Question:
i am wondering if you know of any doctors in ny state that perform wls laproscoptic

i live in northern new york and am wondering how far you have to travel to have it done that way. is there a big difference in any way besides recovery time?    — nikki R. (posted on February 28, 2002)

February 28, 2002
I am not post-op but I have dicussed this issue my surgeon many times. The recovery varies from person to person and surgery to surger but generally patients who have the LAP surgery heal faster. There is less likely that wound site will be infected and most people don't have drainage tubes. I realize that are exceptions to the rule but that was the information given to me. I was also told that most Lap patients go back to work sooner (My surgeon told me that he has some patients that return to work 5 days after surgery). It just depends on how well you are healing.
   — Deanna H.

February 28, 2002
I had an Open RNY. My general recovery took about 3 weeks which I'm sure is longer than many LAP patients, but not too bad. I didn't have a job to worry about returning to. I have a 3 1/2 inch scar, never had an infection and had no drainage tube when I woke up. There is a greater chance of developing a hernia with an Open, but the odds are even with an Open, you won't end up with one. If getting back to work quickly is a top priority with you, Lap probably is the way to go, but personally it wouldn't be the deciding factor in me choosing a surgeon.
   — Donna L.