Question:
Has anyone had Lap RNY that has had a previous stomach surgery??

I have heard that in some cases Lap may not be possible if you have had previous stomach surgeries. I had on operation when I was 8 years old (36 now) to remove a coat button that I had swallowed. I know, I know....crazy!! Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has been turned down for Lap due to previous surgery. Can anyone share their story with me? Thanks!    — Michelle E. (posted on August 15, 2003)

August 15, 2003
I had surgery in April. Previously I had my gall bladder removed in the old days with a huge scar and also a tubial with a huge scar. No problems
   — Gail O.

August 15, 2003
I don't really think you need to worry about this. I had my surgery in July and I had previously had two c-sections, a partial hysterectomy, and a tummy tuck. I was also worried, but the doctor had no problem. Discuss it with your surgeon, of course, but I think everything will be fine.
   — sue R.

August 15, 2003
I had a stomach stapling along w/ gall bladder surgery back in 1984 (open), and I was able to have RNY lap on 9/27/01. I really don't think it is a problem if you have a good surgeon. Where are you located? Patti Meadows e-mail: [email protected]
   — peppermintp

August 15, 2003
I had open gallbladder removal and three horizontal c-sections but still had lap RNY. It really depends on the surgeon and how much you scar. Nancy Lap RNY 6/25/03 -50 lbs.
   — Nancy S.

August 15, 2003
I am the queen of abdominal surgery! I had my gallbladder out, appendix out (both emergency operations) and a c-section before having my Lap RNY 7/29/03. My surgery did take about 6 hours because of the adhesions, but it was worth it to me to have a much shorter recovery time. I am a single mother of a 20 month old and did not have 6 weeks to recover. Good Luck to you!!! -J
   — J H.

August 15, 2003
HI, I AM AN EXPERT IN THIS DEPT.(LOL) I HAVE HAD SIX PRIOR OPEN SURGERIES DUE TO FEMALE PROBLEMS& CYSTE. THEY CUT ME THE 1RST 4 TIMES ACROSS& 2 X UP TO MY BELLY BUTTON, I WAS AFRAID WITH ALL THE SCAR TISSUE THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO OPEN RYN. I PRAYED THAT GOD WOULD TAKE CARE OF ME AND HE DID. THANKS TO GOD & MY GOOD DOCTOR HE DID IT LAP. HE SAID ALL MY SCAR TISSUE WAS TOWARD THE BOTTEM AND DID NOT REACH UP TO MY STOMACH. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE EMAIL ME. GOOD LUCK.
   — VERONICA Z.

August 16, 2003
I too had stomach surgery many years ago for a perferated ulcer and here is what my surgeon told me. I will not be able to have to Lap because they need to be able to see where the previous surgery was done on the stomach also depending on what he finds they may have to do it differently if they cannot get to enough of the stomach to make a pouch. They may just be abel to bypass the intestine to create malabsorbtion not as good but something anyway. Hope this helps.
   — Lillian B.

August 16, 2003
In my humble opinion, some surgeons will use many excuses not to perform LAP WLS because it requires a very high degree of skill and has a long learning curve. I've had 3 c-sections (two of them old midline incisions) gallbladder removal and a midline appendix removal. My LAP RNY was 8 days ago and was a piece of cake. My surgeon, Dr. Mark Vierra in Monterey, Ca. is a highly skilled lap surgeon who does nearly every WLS in this way. I would say that in skilled, experienced hands your chance of success with LAP is very good. On the other hand if your surgeon is more comfortable with open you may be better off not pressing for a LAP. Hope this helps.
   — Linda L.