Question:
Is the lap surgery worth waiting a couple of extra months for?

I have found out that I can have the open rny a couple months sooner than the lap, because of the waiting list. Is it worth the couple of months to wait, because it is supposed to be much easier recovery.    — Tanya H. (posted on March 28, 2001)

March 28, 2001
I had open and 2 of my sisters had lap and I would say the Laps have a easier time with everything... they were running circles around me.. So Lap would be worth waiting 2 months for.. It is not as much pain .. and back on your feet in a faster time those are just my personal thoughts
   — Kathleen M.

March 28, 2001
If you are talking about a two month wait it is worth waiting.Not only is it a much easier recovery, you are left with minimal in the way of an unsightly scar. If it were more than two months, well if you are anything like me , once you make a decision to do this you want to get a move on. It was pretty sore for the first eight days post-op with an open RNY, but here I am three months later and 65 pounds lighter. Also keep in mind there are no guarantees. I was to have lap surgery but it ended up open due to intra-operative complications, which could happen to anyone. Best of luck to you. Either lap or open , I hope you are pleased with your decision. I know I am!
   — Margaret S.

March 28, 2001
I chose the lap RNY because I had had four prior major abdominal surgeries and was all too familiar with large incisions, drains, acute post-op pain, and long recovery periods. I had a 2 day hospitalization, no ICU, no tubes, no drains, no external sutures or staples,minimal discomfort, and no complications or problems. I had a 2 month wait from consultation to surgery date, and even if it had been longer, it would have definitely been worth it to me. My daughter and my husband also had identical lap RNY experiences and echo my sentiments completely. Good luck!
   — Diana T.