Question:
Can I have RNY done laproscopically if I had my gallbladder out already?

I had my gallbladder removed 7 years ago laproscopically. Does that mean I cannot have WLS lap, too? It seems like it shouldn't matter, they could use my old scars again, couldn't they??    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 16, 2002)

January 16, 2002
I had my gall bladder removed lap in 02/01 and had a lap RNY 2 weeks ago. Some docs don't like to do it because there is a chance of scar tissue, but mine had no issues with it. I will say he did NOT use my scars because they were not in the right places. Your GB is on the right side and the majority of the work they do in an RNY is on the left. In fact, mine didn't even use my belly button, but went about an inch or two above that. However, even after 2 weeks, 5 of my 6 incisions look like dark pink pencil marks. The big one (about an inch and a half long and above my navel) is still a little scabby but it isn't a big deal. I have more icky from the steri-strips (they irritate my skin) than from the incisions.
   — Tina P.

January 16, 2002
I had a "traditional" gallbladder surgery 15 years ago, and my husband had a lap gallbladder surgery about 7 years ago. Since then, we have both had lap RNY surgery with absolutely no problems. My surgeon discovered significant adhesions (scar tissue) from my previous surgery, but removed that completely, adding only 10 minutes to my one-hour lap RNY. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

January 17, 2002
You should not have any problems. I had my gallbladder out in June, 1999 (lap); had open RNY Aug. 2001 and it was not an issue at all. It's a good thing that you are already rid of it - saves you either having it done now or very likely done later!!!
   — mskarns

January 19, 2002
I had my gallbladder removed 7/93 laparoscopically and I am currently 12 days post-op from a lap RNY. No, they do not use your gallbladder scars and my surgeon did not use my bellybutton either. Maybe the bellybutton is too "far south" to get the proper view. So now my abdomen has 8 small scars, but I still find this more appealing than a 5-8 inch scar from my sternum to my bellybutton.
   — Barbara H.

January 19, 2002
I had my gall bladder removed Lap 10 years ago and I am now 11 days post-op Lap RNY and had no problems at all. My surgeon didn't use the old scars which all of one had disappeared completely. I expect these scars will also disappear too. If your gall bladder is already your surgery should just take less time which is good.
   — vmize