Question:
Lap RNY or Open VGB... I can't decide what to do. Any input on why you chose the one you did?

I have gone to a consult with a Dr. that does both of the surgeries. He recommended the open VGB because he said there is less chance of a leak with open. I went in there all ready to go with the lap surgery. Now I'm so confused. The main reason I was considering the lap surgery which may sound dumb is I just have a BIG problem with being cut open like that with the open procedure!! I figure in my mind that it won't be as bad with little cuts with the lap. But is it worth the extra 3% risk of having a leak? Any info on the type of surgery you had and why you chose it would be greatly appreciated. I am having the hardest time making this decision!    — Allison T. (posted on August 10, 2001)

August 10, 2001
I had an Opn RNY, although I would have had a LAP had it been available. The reason why I chose an RNY over the VBG, is because I had heard of so many people having to have revision from a VBG to an RNY. It was important to me that I only have to have this surgery ONCE. Believe you me, I don't want to have to go through that pain again. Make the Best decision for YOU, but for me, the RNY was the way for me to go. Regardless of whether is was LAP or OPEN. I am acutally glad I had the open. My doctor got to see EVERYTHING, and quite frankly, my battle scar if pretty cool to me. Good luck.
   — enjo4

August 10, 2001
I just asked the same question a day or so ago: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/question.phtml?N=997225434 I think I am going to have open, mainly due to the choice of a doctor who as been doing wls for decades instead of choosing one that has been doing the surgery lap for only a few months.
   — [Anonymous]

August 10, 2001
I had the Open RNY and at this point it seems successful. I can say with no doubt... it is extremly painful for the first 9 or so days. However it does get better. I would'nt let a few days of great discomfot keep me from being a "loser". I also feel that "if" the Open gives you a better chance of not having more problems down the road (leaks ect) then it is worth the extra discomfort. I don't mind scars. Why should I? I'm covered with them anyway from previous non WLS surgeries. What is one more that is smaller anyway. lol As far as the Band surgery, I would have prefered that to being cut open wide and having my guts rearanged. The reason I feel that way is that I have had gender reasignment surgeries and have gotten really butchered and had MANY health problems that are still with me to this day so I did'nt want the Gastric Bypass (the RNY)!But I was to late to get the Band. Now it's been approved it is to late for me anyway. (I'm always to late or early for anything). But anyway now that it's over, (the first God awful 2 months) I am VERY GLAD I had the Open RNY! I liken the OPEN proceedur to the hysterectomy: it was around as painful, although I was'nt as "tired" (for four months afterward) with the Open. It's been three months now and although I still am "tired" its getting better slowly everyday. The Open may not be for you, but I certainly would'nt hesitate to recommend it to anyone who needs WLS. And I would do about anything (the Open) not to have to have revisions, if it was possible. Good luck with whatever you choose.
   — Danmark

August 10, 2001
I agree with the previous poster. The first decision is VGB vs. RNY. The second decision is Lap vs. Open. In some cases, the surgeon won't/can't do lap for a given patient. If you're concerned about leaks, ask your specific doctor for his statistics on leaks. That may make it easier for you to chose one approach (open) vs. another (lap). I'm having an RNY because I want the dumping syndrome. I believe that it will impose a structure on my eating that I can't maintain on my own. Additionally, my doctor is going to do Lap unless he runs into problems. Then I understand that he might have to convert to open. Just keep in mind that any lap surgery can end up going open, if complications arise.
   — Kathy J.

August 11, 2001
I had the lap RNY and had no complications. I think it just depends on the individual. Maybe your doc is more comfortable doing a VGB. The one thing with the VGB is that really anything that slides past the band can go into your stomach, ie. choclate, sweets, ice cream etc. With the RNY you can't eat those thigs so it gives you a little more of a consequence if you eat those.
   — Dawn H.

August 11, 2001
You have to really decide what kind of eating problem you have. If you are a big sweet eater or grazer, go with the RNY. This way, you CAN'T eat like before. I had a Open VGB in April and have lost 62 pounds. I am not a sweet eater, but more a volume eater. I like to eat until I'm full and that was a huge amount. The VGB has a much less complication rate, but again, if it won't solve your problem, why do it? The VGB has turned out to be exactly what I wanted. I can eat anything, just not very much of it. But, I have to say no also. I can't eat ice cream and cake all day or I wouldn't lose a pound. I won't tell you the Open wasn't rough. My doctor was terrific about what to expect and it happened just that way. Just get through those first 3 days and it's on to a new life. My stomach looks like a road map with two giant scars (also had an old type gallbladder surgery), but I don't care and long as I keep losing! Good luck.
   — Lesley K.

August 11, 2001
I made my decision back in 93, long before I was online and saw the results nationwide. At the time, I knew several VBG's, none of whom was slender, or particularly happy. Lots of vomiting, one being reversed (but now I know a more skilled surgeon than hers could've fixed the problem), just nothing but problems for the 7 years before that. And all the RNY I met were slender, happy & healthy. While I "thought" I wanted the less invasive procedure at first and I was NOT a sweet eater at all, the two groups of patients were so different that I went with the RNY. I only vomited while I was going through my learning curve or get stupid, I've lost all the wt I needed to and kept it off, so I can't complain. Just the usual: I wish I'd done it sooner. Back in the dark ages, lap was not an option. Open, big deal. I was dying, now I am well. I don't let a scar bother me.
   — vitalady