it!

Can you say WHY you are being revised? It could be that your doc needs full range to fix whatever is not right about your original surgery or feels more comfy with an open field rather than trying to work around adhesions.

My previous surgery was the mini-gastric bypass.  According to the new surgeon I am using he says that the procedure did not have the best long term results.  Also, I blame myself for not being more careful with my eating habits.  My surgeon wants to convert me to the traditional RNY and believe I will have better long term results.  I pray that the second time around is a charm and I plan to not make the same mistakes I made with the first procedure.

Well, long term results with MGB are not so good, so hopefully you won't take it personally. Most of the ppl I know who had them are already revised or have dates to be revised. And the ones who have been are doing GREAT!

But since he's actually rebuilding you, it makes sense that he wants full access to all the nooks and crannies. Always more adhesions 2nd time around and it will probably be faster open.

I'm sure you will do great!

Statistically, there are more leaks lap than open, so there was never any doubt as to which is safer. Before anybody freaks out, it's only a % or two difference, but I didn't want you to think that open was unsafe in anyway, other than the usual risk of surgery.

vitalady, I'm surprised that you have even heard of the MGB.  Most people are not familiar with the procedure.  Have you known alot of people who had this procedure?  Dr. Rutledge pioneered this procedure and he used to be in NC.  I know that he is mainly in Las Vegas now.