Question:
If I have had other surgerys will that rule out lap surgery for me?

I have had 2 c-sections and a gallbladder removed the old fashioned way, does that mean I won't be able to have lap surgery? I won't see surgeon till May. Thanks to anyone who know. Tonya    — Tonya 1. (posted on January 7, 2003)

January 7, 2003
I had one C-section and another lower abdominal surgery prior to my Lap RNY in September. It wasn't a problem at all.
   — Samantha S.

January 7, 2003
I also had 2 c-sections, open gallbladder, and open hysterectomy. I was able to have Lap RNY in November. Melinda C.
   — Melinda_AL

January 7, 2003
not to disagree with the previous posters butm i have had 2 c sections and a gall bladder removel as well and when i desicussed lap or open with my doc he said that because of the amount of scar tissue that the previous surgerys would have leftin my abdoman (sp) that he would prefer to do the surgery open becuase he would better be able to see what was going on but that we could try lap if i wanted just not to be disapointed if he ended up haveing to do it open" i thought about it and desided to go open and looking back i am glad i did because he ended up haveing to remove a great deal of scar tissue (his words) from around the intestines
   — Becky M.

January 7, 2003
I also had two previous C-sections and a traditional gallbladder surgery, as well as an abdominal hysterectomy. I had a lap RNY in March, 2000....surgery lasting only 1 hour 10 minutes, no complications, no problems, even though the surgeon encountered "significant adhesions" (scar tissue) from my previous gallbladder surgery. He simply removed the old adhesions during the course of the WLS. In this situation, experience on the part of the surgeon is critical. If your surgeon specializes in laparascopic surgery, then things should go smoothly during an otherwise uncomplicated procedure. If your surgeon is relatively inexperienced in the technique of laparascopy, or does not do laparascopy as a routine part of his practice, then an "open" surgery may go faster and have fewer problems. Remember that you are the consumer....don't be reluctant to ask for his credentials: how many laparascopic surgeries does he/she do on a routine basis; the incidence of complications; the mortality rates in his practice, etc... If he tells you that he is not comfortable with a lap surgery, then that generally should tell you something. An ethical lap surgeon will always tell his patients that there is a possibility that they will require an open surgery if they encounter problems during the surgery. A surgeon who tells you up-front that he is uncomfortable with a lap surgery, either has lesser experience or is anticipating a more difficult surgery based on your previous medical record. Don't hesitate to get a second or third opinion from available surgeons, but if you have thoroughly researched the available surgeons and are comfortable with your choice, then just be certain that you have asked all the "hard" questions and are well-informed preoperatively. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

January 8, 2003
I discussed this with my doctor beforehand. I have had a C-section and gallbladder surgery the old fashioned way. Dr. Stahl told me that he was going to try the Lap surgery but might have to switch to Open if there was too much scar tissure. Fortunately for me, the surgery was successful as LAP and I've had no complications whatsoever. Feeling great these days. LAP 10/15/2002 304/245 Hooray for me!!!
   — [Deactivated Member]