Question:
Open RNY Any Comments?

I was planning on having RNY with the small incisions, but the doctor that is doing the wls only do open. He is a good doctor, well known, now I'm confused.    — Toby2 (posted on May 19, 2008)

May 19, 2008
Is he doing open RNY because that is what is best for you or because that is the only proceedure he does? Determine what is best for YOU and find a qualified doctor that not only feels the laproscopic RNY is the best proceedure for you (if it is the best medically) and who is qualified to do this particular proceedure... That would be my suggestion. Best of luck!
   — Jeanne Aldrich

May 19, 2008
I agree with the previous answer. The OPEN surgery is so invasive, so much more painful, why put yourself through that if it is not necessary. Also, go to a "surgi-center of excellence" for bariatric surgery. Nancy Nurse
   — nancycarle

May 19, 2008
Do what you can based on what your insurance will allow. If you can get the RNY with the Laproscopic Surgery, then have it done. If you can't then go with this doctor. RNY is not the only option available for you. It may just be the only option available with your insurance. Find out what other options you have with your insurance company and do some research. Go to my Profile Page if you would like to find out more about the various options available to you concerning weight loss surgery. My Profile Page is here: http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/hubarlow/ . Check out a blog entry titled "Surgical Comparisons." If you can't find it on my Profile Page to begin with, check in the March Archives. Use this as a basis for your own research on your weight loss options. The blog post has some links to some videos that actually show some of the surgeries. They are quite fascinating! Check them out. Good luck on your journey and please do not think that I am trying to change your mind about what kind of surgery to get. I was self pay and I got the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Most insurance Companies will not pay for that. I do not fault ANYONE who gets another surgery because they cannot afford to pay for it themselves. I would not have gotten the one I have now if it were not for the generosity of my wife. Get the BEST surgery you CAN. At least you are doing SOMETHING to make yourself better. It is better than doing NOTHING! I hope this helps, Hugh
   — hubarlow

May 19, 2008
I can't imagine having an open RNY when the standard practice is LAP. If you surgeon only does open because he doesn't know how to do LAP, I would look elsewhere. But that's just me. You have to decide what is best for you. I had LAP gallbladder removal 8/07 and it was very easy to recover from. Good luck in whatever you decide.
   — GlitterGal

May 19, 2008
My Dr. told me he only does the open on patients that have quite a bit more weight to lose than others. It is rare what I understand.
   — Claudia C.

May 19, 2008
If I were you I would search for a doctor that did the surgery laposcopically (sp?). Doing it "open" will cause you so much more pain ... the recovery is so much longer ... the risks are so much greater. I had the surgery done March 12 ... and within 2 weeks I could hardly tell I had anything done. I never really felt any pain and stopped taking pain medicine the 2nd day I was home ... I never needed it. I was very tired ... felt pressure and was sore but never any real pain. Lap is the best way to go!!
   — Tammy Cardwell

May 19, 2008
Okay, I'll say it from the other end. My surgeon only does open RNY and that was fine with me. I wasn't 900 lbs. I was 265 lbs. Honestly, I had an EASY time of it. My pain in recovery was a 1 or 2 and got better from there. I was happy because I didn't want a bunch of "little" incisions. One 4" incision was fine with me. I was back to doing the "mommy thing" (cooking, cleaning, laundry, driving, etc.) 4 days after surgery. I was in the hospital 3 days. Open RNY ISN'T as bad as some make it sound. If you want to talk more, feel free to PM me. My "scar" is barely visible unless you REALLY look. I'll celebrate my first rebirthday on the 25th. Best wishes!!!!!
   — lv2beasahm

May 19, 2008
Like some of the previous answers, I'm assuming you're stating that your surgeon ONLY does open procedures. That he's NOT skilled in the laparoscopic RNY. If you like this surgeon a great deal, and wish to go the open route, you just need to be aware that recovery time is longer, healing is more arduous and that there is more chance for issues, such as hernia's etc. I'm betting he works with other surgeon's that are skilled in doing it Laparoscopically, therefore I'd inquire as to that. That is, unless they're recommending OPEN to you rather than LAP. The clinic I went through at the University of MN had 4 surgeons, one, Dr. Buchwald, who pioneered gastric bypass surgery, is the only one there that ONLY performed the surgery open. I went with Dr. Kellogg, as he did it laparoscopically and I have only 5 tiny incisions, was in and out in less than 3 days and recovered very very quickly. In fact, within a week I was hiking a wooded trail. So it's something to really check into. Best of luck! Hugs Cheryl
   — Cheryl K.

May 19, 2008
I had open rny 4-plus years ago because that was my only choice (if I wanted my insurance to cover my wls, that is). It was a rough way to go but it sounds like open rny has improved in the last few years. The previous poster had an easy recovery and only a 4 inch scar. My recovery was normal (no complications) but it was painful. My scar is close to 10 inches long. It has healed and faded a *lot* but I still would recommend laproscopic rny over the open rny. But you have to do what you think is best.
   — Lady Bugg

May 20, 2008
I had open RNY too...It was painful. I have a 4 inch scar that is not noticable and I had no trouble at all. I didn't have a huge list of doctors to choose from back then, like most do now...But my doc had 1000's of surgery under his belt with incredible library of his before and after photos and testimonies. He took people from all over the country and his surgery waiting list was a year...I choose him for his awesome record and years of experience. I don't mind my scar. I loved wearing a binder (girdle thing) It held me tight and kept my scar tight and narrow. I had zero complications and 4 years of success in losing weight to my goal and keeping it off. Any complications I did have were my fault and came 4 years post op...such as not taking my vitamins as I was supposed to. It's a commitment no matter what type you have. Yes...It's painful and yes it took me a good 6 months of aching pain whenever I used my stomach muscles...and a good year before I didn't feel anything. Looking back, I barely remember it. My scar is not noticable and I think of it as a battle scar...Morbid Obesity, the battle that almost took my life...The scar that gave it back to me...I know NOTHING about lap rny...I couldn't comment one way or the other...I survived it...I could have done without the pain for sure! I remember I was upset when I found out they'd cut my stomach...Do what is good for you...If you want lap rny...then you go out and find a way. RNY surgeons are not hard to find these days...
   — .Anita R.

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