Question:
50/50 chance for an lap rny instead of open, should i take it?

I am 4'11" and weigh 232. I have an apple body shape. I just had my first visit with my surgeon and was all prepared for asking for a lap rny. he suggested open because of my height and body style. he said it might be difficult to manuver but would be willing to try the lap if i would accept the chance he might have to revert to open. what do you think i should do? HELPPPPPPP and thanks! :)    — kristin L. (posted on April 1, 2001)

April 1, 2001
I would definately take the option of going Lap. I am 5'tall and weighed 236 on January 15th. He was able to do the lap and now I am 50 pounds lighter. They also told me there was the possibility of it having to be Open.My recovery was wonderful! Best of Luck.
   — marlene R.

April 1, 2001
I'm 5'1/2" and weigh 215. I also have an apple shape. I also want a lap but was told it could be switched to open. The concern with my surgeon was the prior surgeries and scar tissue. I wondered if being short and maybe the organs being more jammed together was an issue but it wasn't mentioned. I do know that the liver can be fatty and it's one of the first places you lose weight. The liver has to be moved out of the way to view the surgical area, so if you have time, you might want to consider trying to lose 5 or 10 pounds prior to surgery. I would say try for the lap first as the pain usually less and recuperation time is shorter. However the less experience your surgeon has with lap the more likely there could be problems so that is something to consider. I'm personally going to try for the lap. My surgeon said they send the camera in first and decide. So even if it's switched to open at least you don't have all five holes plus the open incision. Best of luck with whatever you decide. I'd love to hear how it turns out if you'd like to keep me informed. Sherry
   — sherry hedgecock

April 1, 2001
HI! I'm 4'11" and weighed 250 pounds on my surgery date. (12/11/00) I too am "apple shaped," and carry(ied) all my weight in my belly. My surgeon didn't seem too worried about that in terms of doing Lap v. open. However, he tells all his patients that there is always a possiblility he may have to convert to an open procedure. My doc had absolutely no problem doing the entire procedure laproscopically. So, I would say if your surgeon is experienced in lap procedures, go for it, but if he's really inexperienced, maybe consider an open, or a different surgeon. Good luck.
   — Maria H.