Question:
I've had 4 C-sections and a hysterectomy. I'm scheduled for a lap RNY. What are the

I've had 4 C-sections and a hysterectomy. I'm scheduled for a lap RNY. What are the chances this will turn into an OPEN RNY due to the possibility of excessive scar tissue?    — Michaele Y. (posted on November 19, 2002)

November 19, 2002
I'd ask your doctor since he knows your body. I had one major abdominal incision and 3 c-sections prior to my Lap RNY with no problems.
   — Marti R.

November 19, 2002
I think it depends on how you were cut for your c section I have had three c sections myself with the bikini cut insicion and my doctor said there would be no problem with having a lap RNY
   — charlotte W.

November 19, 2002
I had two previous C-sections and an abdominal hysterectomy, all with long vertical incisions. In addition, I also had a "traditional" gall bladder surgery with a 7" diagonal incision under my right rib cage. Thirty-two months ago, I had a completely successful lap RNY, lasting 1 hr. 10 min., during which the surgeon removed multiple old adhesions (scar tissue) from the prior gallbladder surgery with no problems. He told me that the lower abdominal surgeries wouldn't present a problem for him at all since the lap RNY involved surgery that would be all above the bellybutton area. I had a two-day hospitalization with no complications and was back to work, full-time, in eight days. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

November 19, 2002
Hi! I am a RN. I had 4 C-sections myself. I also had gallbladder surgery that was a lap. Given that you had 4 c-sections I am sure that your incisions were along the the lower abdomen unless your last c-section was an emergency and they "cut" you the long way ( up and down). I had a lap RNY distal with no problems. Good luck to you!
   — train

November 19, 2002
There shouldn't be a problem...I had the same amount of C-sections, and I had a Lap RNY 9/3/02.
   — yourdivaness

November 19, 2002
Hi, I just wanted to put my two cents worth in. I had a C-section back in the 80's and three months later had to have the old fashioned gallbladder surgery. My doctor told me that the C-Section cut was nothing to worry about but the "long" incision from my gallbladder surgery could present a problem because of scar tissure. However, he was going to proceed with lap surgery unless he couldn't get past the scar tissue. My surgery was 5 weeks ago and even though he did run into scar tissure he was still able to do it lap. To me, the lap surgery was very much like the C-Section as far as pain and stiffness. Actually, I believe it might have taken me a little longer to heal with the C-Section.
   — [Deactivated Member]