hi everyone

hi My name is Susie and i live in PA My bmi is 64.. My surgeon is Dr MIchael Bono.. i had my first visit with him last tues.. he said that he cannot do the lap rny--but has to do it open---i am discouraged about that but understand it-- i have had other surgeries and he said i have alot of scar tissue.. i am a high risk diabetic. i am in the process of getting every test done and the paper work for the nurse to submit for insur approval.. Dr said that he will put a cava filter in to prevent death from a blood clot- has anyone here had one of these put in?? I was wondering if anyone knew anyone who died with one in--i was wondering just how effective it is?? i know that i will be safer with one in and have no prob with that.. he said that i will have to keep it in all my life. i am 43 and i weigh 434.5 lbs.. so sad to be that big--i know this group knows what i am talking about.. well have a nice day everyone! SusieQ

Hi Susie Q, Well I can tell you that my surgeon will not do mine Lap either. And the good news is he informed me why. He said because I am over 30 and over 300 pounds (370 to be exact). There are much greater risks when you are heavier when having it done lap. He told me his biggest concern was because I have sleep apnea and with that he does not want me under anthestic any longer then what I need to be. Plus just because you are suppose to have it lap does not mean that it will be done that way. If they see something that concerns them they might have to do it open. Lap Procedure takes about 4hours Open Procedure takes about an hour and a half. Big difference in time so I decided that I was ok with it. I know I will have a scar but its not like I am going to be a model after I am done with my weight loss. Ha ha ha Besides if the scar is a big issue or you are not happy with his answer you can always look into having it done some where else. Hope this helps, Monica F.

hi suzie, WELCOME to the SMO boards. My friend had a greenfield filter put in place before surgery. she did just fine with everything and is down 100 pounds since may 12th!!! Please come back and visit us often. Good Luck on your journey willby

Hey SusieQ: I started out at 534 lbs and knew in MY mind what "I" wanted. My pcp referred me to Dr. D. after much research and he said I would be an open RNY. He explained it is best so he can actually get his hands in there and feel. It made sense. One other friend had a hernia he was able to repair while he 'was inside'. I had an old, long gallbladder scar and it didn't affect my wittle incision at all. And I had a huge tummy/apron! My bmi was like 72 and I had diabetes, sleep apnea, could hardly walk or breathe, hypertension, and I will always have the hypothyroidism. I am down 208 lbs as of early this month.. it was a life changing and life saving operation. Blessings! ~Tina

Tina, You're truly an inspiration! 208lbs!!! Way to go and congratulations! Myra

Hi SusieQ (love your name!) My doctor is planning on doing the lap on me and if things don't go well then he'll do the open. He said that he can actually see better with the magnafied cameras and lights than if it is open. I agree with Saundra, if you want lap, there is no reason why you can't find a surgeon who will do it that way. My 22 year old was 450 and many co-morbes also and was done lap. He had his surgery on Friday morning and back in class on Monday morning. He didn't drive anywhere for several weeks..mom was the taxi driver...but he was able to recover so much faster. Never heard of the cava filter...sounds interesting. I'm sorry if I sounded pushy...everyone has different reasons for doing things different ways... and sometimes we don't really have much say in the matter. Take care and good luck! Virginia

Hi SusieQ! Fellow PA'er here! I have had one surgeon say he would not do me lap, too risky with my size and comorbidities. Another surgeon said he would consider it if I lost enough weight preop. I am 44 yo and highest weight was 416. I am now 393.7, bmi currently 66, so I will see. I have heard about the filter and plan on asking about it. A blood clot is my biggest fear. Like others here as well, I have diabetes, hypertension, asthma, sleep apnea, edema, and hypothyroidism. Ugh... hopefully most will go away or at least improve once I have the surgery. Welcome to the SMO board! Huggs, Ruth

Hi Susie, WELCOME to the board Look forward to getting to know you!! Jamie

Hi Susan, and welcome to the best board on OH! I weighed 430 lbs at surgery. I know the open sounds scarier than the lap, but when we're large, and most of us here are, it can be extremely difficult to do the lap. Many doctors require open for SMO patients as a "safer" option for patients over 350 lbs. Open surgery provides better access and your surgeon can see and feel EXACTLY what he does, rather than having to depend on manipulating instruments around inside a heavy abdomen. I know several people who've had to have the vena cava filter placed. I wasn't required to have one, although my two cousins did, and they've had no probs with theirs. all blessings and best wishes your way, Myra