Question:
Looking for good remarks of doing an OPEN vs LAP Rny.

I am 2 weeks pre-op and am having Open Rny because the surgeon that I am going to (Dr. Scholten) has moved hospitals and will not be doing Lap for lack of equipment. I was told by the nurse that if I want Lap I need to find another surgeon. Well at this point I can't even imagine starting over with someone els, and Dr. Scholted was highly recommended to me by my doctor, so Open it will be for me. Just seems like more of these surgerys are done Lap and I read about the nice tiny incisions with less chance of hernias and adhesions, speedy recovery. I guess I am just looking for some of those good reasons for doing it Open to make me feel better about this. Thank you    — Diane S. (posted on October 16, 2003)


October 16, 2003
I had open and honestly it was no big deal. I was back at work in three weeks, no problems. I had lap hernia repair and it hurt like an SOB!!! I don't know why.I was ok with open, stay with a Dr you trust.
   — Stephanie B.

October 16, 2003
I had open and it really wasn't bad at all... The first day after surgery I was in a whole lot of pain, but by day 2 it was much better.... I healed fine and have had no problems... I also had 2 prior c-sections before that.. I think it was more painful then that but like I said, it was only for the first day out...
   — baybekmbrly

October 16, 2003
I had open RNY July 18, 2003 and did great. Personally after doing research on both I felt more comfortable with the open because the doctor is not looking through a camera doing the surgery. They can see first hand what they are doing nad less chance for a slip up. The pain was not bad and I was up walking that very night after the surgery. When I came home I used liquid Tylenol for pain and only for the first couple of days. I have lost to date 61 lbs. You will do great. I wish you the best!!! Cynthia
   — cindylou56

October 16, 2003
regardless of everyone's opinion on which is best, I agree with you that it would be a shame to start over from scratch at this point. IF you admire/trust your surgeon trust him to complete the job you've both started. I had open - would have preferred lap but loved my surgeon and his reputed skill (he now does lap too LOL). Recovery was remarkably easy and I've lost 200 pounds in 14 months. I've got a minor hernia but it was from my c-section and none from the open RNY procedure. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 16, 2003
My surgeon did lap and open. I asked for an OPEN. At that time, the 'surgery' time for an open was less than a LAP. Due to family reasons, I did not want my family to have to 'wait' any longer than necesary, so I asked for an Open. Also, I wanted my gallbadder taken out (something they do NOT due at the same time if doing lap). A BONUS, was since I was an open, the doctor founda LARGE Ovarian cyst I didnt even know I had, and 'removed' it. The surgery inside is the same regarless if you are open or lap. Yes, the recover period is a bit harder and takes a bit longer, but for me it was worth it. But bottom line, only you can decide. You wouldnt totally be starting from stratch, if you saw another surgeon. If you are already 'approved' thru your insurance; it would just be a matter of one consult with the new surgeon and having him submit the 'same surgery' request... doesnt take any time all all.
   — star .

October 16, 2003
Hi, I just had open about a week ago. I was in the sam position as you basically. My surgeon does lap but you have to be a certain BMI for her tools. There were other surgeons in the same hospital that had the tools and were doing lap on people like 500 lbs(!!) My surgeon won't do that. She like your surgeon, is highly skilled abd has a flawless reputation. She's also a trauma surgeon...couldn't be in better hands. Anyway, my pain really has been minimal. The first three days were the worst and you get pain meds for it so it's fine. On the baratric floor where I was at, while walking, I met several people who had had the LAP, and the majority of them were complaining about the gas settling in their shoulders etc..from when they blow you full of gas to do LAP. Pain medicine for some reason just doesn't seem to touch that pain. I had the Open and I seemed to have more energy and was in less pain that the Lap people. I guess you can compare it to someone who's had vaginal birth vs C-section. The C-section people have a longer recovery than the regular delivery way. So, I feel open is the way to go. Plus, isn't it better for the surgeon to see EXACTLY what's what in there? A friend of mine who worked in a hospital for many years who's mother just had this surgery said there is no way he's let her get Lap. He didn't want to take the chance of the surgeon nicking another organ accidentally while doing Lap. Sorry this is so long! I got carried away! Good Luck..I think you'll be happy and satisfied with the OPEN. Also if you're happy with your surgeon..stay put!
   — kathleen-Joan piper

October 16, 2003
Hello! I am 9 1/2 months post-op and I had Open RNY. My surgeon only performs the open. He wasnt comfortable doing the lap. You are typically under longer. I had an epadural (sp?) with morphine prior to going under and when I woke up I had almost no pain except for a small gas pain right in the center of my chest, but I felt really good. It only took them 45 minutes to do my surgery vs 2 hours for a lap. Yes the scar is larger and the recovery takes a little longer but I am confident in the fact that the surgeon could see exactly what he was doing and did many "leak" tests before closing me back up.
   — Lisa R.

October 16, 2003
I had lap RNY, and there are lots of mis-statements out there about it being a longer surgery, greater chance of nicked bowel, etc. Although those statements are not necessarily true, it does not mean one method is better than another. It sounds like you are very comfortable and confident in your surgeon, and although you would have preferred lap surgery, the same surgery will be done, no matter how they get in there to do it, and that's the bottom line. I truly believe how you recover has a lot to do with your attitude. If you think you will be sore and unable to move, you probably will feel that way. But if you have it in your head that the sooner you get moving, the less pain you will have, that will probably be the case. I would have the surgery all over again if they had to turn me inside out to do it; it's worth it. Best of luck!
   — koogy

October 16, 2003
I think that first and foremost, you have to be comfortable with your surgeon and his/her abilities. That's really important, no matter which procedure you are having. I had Lap/RNY and for myself, personally, it was the only way I would have gone. Fortunately, I found a surgeon who is at the top of his game with respect to laparoscopic procedures, in general and RNY, specifically. My surgery lasted just 55 minutes without a single complication, a very fast recovery and a happy ever after ending. I have found that the surgeons who don't feel comfortable with the lap procedure make it sound like the worse of the choices, but it isn't... in fact, it all depends on your preference and the kind of time you have available for recovery. In the end, it only matters how you feel about your surgeon and your confidence level in their ability. You will be fine, either way and I wish you much health and happiness... it's a REALLY good thing!
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 17, 2003
Unless a person has had both surgeries there is really no way for them to compare one to the other! I had mine open and I'm pretty happy with that. I don't particularly care for the scar but that is really the least of my worries. I have a tendency to obsess about things and the fact that the Dr. was able really see what he was doing and did leak tests while I was under makes me feel more comfortable. I still worry about things like leaks and SLD but I just console myself with the fact that he was able to really move around in there! As far as the pain goes - we all tolerate pain at different levels. I was okay. Yes there was some pain, but it wasn't so great that it made a huge impression on me. I remember that I had it but I don't remember the pain itself. Make any sense? I only took about 4 or 5 of my pain killers once I came home. I was up moving around very early (maybe too early) but I think that helped with the healing process. I hope this helps and good luck!
   — Pambylah




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