Question:
Can I request an open surgery rather than a lap surgery?

I haven't decide what type of wls I am interested in yet but I know that I want it open, if possible. I had my appendix out last year and my intestines got paralyzed and I couldn't pass the gas they pumped me up with for several days. I was stuck in the hospital for 8 days as a result.... (this was even with me spending 3 to 4 hours a day walking the halls to get things moving) I was in sooo much pain! Just wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar or knows if one can get an open surgery if they want it. Thanks!    — mrsidknee (posted on February 15, 2006)

February 15, 2006
You could be the rare exception of the patient who has such difficulty with the gas used to inflate the chest cavity that the increased risks of open surgery are outweighed. Of course, it is possible that the intestinal paralysis was not related to the laparoscopic procedure, so you might want to discuss this issue with your surgeon.
   — SteveColarossi

February 15, 2006
Hi- I specifically requested Open rather than lap- for one reason. I knew my surgeon was going to remove my gallbladder and repair a hernia at the same time, and I wanted to give her plenty of navigation room in there- on the other hand, I hate gas, and have a hard time walking due to some severe hip and knee injuries, and knew I would never be able to walk the required amount of time to release the gas. So, yes, you can ask for and be granted an open surgery. I would do open again in a heartbeat. This healed very nicely in a very short time. Cindi -219#
   — DollyDoodles

February 15, 2006
As the saying goes, "be careful what you wish for, it might come true." Laparoscopic surgery, if done by experienced surgeons, is superior to the open variety for gastric bypass more than any other procedure. Pain is less, hospital stay is less, cosmesis is improved, and most importantly complications are less frequent. Rates of hernia, wound infection, future bowel obstruction, DVT and pulmonary embolus to name a few are increased with the open procedure. While you may associate an unpleasant experience in the past with laparoscopic surgery, it likely was coincidental. I would stick with the odds and go for the laparoscopic procedure if your surgeon clearly has experience with laparoscopic surgery. -M.Brackman, MD
   — Dr. Brackman

February 15, 2006
Oh how intimidating it is posting directly after a doctor. LOL I can not give medical information or statistics...but I can say that I had open RNY and would have rather had a Lap procedure. At the time I prefered open as well, I didn't care about the scar or recovery time (I was more concerned with health and the long run). I felt more comforable with a 'hands on' approach. The thing is, there are other issues that present themselves later. Now after 4 years I have a hernia that requires repair. After RNY I needed to have my galbladder removed and because I had an open procedure (twice) it made it more difficult to perform that procedure. An open scar is also trickier to deal with if you should require a tummy tuck. (at least that is what one of PS's told me) Discuss your concerns with your surgeon, but be very careful and well informed before requesting an open surgery. Good luck
   — RebeccaP

February 15, 2006
I had lap instead of open on two operations, had gall bladder removed a year before wls, and I experienced the same problem with the gas the first time, pain, Oh my good Lord, pain!! I talked itover withthe surgeon who did the els and explained how it effected me, I had NO, I mean NONE, nada, zip gas pain with the wls via laproscopic this time. I was up walking about 6 hours after and was going home the next morning, I had been on vacations longer than in the hospital for surgery!! Good Luck!!
   — leahrobinson

February 15, 2006
All surgeons learn open before learning LAP, and any LAP can get converted to open if things dont go well at any time. The big difference between lap and open is about 1/3 of opens get at least one incisional hernia, and some unlucky patients get them repeatedly. I would talk with ytour surgeon, constripation is caused by the anthestic, so theyy may be able to give you something to prevent it. I had minor knee surgery before my WLS and quit breathing in recovery. scared to death of WLS. Since they knew of the problem in advance it didnt reoccur:)
   — bob-haller

February 16, 2006
I just had a open RNY, which was decided by my surgeon. I has alot of pain in my shoulders and gas which I was told was from have some gas blown in to me also. I also has my gallbadder out during surgery. Just dicuss it over with your doctor and hopefully he or she will do what is best. Just to let you know It has been 8 days from surgery and I fell great I am ready to go back to work and have had no problems expect loose stools. Good luck.
   — 2bskinny