Question:
I may not be able to have RNY because of adhesions. Any advise on vert. sleeve?

My doctor said that because of my pany previous abdominal surgeries and the great chance of adhesions, he may not be able to do RNY without opening me up. Any advice on switching to verticle sleeve?    — Sharon C. (posted on October 4, 2010)

October 4, 2010
I'm late to the game, sorry. Why would he not be able to finish the surgery because of adhesions? I can't see why one surgery would be easier to do than the other, you're going through the same adhesions.....Or do I have it all wrong and it's being opened up that you're worried about? If that's the case, open surgerys aren't all that bad. I've had both, and I know each person is different. Before I had my DS I'd had three lap surgeries and four (?) open. My surgeon was able to switch me lap, but I've had three more open procedures since, but none because of too many adhesions. Good Luck! Wenda
   — Wenda C.

October 4, 2010
BEST thing I ever did for myself! I doubt you find anyone who doesn't love their sleeve! I had my Lap Band removed and had the VSG in July (2010) and I LOVE it! NO regrets. As a matter of fact I wish I had done it 10 years ago (had I known about it) I had a spleen adhesion but my surgeon was awesome! I'm happy and blessed! Good Luck with your decision!
   — kugirl808

October 5, 2010
In answer to your question. I had an abdominal ectopic many years ago, outside the tubes, which ruptured leaving many adhesions. This was followed by 6 more abdominal surgeries - all open - not to mention gall bladder. None were laproscopic. I have gortex in the abdomin because of 2 hernia surgeries, which may be a problem to get to the intestines to do the connection of the RNY. The surgeon is concerned that with all the surgeries, the adhesions may make the surgery extremely difficult. I hope this clears up why he may need to do the sleeve.
   — Sharon C.

October 11, 2010
I just had lap RNY done on 9/14/10 by Dr. Verseman in Kalamazoo, MI. I too had many abdominal surgeries and adhesions. However, Dr. V was s till able to do the RNY on me laparscopicl. It took double the time and I had 2 drains left in place when I came home. I did get more IV antibiotics and stayed 2 days longer in the hospital. He said I was the most difficult one he's ever done, but it was successful. That is something no one can predict until they get inside of you. Good luck with yours!
   — Karen RN P.

October 11, 2010
Wow. 2 drains. I'm worried about 1. You are correct...I won't know what I had done until this time next Tuesday when the surgeon is finished. My best to you.
   — Sharon C.