Question:
I am thinking about RNY LAP. Is this as scary as the Q and A postings make it seem?

I am kinda thinking i don't know yall? I need all kinds of info on pre op stuff and post op    — kay Z. (posted on January 23, 2002)

January 23, 2002
I'm not sure what you mean about the Q&A postings making it seem like RNY LAP is scary. No matter which surgery you have and no matter whether it is open or lap, it is major surgery. Keep reading the Q&A, read the message board, do more research about the different kinds of surgery and talk to your PCP about having the surgery.
   — garw

January 23, 2002
Hi Kay, Not as scary as thinking about where I would be 10 years from now if I had not had the surgery. Not as scary as wondering how I was going to make it from Costco to the car without passing out. Not as scary as wondering what kind of burden I will become to my family if I don't do something about my weight now. You get the picture. Any change is scary, turning 18, moving out of the house, getting married, having babies...but it's all worth it in the end and this surgery is a major life change. Now I have hope for the future. I was so surprised to see how all the medical professionals acted about WLS. It was just another day to them. No big deal. If they weren't scared for me and they see this stuff everyday - then why should I be scared. Good luck!
   — crishsapig

January 24, 2002
I had ever had surgery. In fact, I never even had stitches. I'm a BIG baby on the pain factor. I had so much confidence in my surgeon, I wasn't nervous at all. I'm considered a lightweight on this board, so for me, I felt like it was such an option for me to have this surgery - not a "I have to have this or I will die" sort of thing. I am now 8 days post op - lap RNY with gallbladder removal. I have to tell you, I feel pretty darn good. My abdomen is slightly sore on the right side, but I have pain meds to take and it doesn't bother me. I had my drain taken out today too - boy do I feel much more limber and normal now. I'd say the first week is the hardest, not because of pain, but because you are on a liquid diet. I so badly wanted a box of ding dongs but I was looking forward to cottage cheese! But, I got to start my pureed/soft foods today and I feel wonderful. I go back to work Monday. I am so ready for it. You know, if you can just get past that first week of no food, you'll do fine. And although I was never concerned about what the scars would look like, when they took the steri strips off today, I was amazed!! The cuts are SMALLER than a piece of rice. This whole experience has been a good one for me. Good luck to you! I can't emphazise enough to research your surgeon. I am so grateful I had Dr. Ikramuddin. He is so caring and realistic about lifestyles and changes. It took me a long time to get to have my surgery with him (the wait) but it was so worth it.
   — Goldilauxx B.

January 25, 2002
I feel fortunate to have had the Lap RNY. I have a three small circular scars. If I had an open RNY I would have a LONG scar going all the way down my chest. My doctor said if he ran into complications he would have to do an open RNY. When I finally woke up after the surgery, the first thing I did was look down my chest and was thrilled not to see a big scar down my chest!! I dont know why you would think the LAP RNY is scary. It wasn't.
   — Patty H.