Question:
Is it best to have open or laproscopic weight loss surgery?
I've read wonderful things about laproscopic wt. loss surgery (Carnie Wilson's story). And, I have a friend who has had it with wonderful results. However, I went to a wt loss seminar today and asked about laproscopic surgery. Both doctors were totally against it! They said that there were more complications, it costs more to perform, and that it may not be as accurate (re: stapling on the "stretchy" side of stomach). Laproscopic surgery appeals to me, especially after hearing about the 4-6 day hospital stay for "open" surgery. But, I'm also afraid of the possible complications from lap surgery. HELP, I'M SO CONFUSED!!! — Anne F. (posted on June 19, 2002)
June 19, 2002
Have you checked the archives on this question? There are lots of opinions
on it and I'm sure you'll be able to sort thru and form one. Good luck and
God Bless!
— Kimberly L.
June 19, 2002
I guess you will hear pluses and negatives associated with both open and
lap surgeries. I had lap on 3/4/02. I had a 2-day hospital stay. I have
4 small incisions, ranging from 1/2 to one inch in length. They have
healed very nicely. I had no drainage tubes. The surgeon who performed my
surgery does mostly lap. However, in certain situations, he performs open,
as well. Most of the people that I know personally have had lap and I
haven't heard any compliants related to the type of procedure. A lot
depends on the surgeon that you ultimately choose. Keep doing your
homework until you decide what's best for you.
— ZaZa F.
June 19, 2002
Well do you want ANOTHER surgery. 30+% of OPENS develop a incisional hernia
because the muscle wall is cut. Lap incisional hernia risk is near zero.
<P> Beyond this LAPS have shoreter hospital stays, less pain, and
return to normal activities fster. Eventually most WLS will be LAP, but not
all surgeons have the skills or equiptement to do it today.
— bob-haller
June 19, 2002
I went in for lap on May 3rd. I awoke later to find out they had had a
complication and had to open me up. So I ended up with both sets of scars.
You go into the surgery hoping for the best and sometimes it changes once
they get inside of you. Either way, I will be healthier. I just wish I
didn't have the long scar down the middle of my belly. And I'm sure glad
I'm losing weight. I'm only 6.5 weeks post-op and I'm already feeling
better.
— Jennifer A.
June 19, 2002
The best response would to be to definately research your dr.'s abilities.
Luckily, I found a dr. in Nashville that specializes in the LAP surgery.
He did a great job. I've heard the pro's and con's for both, but I decided
that I'd have the LAP.
The reason for my decision... I didn't want to look at my stomach with a
huge scar down the center.... vain may be, but honest. I know I probably
won't be wearing any 2 piece bathing suits in the future, but I still
didn't want to look at a huge scar either.
If you do chose the LAP surgery, get a specialist - someone that has done
the surgery many times... don't be someone's test case - if you know what I
mean. :-)
For those that have chosen the Open - no offense intended... here's a
suggestion though... I read somewhere that a lady used the scar as a
background of a big Rose tatoo to honor her decision for a new life &
great health.
— lindajenkins
June 20, 2002
As most people have said, you'll get many opinions. I thought at first I
would ONLY get this surgery if I got it LAP. Funny, once I did some
research a couple of things changed for me. I talked to four doctors about
lap and open procedures. I decided after that and a lot of research that I
wanted the open surgery. While LAP is great, for ME, I felt the downside
of it were not what I wanted to deal with. Also, while LAP surgery is done
all the time, there are complications because of obesity, just like all
other surgeries. There were things I thought I could avoid and I'd put up
with the hospital stay and the recovery. One thing I feel the recovery
will do for me is allow me a lot of time to slowly get used to my new
stomach and eating at home. As to the incisional hernia issue, I don't
mind -- most people who do get those hernia's get insurance to pay for
their TT with the hernia repair.. seems like small price to pay to get a
much larger operation taken care of. I made my decision based on a number
of issues -- also, many LAPs end up being open anyway -- sometimes that
happens.
Take your time and do some research. My choice also was based on the
surgeon I wanted to use. I'm PRE-op right now. Once week, almost to the
hour.
Good luck, take your time.. and figure out what is right for you... read,
read, read...
— Lisa C.
June 20, 2002
Hi Anne. I am one week post op, open RNY. My goal in the beginning was to
find a surgeon who was proficient in both techniques. That way I would
have the choice. I was gung-ho lap because I wanted the shortest possible
recovery time. Well there was a mix up the day before my srugery with the
ultrasound and last minute it was switched to open. I am very happy with
the open. The anesthesiologist told me he was happy I switched because
patients are "under" longer with lap. I think both are good as
long as the surgeon is very skilled. But dont be afraid of the open as I
was. The pain is minimal and so is the incision and I'm happy with it. It
is the original!
— emilyfink
June 20, 2002
well i decided on open for my upcomming surgery for a few reasons. the
open takes half the time the lap does, so less time under. it also depends
on your size. fat pushes your organs around a little. if you decide on
lap and they get in ther and your liver is too large or something is
blocking where they need to be, they will have to open you up anyway. i
also want them to have a complete open and clear view of what they are
doing. my scar will be about 6 inches, no drainage tube at all. since it
is a short surgery, no cathedar. 3-4 days in the hospital. but it is a
very personal decision.
— christina K.
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