Question:
Can laparoscopic RNY be done with a BMI of 50?

I have a BMI of 50 and have been told by my doctor that I qualify for a lap RNY. I am concerned that my quest for a smaller incision could lead to more complications. Are there questions that I should be asking? I would love to hear from post-ops who started with BMIs of 50+ who had the lap RNY. And from those who decided to go with the open RNY instead.    — Pamela C. (posted on March 5, 2001)

March 5, 2001
I had Lap with a BMI over 50 - if there is anything I can help you with email me privately. I have had no complications.
   — Anna B.

March 5, 2001
Hi: I had my Lap RNY done just about 4 weeks ago. My BMI was around 58. I was the largest my doctor has done it on. However, he was experience with the LAP. I did not have one complication. In fact, my doctor said I was textbook! However, like a previous posted said, you can have complications no matter what your BMI is. I would be glad to ansewer any questions you might have
   — Karen A.

March 5, 2001
Laparascopic surgery can easily be done at a 50+ BMI BY AN EXPERIENCED LAPARSCOPIC SURGEON. I had a lap BPD/DS (a more complex surgery) at 51 BMI and my surgeon, Chief Laparascopic Surgeon at Mt. Sinai, routinely does various surgerie on people up to 800 lbs. When doctors talk about "not being able to see properly, or wanting to feel your insides, or feel like they are playing video game" it indicates that they are not experienced with the laparascopic techniques and do not feel comfortable. Unless you want to let such a surgeon learn a complicated new technique on you, I'd run, not walk to an already proficient lap surgeon. Done by a completent surgeon, lap is a real boon to morbidly obese patients. The recovery is amazingly faster, the leak rate is lower, pain is much less and scarring and surgical complications of incision is less -- done in EXPERIENCED HANDS.
   — Jill L.

March 5, 2001
My daughter's BMI was nearly 70 (406 lbs.). She had a completely uncomplicated lap RNY...2 day hospitalization, no tubes, no drains, back to work in 14 days. A key factor is the experience and expertise of the surgeon, but it is important to remember that there are risks to all surgeries regardless of your BMI. Make your choice of surgeons based on all the research possible. Good luck!
   — Diana T.