Question:
Do I pick the Lap or Open

Ok, the good new is I saw my surgeon today and he said everything looks great, they will call you this afternoon with a date. YAAAAAAAA. Problem, Dr. Bright has been doing WLS for many years, however he and his partner will be doing their 1st lap tomorrow. SO, do I trust him to do the lap or stick with the open. Comments please.    — Robbin P. (posted on February 27, 2003)

February 27, 2003
I had Lap RNY on 1-28-03. I would suggest Lap to anyone. It was a breeze. I had little or no pain at all. I did not even use my morphine pump. I felt well enough to go back to work in 10 days. I had heard all the horror stories about not being able to clean yourself, especially after using the restroom. I had none of that. The Lap is a more difficult procedure and does take more time, but the recovery is 100 times easier. Of course, each individual is different and ultimately the doctor knows best.
   — Kim DeHart

February 27, 2003
I would go with lap! Docs can't just decide they are going to do lap surgery and do it. They have to undergo extensive training to be able to do it solo. Chances are they have done a lot of lap surgeries to learn how to handle the equipment and perform the procedure expertly. They would likely convert you to open if they encountered any problems. I would go for it!
   — koogy

February 27, 2003
Congrats on deciding to go through this journey! Ok, my personal opinion would be to go with Open. I don't think I would want to be basically a "guinea pig" for such a major surgery. I could of had Lap done, but my surgeon had never really done it yet, but had been practicing with another surgeon. I decided to go with Open and I don't think it was that bad for recovery and my scar doesn't look bad at all. Plus at the time i was deciding which way to do it, i had heard of several people from this site having complications and passing away who had Lap. The doctor's can't see as well as they do with Open. So I was relieved when I finally decided for Open, cuz I knew I'd have better chances.
   — Sunny4x4chick

February 27, 2003
If Your Dr. had a great deal of experience doing Lap, I would suggest that. However he doesn't and the Lap surgery takes considerably longer than open, therefore more risk etc. I had an open RNY 16 days ago, am feeling great, went back to work Monday, lost 30lbs in two weeks and off pain meds in 5 days. In your situation I would go open or get a Dr. that does 75% lap. but I don't want to participate in his training.
   — Michael K.

February 27, 2003
I had my original surgery in May, 2002, lap. However, I had to have it re-done in July and that one was done open. I think the advice you are receiving about your surgeon's experience is right on target. If you are really happy with the surgeon, but he doesn't have much experience doing this surgery lap, go for the open. I didn't have much pain with either surgery, was able to get up and walk soon after both and healed pretty well both times. After all, the end result is the same and isn't that what you're after?
   — garw

February 27, 2003
I would ask the doctor if he had been proctored, when, and by whom. Check that doctor's credentials and take it from there.
   — Sue A.

February 28, 2003
I knew from day 1 that I wanted lap, having had a lap gall bladder removal the year before, and an open surgery the year before that. No comparison with the recovery time-lap is much better, and less scaring. However, I would want to have an experienced lap surgeon more than I would want to have an experienced WLS doc. Lap surgery is very specialized. In your case, I may opt for open if you stick with this doc only because he doesn't have alot (any at this point) experience with lap.
   — Cindy R.