Question:
My surgeon does not feel I am a candidate for RNY because of prior abd. surgeries

In 1991 I had my gall bladder out and then in 1993 I had a large hernia repaired and a large scar removed with a lot of surgical mesh put in me and my doctor thinks that I have a lot of internal adhesions now. What other gastric bypass surgeries may there be out there for me to have? I am devastated that I may not be able to have any type of WLS now.    — ChristineB (posted on March 22, 2002)

March 22, 2002
Hi there. I know that each surgeon has his/her own opinion and each of us are different. But I had open RNY back in January of 2001. I had previous abdominal surgeries as well. I have a 9 1/2 inch scar running across my stomach from my gallbladder removal. The surgeon had to cut through that scar. I also have had three laps for endometriosis and another surgery that runs across my abdomen (below my belly button- about 6 inches long) for endometriosis as well. I now have another beautiful scar from the RNY (9 inches) to add to my collection! Maybe you should seek out a second opinion before you give up. Good Luck.
   — Cindy K.

March 22, 2002
I have further info regarding what I added after my question above - I am not sure that I would want to go to any other dr for my WLS because of the extensive illness that occurred with the gall bladder in 1991. He knows my extensive history with my 117 day hospital stay from the gall bladder surgery that ended with me developing pancreatitis. I do have microscopic colitis also in addition to being overweight. I have been approved for the RNY by my ins co. But, maybe there are other surgical routes that can be taken. I want to be a well educated patient when I speak to my doctor again.
   — ChristineB

March 22, 2002
I agree with Cyndy...get another opinion. Also, I don't know if you were specifically checking into having it done lap or open. I would think that lap may be out of the question due to extensive scar tissue; however, that would make you a perfect candidate for the open. I had open in August of 2001 and no, it's not a pretty scar; however, I think of it as a small price to pay for the benefits I have received. I have lost 175 pounds so far and it is the best thing I've ever done for myself. Mine was a revision - I had a stomach stapling about 16 years ago that was unsuccessful. Good luck and best wishes.
   — Sharon R.

March 22, 2002
whoops - also forgot to mention that during my pancreatitis - my surgeon removed part of my pancreas, he is concerned about that also because the pancreas secretes enzymines for digestion.
   — ChristineB

March 22, 2002
Christine, Is it the scar tissue that has him so concerned or is it perhaps the amount of surgical mesh he would have to get through? I'd want to make sure exactly where he's coming from before I went to someone else. If he's the one who has done your previous surgeries, he'll have the most knowledge of what your 'innards' are going to look like. I think the pancreatitis is also a legitimate concern. I'm not saying that you shouldn't have the surgery because of it, but you do need to factor it into your situation.
   — garw

March 22, 2002
Christine here - In answer to Gar, my dr is worried about the scar tissue and what the mesh has done to my insides since 1993. He is also worried about the microscopic colitis (malabsortion issue) and that part of my pancreas is gone. (Your pancreas secretes enzymes that aid in digestion)I am happy that my dr is concerned, but if the RNY is out are there any other surgeries out there that could be done instead of the RNY? I want to be educated when I speak to him again so I can say what about this surgery or that surgery?
   — ChristineB

March 23, 2002
Me again. Chris, go to the top of the page and click on home. Then choose 'what is bariatric surgery'. Then 'types of surgery'. There a couple of options that do not bypass the intestines. Your doctor might be much more comfortable with those options in regards to the pancreatic enzymes.
   — garw

March 24, 2002
Did your doc refer to your pancreas procedure as a Whipple? I'm finding Whipple people often need the same set of 8 basic elements that we need (RNY), so if you're covering those bases supplementally ANYWAY, one wonders if there is much change in the level of supplementation? I certainly can see the hesitation in having to cut thru previous fixes, but the two are really 2 separate issues, right?
   — vitalady