Question:
Will I be able to have LAP RNY or will it have to be OPEN

I have have 2 c-sections, and removal of my Gallbladder... I intend to ask my surgeon about this.. but, i'm wondering if anyone may know????? Thanks in advance! :)    — Nikki S. (posted on June 30, 2009)

June 29, 2009
Nikki -- when I had my VBG (vertical banded gastroplasty) in 2000, whether it was laproscopic or open had nothing to do with any other surgeries I had (I also had two C-sections) but with how much I weighed. My surgeon did not do lap on anyone over 300 pounds -- and I was closer to 350 at the time. Open really wasn't that bad -- the scar is vertical rather than horizontal, so you don't get that horrible "Oh-dear-God-my-guts-are-going-to-fall-right-out-here-on-the-floor" feeling every time you stand up. Every surgeon is different, however; that was just the yardstick mine happened to use. Good luck!
   — Cheryl Denomy

June 30, 2009
I agree with the first post. Also, the surgeon has to take the size of your liver into consideration. If he can't get to the stomach due to enlarged liver, he may choose to do it open. (They will do a liver biopsy first to see) That is why they ask the patients to loose 10% of their body weight. It is so it shrinks the liver for easy access to the stomach, makes it easier to operate on with more room in there. Your liver is right in front of your stomach. Best wishes to you.
   — Kristy

June 30, 2009
I had a c section an open gallbladder removal and an umbilical hernia and I was able to have a lap RNY! He had to remove alot of adhesions to get to everything but....loosing 20 lbs before surgery shrunk my liver enough to have a lap procedure! The size of the liver is really the deciding factor between lap and open!
   — pjb

June 30, 2009
I had gastric sleeve on June 17. I had it lap and I weighed 331 pounds starting out. I also had 2 c-sections, my tubes tied and my appendix removed. I also had 2 hernias.. I have one behind my belly button that I cant see or feel, and I have one in my lower abdomen from c-sections.It definatly depends on your health at the time of surgery and your surgeon. My surgeon chose not to go thru the belly button b/c he knew of the pre-existing hernia he went in a few inches above it.. good luck I wish you the best!
   — callen3640

June 30, 2009
I had 4 c-sections and just had lap rny May 27th
   — daglenn

June 30, 2009
Also my surgeon said one of the major reasons for an open RNY is that your liver is too large. That is the reason for the 2-week diet before surgery.
   — daglenn

July 1, 2009
I have had 2 c-sections and a tubal ligation, total hysterectomy (open), lap gallbladder removal and a resulting umbilical hernia which had to be repaired, and after talking to the surgeon yesterday, he felt he could do mine laparoscopic! However, they will also tell you that there is no way to know until they actual get inside.
   — dhollif

July 1, 2009
thank you all!!! I really am grateful for this website!!!!... I cannot wait to be on the losing side lol..
   — Nikki S.