Question:
I want the lap procedure by had my Gallbladder removed as a teen. Low BMI

I had my gallbladder removed when I was 16. (Big, scar) I also have a bikini cut from three other surgeries. But, my BMI is down to 47. I want a lap procedure. Because of my asthma and my lack of adequate disability, I really don't look forward to the prospects of an open procedure. Does anybody have any information on this?    — Lisa P. (posted on April 25, 2002)

April 25, 2002
Depending on how many lap surgeries your surgeon has done, you might be better off with an open. It often takes longer to do a lap surgery than to do one open, although, like I said, a lot of that depends on the surgeon. Anyway, with asthma, the shorter time you are under anasthesia, the better.
   — garw

April 25, 2002
My surgeon specializes in tougher cases and does lots of laps on multi surgery patients. If you can find the right surgeon it shouldnt be a problem. Laps recover faster and have much lesas of a chance of a incisional hernia. Weight loss will likely fix the asthma.
   — bob-haller

April 25, 2002
With all that scar tissue and possible adhesions, you may not be a good candidate for lap. I had open rny 7.5 weeks ago (because I have BMI too high for lap) and I was back to office job in three weeks with no problems. I know you would prefer lap, but if that is not an option, then an open is much better than nothing. Sometimes even when a Dr. starts a lap, they may have to convert to open if they encounter problems like excessive scar tissue. I had severe asthma and within a week or two after surgery, I haven't even needed my inhalers or had any problems.
   — Dell H.