Question:
Will my having a C-Section interfere with my surgeons decision to perform a Lap RNY?

I really want to have a LAP RNY , because my husband is out to sea for 6 months, and will not be here for my surgery. My concern is not being able to go back to work as soon as Id like and also because of my two young children. I have a good support system, my friends are all helping out as well as family of course. I just would feel much more comfortabe knowing if my chances of having a LAP RNY were higher than having an Open RNY.    — Amy G. (posted on April 18, 2001)

April 17, 2001
I had had 2 C-sections, an abdominal hysterectomy and a traditional gall bladder surgery before having my lap RNY. These prior surgeries presented no problems at all, and I was back to work in 8 days. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

April 17, 2001
Before my Lap RNY on March 16, 2001, I had had a C-section in 1998 and an open gall bladder surgery in 1999. My surgeon was not at all concerned about the C-section scar because it is too far down to interfere. That is, of course, as long as you had the bikini cut and not the vertical.
   — Christina W.

April 18, 2001
I had a c-section in 1996 and again in 2000. My surgeon said that he wouldn't even consider it because of the potential for scar tissue. He said odds it was much easier to do open rather than starting a lap and then finding they had to do open. He explained that it is hard enough trying to do what they need to while looking at a tv screen ... but even harder to try and get around scar tissue.
   — Lindsey G.

April 20, 2001
Prior surgeries can cause adhesions that would make laparoscopic surgery more difficult and sometimes impossible. A C-section would not usually be problematic and I have assisted Dr. Aslam on these cases without any problems at all. Good-luck!
   — Nancy T.

August 11, 2001
i have had 3 c sections, all vertical incisions in the same spot. i just had lap bpd/ds and it was not a problem for my surgeon. all my incisions were above the belly button and the old scar is below it. but some folks get alot of adhesions after surgery that kind of grow beyond the area of the old surgery, and that could be a problem. it is a very individual thing, each body reacts differently. they can try going lap first, then if a problem comes up, they can convert to open. talk it out with your surgeon. good luck.
   — mary Y.