Question:
Any problems with open RNY?
For those who had open RNY, did you have any problems after surgery and how long until you were back to your normal routine? — Randy W. (posted on December 9, 2003)
December 8, 2003
I had open RNY in May and did pretty well with the surgery. I did have an
EGD due to a stricture and my incision is raised (keloid) which I never had
any problems with incisions in prior surgeries (could be the way cut). I
would definately choose Lap-RNY over Open if possible.
— Starrlina
December 8, 2003
I had open RNY 4/4/03. My main complaint after surgery was PAIN. I HURT!
However, the girl in the bed next to mine had had Lap RNY a few weeks
before and was readmitted for the second time with major problems. She had
to have more surgery and was still in the hospital with complications
after I left. I was back to work at 4 weeks--could have done it in three
but would have been exhausted. My surgeon only does open. Others in her
practice do lap so I could have changed doctors but didn't want to wait.
My complication right now is a hernia. Since I had had one in the past I
have a feeling that I am more prone to them. The good part is that my HMO
will do a tummy tuck with the hernia. Good luck whatever you choose.
— Margaret S.
December 8, 2003
I had OPEN RNY on 7-31-03. My surgeon does both open and lap, but I chose
open as the complication rates are much lower than lap. The surgery is
basically the same with the biggest difference is the scar on the outside.
For me, I'd rather have the big scar and have my surgeon be able to see and
touch everything with his own eyes and hands without having to depend on a
monitor. Some lap procedures do end up being open. My pain was not bad.
Once I got home, I took my pain meds for two days, and then only at night
for three nights. I started to feel good at two weeks out, but didn't go
back to work (elementary teacher) until eight weeks out. No regrets. I'd
do it open again if I were to do it over. The main part is to find a
surgeon with whom you are comfortable.
— Rachel T.
December 8, 2003
I had an open RNY on August 11, 2003. Was out of the hospital on August
15th. However, was readmitted on August 22nd and stayed there for another
2-1/2 weeks. I was slowly going downhill with no energy and then severe
pain hit me in the back. I kept telling my husband that the walls were
turning black. Finally diagnosed a week into my readmission with a leak
which was not there the day after surgery when I had the leak test. They
put a PICC line into my right arm, a drain (J-P) into my back, and I could
have nothing to eat or drink by mouth for over a month. They did allow me
to have a few ice chips but I could not drink the melted ice. I had an
infection in my body that had to be drained out and take IV drugs for 2-1/2
weeks. I don't mean to scare you because problems do happen. At first I
wasn't sure if I did the right thing by having surgery. However, I am now
glad I had the surgery done as I have lost over 60 pounds and getting loads
of compliments. Don't worry. Complications DO happen but not as much as
you would think.
— Checker B.
December 8, 2003
Open RNY (revision from Open VBG) on 7/2/02. Released from hospital 7/4/03.
Back to work on 7/15/02. I did have a stricture around 3 months post-op,
but that could have happened with lap or open. Very little pain, I was off
pain meds after the first week. The biggest deal for me was finding a
comfortable sleeping position because I hate sleeping on my back. It took
about a month (and lots of pillows) for me to get a really good nights
sleep.
— Ali M
December 8, 2003
I had open RNY on 10/13/03. And not one complication! I feel great! I had
a choice between a dr that did open, and one that did lap, and I chose
open, because call me old fashioned, but I think I'd rather have the dr's
hands on me, giving me a little tug to make sure everything is secure. I
felt more safe with the open. Good luck in your journey.
— Michelle J.
December 8, 2003
I had my RNY open in June. Like some of the others have said, the pain
wasn't so bad. I expected to wake up feeling like someone had slammed me
in the midsection but that wasn't the case. The most discomfort came from
the incision itself. The first week is pretty hazy. I know I had pain but
I don't remember it being dreadful. Once home I only took the pain meds
for about 2 days. I then switched to uncoated Tylenol and did fine. I
stayed with my Mom for the fist week and a half after I was discharged and
then went home. I wasn't running marathons or anything, but by 3 weeks I
was managing my house! (A husband,a 20 year old brother in-law, and two
sons 14 & 18 mos. - close enough to a zoo if you ask me!)
— Pambylah
December 8, 2003
I had an Open RNY Nov. 10, 2003, and while there was initial tenderness at
the incision site, it was more of an uncomfortable feeling for a day or
two. In fact, the drain hanging off the side was more problematical tan
anything else, and the only time I felt any real pain at all, was when the
nurse pulled off the tape holding the drain and when the drain itself came
out, and that was just a momentary thing. I exercised quite a bit pre-op,
and I think it has helped immmensely in my initial weight loss and
recovery, so if you are not walking, get out there, even if it is a block a
day. I was lucky to make it to the end of the court when I got home, but a
week or so out, I was up to a mile a day, and now at 4 weeks out, 3-5 miles
a day is the norm for me now, and in 2 weeks I can get back to the bicycle
and the weight machine. My incision has healed up so well, and daily
applications of coco butter and vit. e have kept it supple and healing
quite nicely.Not one problem so far, and I don't see any on the immediate
horizon!
— track
December 8, 2003
Hi, I had open rny 12/6/02, and I didn't have any life threating
complications, But I was a slow healer. it took me 3 months to begin to
feel like my old self. It was hard for me to get back on track at first. I
remember sleeping alot, and just doing nothing, until my son told me MOM
GET UP, AND STOP LAYING AROUND LIKE THAT. and I'm glad he did, I had
forgotten my plans I was suppose to follow. he remembered that I was
suppose to walk, move, eat, etc. After he said this to me, I had fight in
me to get going. I found a way to get my proteins in, I did light house
work, and I tell ya it worked, within that time I started feeling better
and everyday since I feel great. Only time I feel a pain now 12 months
later, is when I eat to fast. then I do feel discomfort. but other than
that everything is going great.
WLS 12/6/02
pre-op wt 400 lbs
todate wt loss 165 lbs
todate wt 235 lbs
goal wt 150 lbs
— Naes Wls J.
December 9, 2003
Hi,I had open RNY on 11/13/03, and was out of the hospital 2 days later,
the pain is there and it varies from person to person, but it's tolerable,
didn't need any pain med's after the 1st week, most bothersome is the drain
tube, the area around it was more tender than the incision itself.
I have started to feel like myself again and almost 1 month post-op, I take
care of the house and various things as I did before, but with alot more
energy, and down 68 pounds.
I had my gallbladder taken out as well, and never felt pain from it, until
recently, the swelling inside has gone down and it's healing, so I can feel
like a pinch if I move a certain way, but other than that nothing.
The worst part of all, is learning to eat healthy and eat right, to me that
is the hardest part of all, because you have to retrain yourself...
Good Luck,
Darla
— STHNDARLIN
Click Here to Return