Question:
Having second thoughts about Lap vs Open RNY!!!!

HELP!!!!I am having surgery Sept 13 and I keep hearing people having problems after Lap RNY with the stoma closing and having to be dilated, sometimes several times.. I am sceduled for a Lap and now I'm terrified of these complications..Need advice!!!    — Donna S. (posted on September 7, 2001)

September 7, 2001
It's important to remember that the only real difference between a laparascopic and open RNY is the external incision(s). The work on the inside is EXACTLY the same, so a patient stands an equal chance of needing a stoma dilatation with either surgery. However, the vast majority of RNY patients NEVER have that particular complication. If you have access to a bariatric surgeon with both experience and expertise in the "art" of laparascopy, a routine/uncomplicated lap RNY will offer you a less invasive, less painful surgery with a much shorter recovery period post-op. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

September 7, 2001
I'm 11 weeks out from a lap rny. The biggest problem I've encountered so far was constipation in week 3. I have never thrown up, never needed an endoscopy, basically assimilated quite well (thank God!). Lap vs. Open has nothing to do with whether or not the stoma closes. I have several "open" friends that needed endoscopes. Good luck!
   — Kimberly L.

September 7, 2001
I am just around the corner from being 4 months post op from lap rny - I have not had one single complication - my scars are wonderful and healing - soon to be not very noticable and I would do it again tomorrow - I would have done it either way - but am very grateful that I was allowed the lap option -
   — Sharon Jones

September 7, 2001
It's the RNY that can cause the narrowing of the stoma - the "lap" or "open" refers to how the surgeon makes his incision(s). Whether you have Lap or Open, the RNY (rouex en y) surgery is the same. I recommend you go with the Laparascopic procedure because it's less invasive - 5 tiny incisions versus one very large incision with the open procedure. Also there is very little chance of a hernia with the lap procedure but more of a chance with the open. Same surgery on your innards, just two different ways for the surgeon to get there. I am almost 5 months post-op lap RNY and have not experienced the narrowing of the stoma myself but I know someone who has had the dilation twice and she says that it's not a big deal. It suppossedly no more than the pre-op endoscopy which was a breeze. If you're concerned about the RNY and the stoma narrowing you should be considering other types of surgery such as the VGB (verticle gastic banding) or DS (Duodenal Switch), etc. Please be sure you completely understand the major surgery you're about to undergo. Best of luck to you.
   — [Anonymous]

September 9, 2001
I do want to say i have talked to people who have had ALL KINDS OF THIS SURGERY. Your recovery time depends on AGE, HOW WELL YOU AND THE SURGEON DO, and if their are any complications. I do agree that the "lap" people and some others tend to get back on the job quicker...but most of the Physicians and Patients I've talked to say, Inside you still have quite a long healing process. Read Read Read all you can, then decide for yourself. Most people Like the one they had, like most people who have had success with diet will say this is the best one!!!! My daugher is only 30, im encouraging her to go for the Lap.
   — Jackiis

September 10, 2001
I had a lap rny 4 months ago and have not had any problems. Everyone else is correct in that the surgery is the same, just the incisions are different. I felt able to return to work after about 10 days and my scars are slowly disappearing. If I had to do it again would still choose lap as I feel that there is less trauma to the abdominal muscles.
   — ctyst