Question:
Which do you think is better open rny or lap rny?

   — Christine D. (posted on August 18, 2003)

August 17, 2003
I believe that the most important thing is that you are working with a surgeon that is competent in the procedure that he/she performs. Having said that, I'm very happy that I was able to have my RNY done lap. I was only under for 1-1/2 hr and have had a quicker recovery time than if I had it done open. That along with a minimal scar is ideal for me.
   — Judy R.

August 17, 2003
Either one can be better, depending on "Your" circumstances. Having a quailified Dr will make this important decision with you. Both have advantages. Your beginning weight has a lot to do with which type will be done. My Dr. only does Lap RNY, but her assisitant does both. My surgery time was less than 1 1/2 hrs and I was up and walking 4 hrs after surgery and went home in less than 48 hrs. Depends on each individual and or complications there after. I didn't even take pain meds (morphine pump) while in hospital or home. But, I have a high tolerance for pain. I'm 6 months post op and you can only see 3 small scars, instaed of the six. I'm sure these last 3 will fade in time, also. Whichever you have..... Good luck! May God Bless You!!! 2/11/03~~~~ -85/250/160/140
   — Hazel S.

August 17, 2003
If you were having knee surgery, would you wonder whether you should have the procedure done in the old "open" method or arthroscopically? Probably not. Well, the same advantages apply to having an RNY done laparoscopically. Recovery time is greatly reduced, the time on the table under anesthesia should be less and you are in less pain. Of course, lots of factors can help you in your decision: (1) are the surgeons in your area who do the RNY laparoscopically ones you can see yourself having a long-term relationship with (this is critical as studies have shown that regular follow-up care helps sustain weight loss)?, (2) is the wait for a laparoscopic surgeon too long? and (3) are the laparoscopic surgeons in your area experienced enough with the procedure where you can be off the time in less time than by having the operation open? Certainly, there are weight considerations where some surgeons will only perform the operation open on patients who have high BMI's; however, my operation was done laparoscopically and my BMI was over 61 (as I weighed 500 pounds at the time). Although I seem strident about the advantages of laparoscopic surgery, I hope you'll keep in mind that the truly important consideration for you is intensely personal-- and that, regardless of the method you choose, you will face the same post-operative challenges in fighting your food demons. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi

August 18, 2003
If you have an experienced lap surgeon, I think lap is better, but experience is key in using those precise instruments. Lap is a quicker recovery time, less scaring (which I definitely wanted), and practically no chance of incisional hernias. Don't be swayed by surgeons who do it open and say they'd rather be able to eyeball the insides. With the lap, they are magnifying the insides to see even more detail than the naked eye. However, if your chosen surgeon is more comfortable with open, then I'd do open.
   — Cindy R.

August 18, 2003
I would base my choice on the experience of the doctor. If you have decided on a surgeon who has a preeference, I would trust him/her to do the job that way. If you have not, I personally had and liked the lap, since the incisions tend to heal a lot quicker with less incisional drainage afterwards. I did however, state here before, that I told mty surgeon he could cut me anyway he liked, anywhere he liked, to do the surgery in the way he felt was safest. I wasn't, am not now, and will never be a belly ring model or a bikini wearer, so the scars were not the issue. Best of luck in making your decision!!!!
   — Fixnmyself

August 18, 2003
I would say leave the decision to your surgeon. At my age, 62, my surgeon usually does an open procedure because of the chances of a large liver. He said he would try it lap if I wanted but then might have to open me. I told him he was the expert and the decision was his and he did it open. That turned out to be to my advantage because he found my gallbladder full of stones so took it out I had never had any gallbladder problems. My recovery was uneventful; not much pain at all. The most uncomfortable thing as far as I'm concerned was removing the drain at one week postop. I may have a scar from my sternum to just above my umblilicus but it wil fade in time and will be nothing compared to the quality of life I will have as a result of my weight loss.
   — Charlotte G.