Question:
If I have had other surgerys will that rule out lap surgery for me?
I have had 2 c-sections and a gallbladder removed the old fashioned way, does that mean I won't be able to have lap surgery? I won't see surgeon till May. Thanks to anyone who know. Tonya — Tonya 1. (posted on January 7, 2003)
January 7, 2003
I had one C-section and another lower abdominal surgery prior to my Lap RNY
in September. It wasn't a problem at all.
— Samantha S.
January 7, 2003
I also had 2 c-sections, open gallbladder, and open hysterectomy. I was
able to have Lap RNY in November. Melinda C.
— Melinda_AL
January 7, 2003
not to disagree with the previous posters butm i have had 2 c sections and
a gall bladder removel as well and when i desicussed lap or open with my
doc he said that because of the amount of scar tissue that the previous
surgerys would have leftin my abdoman (sp) that he would prefer to do the
surgery open becuase he would better be able to see what was going on but
that we could try lap if i wanted just not to be disapointed if he ended up
haveing to do it open" i thought about it and desided to go open and
looking back i am glad i did because he ended up haveing to remove a great
deal of scar tissue (his words) from around the intestines
— Becky M.
January 7, 2003
I also had two previous C-sections and a traditional gallbladder surgery,
as well as an abdominal hysterectomy. I had a lap RNY in March,
2000....surgery lasting only 1 hour 10 minutes, no complications, no
problems, even though the surgeon encountered "significant
adhesions" (scar tissue) from my previous gallbladder surgery. He
simply removed the old adhesions during the course of the WLS. In this
situation, experience on the part of the surgeon is critical. If your
surgeon specializes in laparascopic surgery, then things should go smoothly
during an otherwise uncomplicated procedure. If your surgeon is relatively
inexperienced in the technique of laparascopy, or does not do laparascopy
as a routine part of his practice, then an "open" surgery may go
faster and have fewer problems. Remember that you are the
consumer....don't be reluctant to ask for his credentials: how many
laparascopic surgeries does he/she do on a routine basis; the incidence of
complications; the mortality rates in his practice, etc... If he tells you
that he is not comfortable with a lap surgery, then that generally should
tell you something. An ethical lap surgeon will always tell his patients
that there is a possibility that they will require an open surgery if they
encounter problems during the surgery. A surgeon who tells you up-front
that he is uncomfortable with a lap surgery, either has lesser experience
or is anticipating a more difficult surgery based on your previous medical
record. Don't hesitate to get a second or third opinion from available
surgeons, but if you have thoroughly researched the available surgeons and
are comfortable with your choice, then just be certain that you have asked
all the "hard" questions and are well-informed preoperatively.
Best wishes!
— Diana T.
January 8, 2003
I discussed this with my doctor beforehand. I have had a C-section and
gallbladder surgery the old fashioned way. Dr. Stahl told me that he was
going to try the Lap surgery but might have to switch to Open if there was
too much scar tissure. Fortunately for me, the surgery was successful as
LAP and I've had no complications whatsoever. Feeling great these days.
LAP 10/15/2002 304/245 Hooray for me!!!
— [Deactivated Member]
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