Question:
Seeking Opinions- Lap versus REVISED Open Procedure

I've done a lot of research on the different types or surgeries and techniques, and I must say I was dead set on having me RNY done LAP instead of open, until I spoke to my surgeon. One of my main pieces of criteria for selecting him was because my surgeon uses the LAP procedure. He is Dr. John Alexander in Texas and has an excellent history with both procedures. Everything I read on Obesityhelp.com says your best bet is to stick with what your surgeon feels is best at but since he has had no history of problems with either (but recommends his invented technique which he refers to as a "revised Open" surgery due to it being 4 inches down from the breast bone instead of 6 inches) I need to consider it. He says his open procedure does not cut into muscle like the standard open RNY and he claims that the healing time is the same as LAP (as the 6 small incisions do do go through muscle). That and statistics show LAP having higher risks. In fact most of the patients in the waiting room that day had the revised open rather than the LAP. They all seemed great and were a couple of days out of the hospital. The scar did not look too bad but it is what it is. I just found it strange that so many had gone with the revised open vs. the LAP option. I guess because he recommends it. However, he will perform either one and is sucessful just the same with both but in the same breath says he finds his revised open a better choice for his patients all around. I don't want a scar going down and would like to have an easier time in recovery as everyone says open is harder. That is why I wanted LAP. 6 small incisions rather than one 4 inch one. I mean when it comes right down to it I am will do either one in a second, but have been given the choice. I don't know which to go with so any advice would be great......    — Lola C. (posted on July 21, 2003)

July 21, 2003
I don't want to advise you on either type, just discuss my feelings about my scar from open DS. It goes from breastbone to just above navel. I love my scar! If I could reach I'd kiss it every day! I am SO happy with my surgery and it has made the most incredible difference in my life, that every time I see it I'm reminded of all it has meant to me. So for me, there has been no trauma at all from having a large scar. I'm in my 50's and wouldn't be wanting to wear a bikini any time soon; perhaps if I were young I'd feel differently. I'm 13 months out now and it is quite faded. Hope this helps a bit. Good luck!
   — Chris T.

July 21, 2003
Scars fade .. my HUGE gall bladder one is almost the same color now as my other skin so not a big deal at all. Please realize that even if you have the surgery done lap, if they run into problems you may end up with it being done open. I'm a firm believer in trusting the surgeon as to what he feels is best for you as his patient as long as you are comfortable with him as a surgeon.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 22, 2003
I'm not sure what to advise you here. All I can say is that I had mine Lap and I'm very happy that I did! My recovery was easy and my scars are not visible now. If there was any trauma from muscles being cut, it sure didn't last for long. On the other hand, since your doctor has done both and is competent at both, he must know what he's talking about. I'd probably end up going with what he advised, but maybe I'm just wussy like that! <G> Truthfully, though I hoped for lap, I would have taken whatever was available even if it meant a 12 inch scar!
   — sandsonik