Question:
Open or LAP???

Which one is better? Why one and not the other? Is open for larger people? and LAP for the smaller? I'd really like to know. Thanks TEE    — mumuvtwogrlz (posted on February 6, 2007)

February 6, 2007
Personaly I think the LAP is better, less healing time and less trama
   — lizzieleprechaun

February 6, 2007
For my surgeon, the deciding factor is BMI. Above a BMI of 50, he only performs the surgery open. For many reasons the lap version of the surgery is a better alternative. It is less invasive, and requires much less recovery time. However, for larger people, it simply isnt possible due to the amount of tissue being worked through. Good luck, Chris
   — CChappell

February 6, 2007
My understanding is that open is for larger people, since the instruments may not be long enough for a LAP procedure. Also, open is used for people who may have a lot a scar tissue in the abdomen due to previous surgery.
   — packrat

February 6, 2007
My starting BMI was 62 and I had laproscopic RNY. I had to do a pre-op liquid diet to shrink my liver so the surgeon could more easy work. I think it depends on the skills of the surgeon. Don't let someone talk you into an open procedure without at least considering laproscopic. god luck to you.
   — Jenn F.

February 6, 2007
My BMI was over 60 and I had the lap band done. I had it done at the clinic so didn't need to have open surgery. I am doing great. I prefer the lap band. You have to research and decide what is better for you. Maureen
   — Bee

February 7, 2007
The biggest difference between the two is that you have less chances of a hernia with the lap but less chance of leakage with the open. I have a 4 year old at home so I wanted to do what ever had a less chance of leakage. I had mine open and have absolutly no regrets.
   — Lost4Ever

February 7, 2007
Tee, I had open 2 years ago . I prefered that over the other anyways because so many patients go back within a year for their gallbladder out so they took that out at the time of surgery . Plus I would rather rish the blood clots in the legs and walking helps that noy happen . with the other you have risks of leaks because they only see what they are doing by camera . With leaks you get really sick and it can be fatal . The whole time in surgery they have these plastic things pumping your legs to prevent blood clots . Then just get up and walk as much as possible . The recovery is longer but I was so scared of the leaks and didnt want to have to get a whole new surgery for the removal of the gallbladder . good luck hun , Alena
   — LongBeachDiva

February 8, 2007
Well according to my surgeon dr philip schauer president of the ASBS about 1/3 of opens get at least one hernia because the muscle wall is cut, LAP the incisional hernia rate is near zero, Rate of leak should be under 1% The actual surgery is the same, the only difference is access. LAP recovery tends to be faster and easier.Less trauma cutting to body.
   — bob-haller

February 8, 2007
My surgeon uses waist size to determine lap vs. open. I think the cutoff was 60". I was right on the border, so he cautioned that I had a higher risk of needing to convert to open, but he was able to do it lap. He removed my gallbladder at the same time. Personally I am very glad he did it lap. I am 10 days post op and feel just like my normal self already.
   — cabingirl

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