Question:
Has anyone had Lap RNY at 400 lbs.?

Just curious, about complications, and things of that nature.    — Laydie K. (posted on March 1, 2003)

March 1, 2003
My wifes start BMI was around 60. 4 foot 10 293 pounds. Our support group is FILLED with super MOs that had surgery LAP. In my wifes case it had a 10% chance of being converted to open. Fortunately that didnt occur. Its a matter of your surgeons skills and tools. LAP tools are very expensive for the extra long ones used for super MOs. Not all docs have them. Last tme I asked my surgeons heaviet LAP was around 500 pounds. What else do you need to know? My surgeon does some super MOs that are high risk in 2 step surgeries. First the restrictive part of the RNY, themn after a large loss they don the intestinal bypass part. This helps minimize risks and long table times.
   — bob-haller

March 1, 2003
I had lap rny 2 months ago, My starting weight was 395 exactly. I didn't have, and havn't had any complications so far. Infact i feel that i've been doing really well. My surgeon also does lap rny on the more at risk patients, so far he's only had to do a lap assist on about (i think he said) 1%, it could be 10%. Anyway, after surgery i was told that i was under for 5 hours, that kind of concerned me. But the dr. said everything went just fine. :-) Amber
   — Amber F.

March 1, 2003
I was 518 lbs at the time of my surgery, with a BMI of 81. I had no complications except when my BP was very elevated for about 2 days post-op (because I wasn't able to take my usual BP meds). One of the BP meds I take is ONLY available in pill form, is that dumb or what??? Well, once I was able to crush my pills, my BP came right down and I was released 4 days after surgery. P.S. Had my surgery 6 weeks ago and have lost 72 lbs so far!! Good luck to you!
   — thumpiez

March 1, 2003
Oh yeah, and I was able to have LAP RNY - distal (200cm bypassed). Take care.
   — thumpiez

March 2, 2003
I weighed 428 lbs when I had my Lap RNY on Friday 2/21/03. I had no problems or complications. The surgery took around 3 hours. I was able to get out of bed on Friday evening, and I went home on Sunday 2/23/03. I've been home from the hospital for one week now and I feel great. As Bob said, the experience of the surgeon is very important. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon. I'm sure he/she will be happy to answer your questions and will be impressed with the fact that you have done your homework :) Take good care and the best of luck to you. If I can be of any assistance feel free to e-mail me [email protected] -Tonya
   — Tonya B.

March 2, 2003
My daughter weighed 406 lbs. with a BMI of nearly 70 and had a very successful, uncomplicated lap RNY three years ago. The experience and expertise of the laparascopic surgeon are critical factors. There are a large number of surgeons that state that they will not perform laparascopic surgery on patients weighing more than 300 lbs. Our board-certified bariatric surgeon routinely performs lap WLS on super-morbidly obese patients. His heaviest patient weighed approximately 600 lbs. and had very successful lap RNY surgery. Don't be reluctant to inquire about the surgeon's credentials, training and mortality rates. Don't settle for less than the best available when seeking laparascopic surgery...in my opinion, open surgery is preferable than laparascopic surgery if dealing with an inexperienced surgeon. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.