Question:
What are your experiences with LAP bypass?

I just found out that I am going to be among the first patients to receive LAP surgery from my doctor. I am really excited about the oppurtunity. I'd like to hear from other LAP patients. What was the experience like? How was recovery? Has it been as affective? [email protected]    — Kym C. (posted on March 22, 2001)

March 22, 2001
I had my LAP RNY on August 21, 2000. I have 5 very, very small incisions (one is in my belly button). I was on pain meds for about 6 days. I returned to work in 2 weeks, feeling pretty good. I am very satisfied with my lap. Ive lost 91 pounds in 7 months. About 34 to go! If you have any other questions feel free to email me.
   — Jeannet

March 22, 2001
I had my Lap RNY 5 1/2 weeks ago. I was home in 1 day and back to work in 1 week. I was off pain meds by the third day, except for an occasional Tylenol. I was walking a mile daily within 8 days. I have tremendous energy and have lost 44 pounds. No regrets here!
   — T.L. S.

March 22, 2001
I am looking at having the lap RNY but the one thing that would scare me w/ the first time patient. I know every doc has to start somewhere though. Is it that this Dr is familiar w/ laparoscopic surgeries and this is the first RNY or have they been doing weight loss surgeries and this is the first Lap? Be safe... I feel lap is a great way to go because of the minimally invasiveness of it!
   — Dawn R.

March 22, 2001
Kym, I agree with Dawn. Being the first lap patient of any surgeon would be something I would take very seriously. Lap surgery is highly specialized and surgeons that are just beginning do not have the experience to deal as well with problems that can occur. It takes a great deal of education and experience to use the special surgical instruments associated with lap surgery. Also, patients with inexperienced lap surgeons find themselves under anesthesia for ever so much longer because the surgeon is still learning. Talk with your surgeon and discuss any concerns you might have. I wanted a highly experienced lap surgeon,one who had a reputation for being skilled in the area of RNY. That's why after much consideration, I chose Dr. Champion in Atlanta and traveled from NJ to have him do my lap. Certainly, if you are a candidate for lap RNY, it will cut down on your recovery time. Good luck with your journey to good health, Sandy
   — Sandy 2.

March 22, 2001
Kym, laparascopic surgery is an extremely intricate and highly specialized procedure. Many patients see it as a more simple approach, but the only "simple" part is the 5-6 tiny incisions on the outside of your body. The interior work is exactly the same as with an open surgery, and also involves the same general anesthesia (which is a significant risk factor by itself). Excessively long operating/anesthesia times are often an indicator that the surgeon is less than experienced in this technique...the average length of surgery for an uncomplicated lap RNY is 1-2 hours. This is your body, your money, and your life that is involved. If you are seriously considering this surgeon, then don't be embarrassed or hesitant to ask where he obtained his training; under whom; and the length of the training...specifically, how many cases did he actively assist on, and what is his estimate of average operating time. When you determine the location of the training, and the name of the trainer, then continue to research those pieces of information. My surgeon was Dr. Champion of Atlanta, GA. He has performed over 600 lap RNY/VBG surgeries, and has been specializing in this procedure since 1994. Other post-ops can provide you with names of surgeons with similar credentials. If your surgeon has trained extensively under a surgeon of this caliber, then you might feel more comfortable allowing him to perform this surgery. If not, then you might wish to do further research before making a final decision. Good luck!
   — Diana T.