How long is surgery????

Hi everyone! I was just thinking today, one thing I never thought to ask about this surgery is what is the length of time in the OR?? Of course this is assuming it will be done lap with no complications, can anyone tell me? Thanks! Karyn

Depending on your weight and other co-morbidities, your surgeon may not be willing to do a laproscopic procedure. Mine wouldn't. An open surgery takes about an hour and a half. That's why they sometimes insist on it for higher weight patients. They don't want you under anesthesia for a minute longer than you have to be. If you have a laproscopic surgery, it can take up to five hours. Either way, you'll be moving to the table one minute, and starting to come out of anesthesia the next (it feels like that). General anesthesia is pretty intense. It's like falling into a deep hole. So it won't seem like any time has passed at all.

My surgery was 7 1/2 hours start to finish. Some surgeons won't do lap on patients with BMIs over a certain point (I think it's usually around 45). Mine prefers lap no matter the size. While he was there, he found a hernia at the site of my previous c-section (and at that c-section, doctor found hernia from c-section before). He rapired the hernia, which is fine, but at the inciions he made to repair that hernia, I have another one I am having fixed next week. My surgery was lap, and I had 11 incisions. I have to think open would've been easier for everyone. But it's done, no regrets. And the time flies. When you wake up, it feels like you have been out 1 minute. Carrie

HI, I had Lap RNY 12 weeks ago. My surgery lasted 4 hours and I remember getting moved to the operating table and then remember waking up in recovery. I have 6 insicions (Dr usually does 5 but said he "needed a little more room to see") By the way my surgery weight was 357 and BMI was 57 Being as everyone is different and each surgery is diffrenet I am sure your surgeon will give you a round a bout time for how long you will be "under" Good luck on your journey, Jennifer 357/297/175

Thanks so much for the replies girls! I was mainly asking just because I realized I have no idea!I have had several surgeries before and been under anesthesia four times in the past few years so i am not worried, i know the time will go by quickly when i am out, but my mom was asking how long i would be and I didnt know! So thank you all very much for the input, I am afraid I may have one or two hernias so I am prepared for it to be a little longer than normal, and my surgeon will only do lap, unless he gets in there and cant do it any other way but open. My BMI is right around 50 I dont know exactly because I have lost 40 pounds for pre-op diet and it was just over 50 before my diet. Anyhow, thanks again at least I have some idea now. Karyn

Karyn I am having mine open because that is the only procedure my insurance will pay for and I think he said it will be 4 hours long. You will be in my thoughts and I can't wait to hear all about your experience. HUGS, Jamie

Karyn, My surgery was lap. My BMI was 83 and I was in the OR for an hour and forty minutes and recovery for about the same time. I was in my room in less than four hours. Good luck! Patti

Karyn, I was just asking Emily this yesterday. I dont remember much about that day, so she filled me in. I guess I was in the OR 3 hours and in recovery 2 hours. My surgeon only does LAP and she said mine was a textbook case. I do know I found a new best friend in the hospital.........I think her name was Mrs. Morphine. OH!! How I loved her!!! Take care wilby

I had Open RNY and I was in the OR for about an hour and a half. Lap RNY can be much longer. Good luck and best wishes! Huggs, Ruth