Question:
What are your experiences with LAP bypass?
I just found out that I am going to be among the first patients to receive LAP surgery from my doctor. I am really excited about the oppurtunity. I'd like to hear from other LAP patients. What was the experience like? How was recovery? Has it been as affective? [email protected] — Kym C. (posted on March 22, 2001)
March 22, 2001
I had my LAP RNY on August 21, 2000. I have 5 very, very small incisions
(one is in my belly button). I was on pain meds for about 6 days. I
returned to work in 2 weeks, feeling pretty good. I am very satisfied with
my lap. Ive lost 91 pounds in 7 months. About 34 to go! If you have any
other questions feel free to email me.
— Jeannet
March 22, 2001
I had my Lap RNY 5 1/2 weeks ago. I was home in 1 day and back to work in
1 week. I was off pain meds by the third day, except for an occasional
Tylenol. I was walking a mile daily within 8 days. I have tremendous
energy and have lost 44 pounds. No regrets here!
— T.L. S.
March 22, 2001
I am looking at having the lap RNY but the one thing that would scare me w/
the first time patient. I know every doc has to start somewhere though.
Is it that this Dr is familiar w/ laparoscopic surgeries and this is the
first RNY or have they been doing weight loss surgeries and this is the
first Lap? Be safe... I feel lap is a great way to go because of the
minimally invasiveness of it!
— Dawn R.
March 22, 2001
Kym, I agree with Dawn. Being the first lap patient of any surgeon would be
something I would take very seriously. Lap surgery is highly specialized
and surgeons that are just beginning do not have the experience to deal as
well with problems that can occur. It takes a great deal of education and
experience to use the special surgical instruments associated with lap
surgery. Also, patients with inexperienced lap surgeons find themselves
under anesthesia for ever so much longer because the surgeon is still
learning. Talk with your surgeon and discuss any concerns you might have. I
wanted a highly experienced lap surgeon,one who had a reputation for being
skilled in the area of RNY. That's why after much consideration, I chose
Dr. Champion in Atlanta and traveled from NJ to have him do my lap.
Certainly, if you are a candidate for lap RNY, it will cut down on your
recovery time. Good luck with your journey to good health, Sandy
— Sandy 2.
March 22, 2001
Kym, laparascopic surgery is an extremely intricate and highly specialized
procedure. Many patients see it as a more simple approach, but the only
"simple" part is the 5-6 tiny incisions on the outside of your
body. The interior work is exactly the same as with an open surgery, and
also involves the same general anesthesia (which is a significant risk
factor by itself). Excessively long operating/anesthesia times are often
an indicator that the surgeon is less than experienced in this
technique...the average length of surgery for an uncomplicated lap RNY is
1-2 hours. This is your body, your money, and your life that is involved.
If you are seriously considering this surgeon, then don't be embarrassed or
hesitant to ask where he obtained his training; under whom; and the length
of the training...specifically, how many cases did he actively assist on,
and what is his estimate of average operating time. When you determine the
location of the training, and the name of the trainer, then continue to
research those pieces of information. My surgeon was Dr. Champion of
Atlanta, GA. He has performed over 600 lap RNY/VBG surgeries, and has been
specializing in this procedure since 1994. Other post-ops can provide you
with names of surgeons with similar credentials. If your surgeon has
trained extensively under a surgeon of this caliber, then you might feel
more comfortable allowing him to perform this surgery. If not, then you
might wish to do further research before making a final decision. Good
luck!
— Diana T.
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