Question:
Laproscopic vs. sugery (open)

I went to my pre op yesterday and my surgery date is march 2, i'm terrified because my dr told me because I have had a tummy tuck years ago that he may have to cut me open, How many people have experienced this and should I be terrified.    — msldp (posted on February 19, 2009)

February 19, 2009
Hi...I had Open RNY (by choice) on Nov. 4th, 2008 with NO regrets at all. I'm about 14 weeks out and down (almost) 50 lbs. I was a Type II diabetic and have had NO medication since my surgery...NO blood pressure meds and NO meds for high cholesterol...Life Is Good !! I wish you all the very best...and he said "he may" have to do the open NOT that he was going to...but either way I'm sure you're gonna be fine...Take Care !!
   — debz_58

February 19, 2009
Many surgeons perform the RNY laparoscopically even if there is scar tissue present-- it is a little more difficult, but because there are fewer surgical complications and faster recovery from lap surgery, many will try to do it that way. The bottom line is that most surgeons advise their patients that there is a risk that the surgery may have to be performed open (even surgeons dedicated to performing RNY laparascopically).
   — SteveColarossi

February 20, 2009
I had open RNY 5 years ago when lap RNY was new and surgeons were not yet skilled in it and the complications were far greater. I elected to have the Open RNY over Lap at that time! The surgeon uses his hands and can accurately sew,cut, feel tension in his stitches etc....But anytime they open you the risk of infection grows...As with any cut, including paper cuts! The healing time is far longer than Lap RNY because they cut through the muscle. I will not lie to you or sugar coat it...It took a year before I felt no more pain. The intense pain lasts a good month and slowly diminished day by day. It's bareable. The scar is only 4 inches long from center of chest (below breast) down towards the belly button. (Rather than 5 or so little scars all around my abdomen) Mine is faded and I call it my battle scar...(Battle with Morbid Obesity) And I wear it proud! I won! It's not much different than women who have C section births...You forget it and the results are the same as Lap RNY. I had NO surgical complications at all. Good luck with whatever method you have...
   — .Anita R.

February 20, 2009
I had open RNY with no problems. There are pros and cons open or lap. so not to worry... open is about a 4 inch incision with less soreness or bruising.
   — lorannw