Question:
How many folks have had RNY without transection and NOT had a staple line disruption?

I keep reading such negative things here about not having a transection and how the doctors who don't transect are inexperienced. I'm just curious to see if there is anyone who has successfully lost and kept off their weight without transection.    — Getting H. (posted on May 11, 2002)

May 11, 2002
Hi Marianne, first let me preface this by saying, this is my own experience and my own opinion. I had my open, distal, non-resected RNY on 10/24/01. The Dr who performed the surgery has been doing bariatric surgery for many years. Lack of experience or knowledge is not an issue, here. I have had zero problems and I have lost 110 pounds. I am not 'long-term', but --so far, so good. I am sure there are pros and cons to both types of procedures. I am not a doctor and can't elaborate what they are. Personaly, I am glad to know that I am not transected, should the need ever arise for a reversal. Again, JMHO.Diane
   — Diane D.

May 11, 2002
Marianne - I can fully relate to your concerns...it was a major concern of mine going into the pre-op education class for my surgeon's group (after I had read the same kinds of things you refer to). Once I heard that he does not transect, I asked a lot more questions. I was told that the average for leaks is 3%-5% nationwide and my surgeon currently has a 2% leak rate. When I expressed concern about my surgeon not transecting, I was told that he does staple and suture, something I believe is key when you are not transected. As Diane says, being non-transected leaves you open for a possible reversal. Although my doc wants us to go into WLS believing that it is non-reversible! As for my doctor being inexperienced, I don't believe that is the case. He is the primary surgeon for lap RNY in his surgical group. He and his associate have been doing WLS for many years and they also do thoracic and vascular surgery. However, even with all this said, I'm with you -- I still wouldn't mind hearing from those who are not transected and have had success with minimal complications. Good Luck - Anna
   — Anna L.

May 13, 2002
HI there, I for one was very glad that I wasn't transected for 2 major reasons. 1)Incase I need my whole stomach again to battle cancer. Being transected makes the reversal way more complicated for the surgeon.2) Knowing that I could have a staple line disruption keeps my eating in check. I am extremely afraid I will overeat and have a disruption!! So I always stop eating before I feel full.Therefore, I eleminate the chance of partially re-gaining my weight back. This is just my opinion.
   — Laura G.

May 13, 2002
I understand your concern. I am only seven weeks postop and not transected. My doctor doesn't transect. He staples and sutures. He has been doing this over 15 or 20 years and boasts to never have lost a patient. His reasoning is that the more things you do to the body, the bigger chance you'll develop problems. He also says disruptions are rare. There was a doctor who gave a talk at Obesityhelp chat about one month ago and I asked him about transections. He says he does not and that disruptions are rare. He told me to not worry about it. Easier said then done. The best thing is that if it happens it is very fixable.
   — Lisa N M.