Question:
In a open RYN how large is the cut ? Is it vertical ?
— kathy B. (posted on June 25, 2002)
June 24, 2002
I have a 10 inch vertical scar. My doc sewed me up so well though, it is
almost invisible in places after 9 months.
— DonnaCarol
June 24, 2002
I think it all depends on your starting weight and the surgeon. I was 238
when I had my open RNY and my incision is only about 5 inches long,
vertical. However, my friend had surgery on the same day as me and was 310
pounds (by the same surgeon) and hers was about the same size. Good luck!
— Dawn H.
June 25, 2002
Yes, it's vertical...you can see my scar at
http://pages.ivillage.com/krystinesjourney/beforeafters.htm
It looked like Frankenstein when I first got home (as you can see) but now,
it's nicely faded and it's not bad at all!
— kristinevok
June 25, 2002
VERY GOOD QUESTION!!!! I wish I had asked this question before surgery. I
was expecting 25 staples and 6 inch vertical incision. I came out with 12
inches and 56 staples. Not that I cared but I was shocked.
— Candi B.
June 25, 2002
My incision was vertical and about 8" long. Now, 7 months later, it
is just a little over 6" long. As I have shrunk, so has my scar.
— Patty_Butler
June 25, 2002
I know most doctors do a vertical cut anywhere from 5 inches on up...My
doctor did a diagonal incision, and lucky for me its only 7 inches and
extremely straight(and fading more and more by the day!).
— Amy A.
June 25, 2002
My doctor is fantastic. My incision is 3 inches long, vertical starting at
the base of my breast bone, and he used internal stitches so it's no more
than a very thin pink line. Ask your surgeon because every one does it a
little differently.
— cjabates
June 25, 2002
Mine started out at 7.5 inches, and is now 6.5 inches. I'm really fair and
to me it's big, red and ugly. The little pinpoint marks from the 18
staples are as red as the scar. I had about an inch and a half of the scar
that oozed a bit and didn't heal as well. That part of my scar is like a
quarter of an inch wide...ugly as...well, you know. Hugs, Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
June 27, 2002
Hi. I'm pre-op WLS so I can't say for sure, but my Doc (Michael
Hocking/Shands/Gainesville, FL) said that he would cut from below my
breastbone to make wearing a bra more comfortable and down to just above my
navel. I had a hysterectomy two years ago and that scar starts just below
my navel and extends down to the pubic area. The bottom three inches opened
up a little and the scar is wider than the rest of the scar, and the scar
is a beige-pink color (I am very fair skinned). I also have a HUGE scar
(about 26 inches) up around the top of my right thigh and hip from
extensive surgery from a staph infection. I think it looks like a Barbie
doll where her leg connects to the torso. Guess what... at 44, I am proud
of my battle scars- they are the results of life-saving procedures! Good
luck!!
— Rebecca T.
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