Question:
Can I have a Lap RNY with prior Lap gallbladder surgery??

I know I shouldn't even hope for a particular type of surgery without yet seeing the surgeon, but... that's so hard to do. :) In researching all the types of surgery, I was hoping to have a Lap RNY. But I saw on a different site that it might be hard to do a Lap if there is a prior Lap surgery, such as for the removal of a diseased gallbladder. Is that true?? If so, does anyone know why?? Thanks a bunch! Annie    — Annie R. (posted on April 6, 2001)

April 6, 2001
I had a Lap gallbladder removal and my surgeon told me that I have a 60% chance of a LAP RNY. He said they'll go in as a lap, and if it does not work it will be open. (My date is 4-10-01. Only FOUR days away!)
   — Dorothy D.

April 6, 2001
I had lap gallbladder and just recently had lap RNY.
   — Karen A.

April 6, 2001
I have had 2 c-sections and lap gall bladder, but my surgeon is going to try it as a lap - hate to think my chances of going all the way with the lap are only 60%! My surgery is 4/9.
   — Kim D.

April 6, 2001
My husband and I have had lap RNYs...his following a lap gallbladder surgery, and mine following a traditional gallbladder surgery. Neither of us experienced any problems or complications related to the previous surgeries. A great deal will depend on the laparascopic experience of the surgeon involved. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

April 6, 2001
Have not had the Lap RNY done yet - but had had lap done for gallbladder - and have met with my surgeon - he said I have an excellent chance of going through with the lap rny so that is what i am shooting for - he said the only time they wont do the lap rny due to to other surgeries is when you have had something done in the upper part of your body, like the surgery for acid reflux.........I guess each surgeon will have their own criteria - so I wish you the best of luck.
   — Sharon Jones

April 6, 2001
I had a Lap procedure done in Aug. I'm scheduled for Lap surgery on 4/11. My surgeon is going to try lap but may need to convert to open. He told me he dsn't know how much scar tissue has already formed and won't know until he gets in there. At least he's willing to try!
   — Linda M.

April 7, 2001
It depends on your surgeon. If he is first and foremost a laparascopic bariatric surgeon it shouldnt matter. If he only does a few of these laparascopically he probably wont want to do it because of his experience level and that is okay. I have discovered with the patients I know that docs that do most of their RNY's open... try to make the lap method sound 'risky' because of THEIR own lack of experience with the procedure. True Laparascopic surgeons do everyone Laparascopically because it is better for the patients... and if on occasion they find that for some unforseen reason they cant continue lap, then they open the patient. My surgeon has only had to 'open' one patient this year so far and that is with doing 30-40 procedures a month. He is a true laparascopic bariatric surgeon.
   — [Anonymous]