Question:
Anyone who had open rny had any problems with the incision not healing?

I was told by my surgeons assistant that they prefer doing lap to open due to the incision healing slowly in obese people. Anyone had any problems with the incison healing slow or incorrectly?    — Randy W. (posted on December 23, 2003)

December 23, 2003
I had troubles with a couple port sites of lap not healing. My surgeon tells me fat sometimes necrtizes, that is dies and sloushes off. Sure glad it wasnt a big incision. barb thompsons great book on WLS says the big lap vs open difference is the very low risk of LAPs getting a hernia. <P> http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1932205306/qid=1060605302/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/102-7313568-4285763
   — bob-haller

December 23, 2003
I had open (preferred and CHOSE open) My incision closed up just fine. Had no complications or infections. I have been blessed, that's for sure! Good luck! Michelle 10/13/03 425/350/200?
   — Michelle J.

December 23, 2003
I had a lap gallbladder surgery a year ago. Had trouble with the incision at the belly button healing. Probably took 2-3 mos before it was finally healed. My husband had to medicate it and change bandage every day. Had open RNY in March of this year. Only had a couple of little spots that weren't mostly healed by the time my staples were removed. Fully healed within 4-6 weeks
   — lharbison

December 24, 2003
I am approx 6 weeks out and had the open and have had several port holes thats been draining since my staples were taken out! I have had 2 holes be reopened due to the healing from the outside instead of inside. I am not draining as much but its a pain to change the dressing 3x a day! I would still do the open anyday though because I felt safer! Hope this helps
   — Deborah B.

December 25, 2003
I had lap RNY with NO problems at all - EASY. Then had an adominoplasty and can't heal. It's been 4 months, I still have a huge open wound and several small open spots. The surgeon claims that fat tissue doesn't heal well and doesn't get good blood supply to promote healing. He also says there's a lot of problem with fat necrosis (mentioned by a previous poster). I am currently suffering through a "wound vac", a vacuum type device (sponges, tubes, yuck)attached to my body 24-7 providing suction to keep everything clean and promote healing from the inside out. It's supposed to increase healing rate dramatically. I am certain that no doctor who prescribes it has ever had to deal with wearing it..... It's excessively frustrating. Good Luck to you!!!!
   — jen41766

December 25, 2003
HI I HAD OPEN RNY ON 11/13/03, AND I'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH MY INCISION HEALING LIKE IT SHOULD AND IT LOOKS GREAT, I'VE NEVER HEARD OF AN INCISION NOT HEALING PROPERLY DUE TO ONES WEIGHT. MY SURGEON ONLY DOES OPEN TO HIM IT'S SAFER THAT WAY, BUT EVERY SURGEON IS DIFFERENT. GOOD LUCK DARLA
   — STHNDARLIN