question

I am now less then 5 weeks away from my surgery, the nerves kicked in big time, I'm scared out of my mind, to the point I cried to my boss. Life here is crazy and stressful, I have taken in my 3 year old niece, and hope and pray I get to keep her, as her mother ( who i love to death, my sister) is just not capable to take care of her  3 children.

I have a quick question, want to know what the group thinks of this, I have been told twice people who have open stomach surgery compared to laparoscopic have better results, is this true? My doctor only does laparoscopic rarely does the open. And I plan to have laparoscopic. I just want to know is that true??

Also I have a problem logging on to chat, I'm not sure why, I try on Monday nights just wont work for me

I am 20 days away from Vegas, thank you to my wonderful husband for the best birthday gift!
and 34 days away from surgery, a new life, and new me! Today I got my pre-op appointment, Dec 23rd. I ant wait, but again I am scared out of my mind. The only thing that keeps me calm and relaxed is my hubby, my 3 year old niece, and all my friends and co-workers who are behind me 100% on this change, And tell me all the time I am OK, and will be OK, I am young enough that I can make it through this and anything that is handed to me at this point. I cant wait to be on the other side of this and see a change.

OK I'm do rambling on, LOL .. a lot on my mind these days, And i felt I can talk to all of you as you understand what I am going through ( to a point). We are of to see Santa tonight, get some new pictures, ( yes camera shy me wants a picture tonight)

Happy Holidays everyone,
~ Miss

Hi Miss, being nervous, scared, emotional, all extremely normal.  Life is stressful, just do your best.  Sounds like your home is the best thing for your niece, thank goodness she has you.  There is an article that talks about weight loss and emotions, look in the 'blog' area in the box to the right.  Explains some of the tears.

As far as which procedure is best, can't say that open or laproscopically is better.  Depends on your health history, previous surgeries.  There is always a possibility that a lap procedure will have to be converted to open.  I have heard that healing may be a little quicker form the lap procedure.  I would trust your surgeon to do what is the best route for you.  Try to keep your worrying to a minimum.  The day of surgery will be here so very soon.

I had trouble getting to chat too, several weeks ago, needed to upgrade my Java, then and since able to get into chat easily.  Are you trying the chat that is located in the box to the right (above Patrece's photo)?  That is the entry point for Bariatric buddy chat, it is different from the main OH chat room.

Between now and surgery, do your best to give yourself positive self talk.  You have done the research, made the effort to go through all the pre-op hoops, and are making the best decision for improving your health.  We are here to let you vent.   Fair grounds to let it all hang out.  Come share anytime you need.  Enjoy your time in Vegas, have a lovely Christmas and get your belated gift to yourself in January.  Can't wait to see the photos you got today.  Hugs, Kathy

my surgeon mainly does open, but that i think is just his personal preference.  like kathy said, trust your surgeon to do what is best.  being scared is part of the game of wls.  we all go thru it.  just hang in there.  good luck to you, both with the surgery and the vegas trip.  let me know it i can help. vick

Hi Miss.
I know what you mean about the nerves. I just finished my last appt yesterday and am waiting for my appt with the surgeon and my date. I'm happy for you and your neice and hope it works out that she is able to stay with you. Are the other 2 kids okay?

I've done a lot of research in the last few months and as far as I've seen, the RNY done either way is the exact same surgery on your insides and one shouldn't be better than the other , EXCEPT that the open has more risks of developing a hernia along the incision line and takes longer to heal due to the much bigger incision. But the actual inside surgery is the same either way, and you should be just as successful regardless of which surgery you end up having.

I hope you have fun visitiing Santa and getting new pictures!

Take care,
Rhonda

Rhonda is right.. there is no difference in the effectiveness of the surgery whether it is done laproscopically or open. However you heal much faster when it is laproscopically, and less chance of herniation from surgery. usually open is only done if there is something preventing it from being done laproscopically, like lots of abdominal scar tissue..etc.

Your surgical risks for RNY are the same as for any other surgery in which you are under ansthesia. You do have the possibility of procedure specific complications, but it is not commonplace, and you are young, so thats a plus!

When it comes down to it, you just have to decide if wls is right for you and if you think it is, just get focused and positive and try to relax. worry won't help you. Just make sure you are informed, educated and supported, and you will feel more confident every day! It is very normal to worry, but do try to relax a bit. no point in stressing over it, until it is time! If you are not sure this is right for you, you can always reschedule for a later date, when you feel more comfortable. Up until they do it, you can always change your mind.. so if nothing else, take comfort in that fact.. lol.
Big hugs to you!
Enjoy that niece of yours! Have fun getting photos done! Can't wait to see them!
Hugs
Patrece