Question:
having open gastric bypass or having laparoscopic gastric bypass

   — Valerie C. (posted on November 14, 1999)

November 14, 1999
In my humble opinion having a Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass is better than having an opinion if you have a surgeon qualified in laparoscopic bypass operations. The risk for infections from the open incision is not there, just the small incisions. The risk for a hernia is less if none. Also the hospital and recovery period is also lessened. You will have many doctors, such as I had, tell you that open is better. When questioned why they state because the ability to feel and etc. When probed further they will agree that the learning curved for the laparoscopic operation is great and it would take them a long time of study and operations to fully master the LAP. Because of this you have a few that will use other reasonings to steer you towards an open incision. If you are to get a LAP make sure that the surgeon not only is versed in the procedure but has done it on quite a few patients as well. See when they began doing the gastric bypass by LAP. The two areas I consider with the most operations are the Drs. at Alvarado Medical Center in San Diego and Dr. Champion in Atlanta. The LAP is the surgery of choice when you have an expert surgeon behind you. Best Wishes!
   — Toni K.

November 14, 1999
Valerie: I can only recommend what has worked for me. I had LAP surgery on 9/22. I was about 120lbs overweight so I qualified for LAP. My doctor is Dr. Vierra at Stanford who is very experienced in LAP surgerys of the abdomen. He has done many bypass surgeries, but does have specific requirements to qualify. He also performs open. I was in the hospital 2 days and have had no complications. I have 7 small incisions (one in my navel) which are all almost healed. I have lost about 45 lbs to date and feel great. Please do a lot of research and really check out your doctor. That is the best advice I can give you.
   — Dot W.