Question:
5'2 lap vs open which is better

   — J H. (posted on January 30, 2004)

January 30, 2004
My surgery was lap. and I am so happy with the results! I was up and walking the night of surgery...and ready to return to work by 2 weeks post op.
   — Cheri D.

January 30, 2004
Hi J...I am 19 months post op and I had open RNY. It was a bit more uncomfortable with having the open, but I would rather have open because the surgeon can rely on his eyes more so than on a small camera to see what he/she is doing. Plus there is the advantage that if there is a problem inside like gallbladder for instance, the doctors will see it and you won't have to go thru another surgery later. I would have still been able to return to work after 2 weeks if I had wanted to. I chose to stay off from work for the entire 6 weeks. Some instances there is not a choice as to whether you get open or lap, all of that depends on the doctot you have chosen. Best of Luck to you.
   — Deb S.

January 30, 2004
Let me refute some myths about lap: first, the lap surgeon not only ses what the camera is showing him, but he also has the ability to magnify the view, which a surgeon doing open surgery cannot. Also, because the abdomen is expanded by gas, the lap surgeon also has a wider field of view. Second, lap surgery need not last any longer than open if the lap surgeon is experienced. Also, with lap surgery there is little to no chance of developing an incisional hernia. Even though people who have open surgery say they have little pain, the surgeon is still cutting through bands of muscle tissue, whereas the lap surgeon is doing punctures and two very small lateral incisions. "With the grain" of the muscle, so to speak. I had lap and went home the second day after surgery, and didn't really slow down. I was back at work on the 12th day after surgery. My husband went home the day after his surgery. Obviously, we both had lap surgery. The biggest deciding factor, however, is if you are comfortable and confident with your surgeon, no matter which method he uses.
   — koogy

January 30, 2004
This chestnut is asked pretty frequently and tends to illicit heated debate. As a preliminary matter, appreicate the the fundamental operation is the same whether done open or lap and no studies reveal a long-term difference in weight loss between the two. First, it is a misconception that the field of view for the surgeon is better performing the surgery open; the laparascopic camera magnifies the field for the surgeon and there is less blood obscuring the field. Secondly, if problems arise that would necessitate a patient being opened (which is the exception and not the rule), the surgeon can always make the wider incision that is needed; also, an experienced surgeon can work laparoscopically even if there are adhesions and other scar tissue issues due to prior abdominal surgeries. Third, the smaller incision from the laparoscopic procedure means, on average (even though posters here will recount their own pesonal experiences to discount this point) that the patient is less likely to develop incisional infections and incisional hernias; the ability to move around after surgery is vastly improved. Lastly, with an experienced surgeon, the time under anesthesia is slightly shorter for a laparoscopic gastric bypass as significant time is saved in not having to make the large central incision, retract the skin and then stitch each layer back together. For some reason, although people appreciate that arthroscopic surgery is best for knees or shoulders and that laparoscopic gallbladder removal is the gold standard for that now-same-day surgical procedure, there is some sort of mental block that the same advantages would apply to gastric byapss surgery. Given that there will be many doubters, you can always confirm these opinions at the NIH website which has published several working papers describing the advantages of laparoscopic surgery. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi

January 31, 2004
Hi, I'm 5'4" and I had Lap! No pain/complications/gas pains...Nothing! I was home in 1 1/2 days and walked my 1st mile in the neighborhood. Took awhile, but I did it then and everyday since then. I have not missed one day of walking, since 2/11/03. I'm shy 11 days of my 1 year anniversary. What a life change? You can't see any scars from the small incision ports...like it never happened. lol This has been the easiest surgery for me. I have regained my health and feel betternow than I did at 20. No kidden. I'm up to walking 7 miles daily plus water aerobics 3-4 times a week and weights. Was a 24/26 now 4/6 and I'm 54 years young, if I can do it anyone can. Working that tool is the key after protein/water/vits...a must! Good Luck Hazel~~~ 2/11/03 250/139/135
   — Hazel S.

January 31, 2004
So, which surgery are you asking about? Lap versus Open RNY? DS? BPD? VBG? Lap Band? dina
   — Dina McBride

January 31, 2004
I think you were asking which is better for your hieght of 5'2". it has nothing at all to do with how tall you are. Iam 5'2' and had open.
   — Delores S.

January 31, 2004
There are pros and cons for each. However if the "field of view" is so great with a camera magnifing everything, ect, then why is the risk of nicking a bowel so much greater with a LAP? I don't buy that arguement! Whichever you chose, go with experience. If you want to go LAP, then make sure he/she is very experienced with it. If possible, talk with other patiets of his that have had the procedure you want. Best of luck.
   — Danmark