Question:
SHOULD I HAVE MY RNY CUT OR JUST STAPLED?

I HAVE BEEN WONDERING WHICH WAY TO GO, I WILL ONLY HAVE INSURANCE FOR A SHORT TIME AND IF I HAVE TO GO BACK IN AND HAVE A REVISION IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE. DR. SAID THE RISKS ARE 3% UNCUT-STAPLE LINE DISRUPTION, AND 1% ON CUTS, A LEAK THAT WOULD BE LIFE THREATENING. I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM OTHERS RE THE PROS AND CONS AND WHAT THEY HAVE DONE. C.H    — C H. (posted on March 25, 2002)

March 25, 2002
From what I understand from reading on the boards, the staples are at risk of being rejected. The tissue doesn't accept them because they are a foreign body. When the stomach is transected, the parts heal together. As far as comparing the two for success, I don't know of any statistics, but I do see where there are those that have to go back for a revision that had the staples. I was transected and very pleased with the results. I hope you can get more info from others on this subject, as I only know from what I have seen here. Good luck in your decision process.
   — Cheri M.

March 25, 2002
I had a transection too and haven't had any problems at all. I have read and heard of AMOS folks having staple line disruptions, but can't say that I have actually read or heard of anyone having a true leak, I think the leaks are VERY rare :) Do your research and go with what you feel comfortable with, I'm thrilled with what I had done! Congratulations on your decision to have WLS!
   — DonnaCarol

March 25, 2002
Depends on if you want 2 surgeries or one. I had BOTH, so what does that tell you? Of my original group of buddies who had surgery end of 94, early 95, NONE are left intact. All have been revised. That's not all the patients DONE then, just my little support group buddies, but fairly representative. I actually feel better with the cut. I suspect before there was always a slight "compromise" in my staple line, since I often had a bit of acid/nausea, before it disrupted enough to cause trouble.
   — vitalady

March 26, 2002
My surgeon always transects (I believe that's the term) or actually cuts and seperates the stomach. He says in his experience, it is much safer and less likely you will have a disruption.
   — emilyfink