Question:
What chance does a person with past oldfashioned type gallbladder surgery have to be

given LAP RNY? I just have to minimize my hospital/home stay due to lack of sick leave and vacation at work.    — Marcia B. (posted on June 30, 2001)

June 30, 2001
I had my gallbladder removed in 1989, is that old fashioned enough for you? It was an open procedure and I have a nice seven inch scar from it. I'm post-op from a lap RNY just four days ago on 6-26-01. My Dr. said that there were adhesions but nothing he couldn't deal with. He's a very skilled surgeon and has had lots of practice so he knows how to get around them. He said he's only had to convert to an open one time when he intended to do a lap. So the answer is: it depends on the skill of your surgeon.
   — Lori W.

June 30, 2001
I had a "traditional" gall bladder surgery in 1979 with a large 7" diagonal incision across my upper abdomen. My lap RNY was performed 15 months ago with absolutely no difficulty despite significant adhesions from the previous gall bladder surgery. My total operating time was 1 hour 10 minutes and my surgeon attributed the "extra" 10 minutes to the dissection of the old adhesions. Experience and expertise on the part of your laparascopic surgeon is everything. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

June 30, 2001
I had Gallbladder surgery the old way in 1970...Since then I had 3 hernia operations,(open. Lap Nissen Fundoplacation 1995.....And reversal of Nissen to do Lap RNY April 9th, this year........It all depends how good your surgeon is.
   — Marie B.

June 30, 2001
I had OLD FASHIONED Gallbladder surgery in 1989, I also have a HUGE scar across my stomach, Plus Hernia repair in 1999, I am having Lap RnY on July 12th, Luckily the surgeon who did both operations will be assisting with my Lap procedure, I owe this man my life, so It is a good possiblity, Best wishes
   — Kathy H.

July 1, 2001
I had gallbladder surgery in 1974 and had a long, keloid, very stretched vertical scar down my stomach. My surgery was March 28 and my surgeon followed the original scar. Now I only have the one thin scar (which has not grown a keloid bump). I thanked him. I've not noticed any difference in digestion.
   — Kaye H.