Lap or Open gastric bypass? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

UuUuLaLa · 09-16-2007, 11:21 AM

Hi im new to this forum and in the process of becoming a looser im looking for more and more information anything you all might have to say about each procedure please do so in this thread i need to make a decission personally i want lap but then have my doubts.. 'open' im scarred etc.. but more worried on loosing my life...im soo ready for the big change.. i appreciate all your comments in advance help me thru this i need support thanks..

Mina from Inland Empire
34 years old
338 lbs

lward76 · 09-16-2007, 12:41 PM

HI,I had my procedure done lap!! But, that was the doc recommendation! that is something you will need to discuss with your surgeon!! Having one or the other also depends on many things too!! Good luck too u!!

Melody110476 · 09-16-2007, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UuUuLaLa

Hi im new to this forum and in the process of becoming a looser im looking for more and more information anything you all might have to say about each procedure please do so in this thread i need to make a decission personally i want lap but then have my doubts.. 'open' im scarred etc.. but more worried on loosing my life...im soo ready for the big change.. i appreciate all your comments in advance help me thru this i need support thanks..

Mina from Inland Empire
34 years old
338 lbs

Hello!

I personally choose the Open Vertical Banded RNY over the Lapband because I know I need that little extra kick in the butt if I do mess up. I heard a lot about Lapband can take time to get your band adjusted to the correct fullness and that can cause you to be hungry. I too was very worried about the procedure and survivng it all but I did and I have kept a positive attitude the entire time and have been doing great so far. It is a little longer recovery for Open VS Lapband as well. Honestly after the first 4-5 days I felt good still a bit sore of course but really good for all that was done. I just thought if I was going to do this I wanted to do what I knew would work as long as I followed the directions. In my mind I would figure a way to cheat the band so I didn't even want to set myself up to fail. I am 3 weeks post op on Tuesday and have been going to the Y since 1 week post op. So just keep in your mind when they give you statistics that it is more for those with serious health issues and if you are fairly healthy you won't have to worry as much, its still a serious deal but keep remembering you will be fine. I wish you luck in which ever one you choose! I have noticed that you can get great weight loss with any of the procedures I think it all comes down too following the rules and dont chance the "I'll just try it this once" as we all know it's never just once! LOL... Good luck to you and take care!

Melody

rgbmom1 · 09-16-2007, 02:23 PM

They dont do the banding yet were we are. I am having the rny on wednesday but not with the open surgery mine will be laproscopic because that is what my surgeon feels most comfortable with.
Good luck

Melody110476 · 09-16-2007, 02:53 PM

Good Luck too you for Wednesday! There are so many types of WL procedures there really doesn't seem like a bad choice as long as you follow the directions they give you it seems like they all have the ability to change your life forever. If you think about it let me know how you do! I will be here if you need anything at all!

Melody

UuUuLaLa · 09-16-2007, 04:31 PM

Thanks for replying to my question its helpfull to me in making the decission LAp RNY vs OPEn RNY at first i think i was looking into lapband and conviced myself that was not for me.. i want to go thru the whole dramatic change and deal with it my lifetime i dont think i can deal with knowing something is in my tummy needing more fills or less etc... so im intrested in RNY.. a friend told me that laproscoptic bypass was ment for diffrent body shapes.. since they are using a scope in your tummy to do the bypass some women carry more weight in other areas then their tummy and lap is perfect and some women carry weight in their tummy area witch is more difficult for lap.. please correct me if im wrong im just trying to understand this whole deal i have read a lot on diffrent procedures.. i just want to do the least dangerous sounds dumb right?? cause they are all dangerous right?.. anyway keep the post coming....

Melody110476 · 09-16-2007, 08:45 PM

Hey U,

I don't believe that's at all true. Granted if some people are larger it is more difficult for the Dr to use the laproscopic tools he uses only because they are only so long. They do have tools for larger people but again they only make them so large. It has nothing to do with body type really. Think about it most men carry all their weight in their stomach and they get the sugery done laproscopically as well. The Laproscopic way is less invasive and faster recovery time that's really the only real difference between open and laproscopic. I mean of course the risks are different as well but that's about it. Of course lapro has less chance of infections only because open is a 4 in cut so it's more chance of infection. Well I hope all this ramblings helps LOL It's the end of the day so my ramblings usually kick in about now.

UuUuLaLa · 09-16-2007, 09:04 PM

yeah true.. men get that done and they have tummys that are big.... it helps to get diffrent comments and see how everyone thinks about this.. by the way..congrats on your new bday life change Melody... tell me since you had this done.. what do you recomend... to take, to plan for the big day.. what type of vitamins.. what should i stock up on what has been helpfull for you and not so... etc..

PollyC · 09-16-2007, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UuUuLaLa

Thanks for replying to my question its helpfull to me in making the decission LAp RNY vs OPEn RNY at first i think i was looking into lapband and conviced myself that was not for me.. i want to go thru the whole dramatic change and deal with it my lifetime i dont think i can deal with knowing something is in my tummy needing more fills or less etc... so im intrested in RNY.. a friend told me that laproscoptic bypass was ment for diffrent body shapes.. since they are using a scope in your tummy to do the bypass some women carry more weight in other areas then their tummy and lap is perfect and some women carry weight in their tummy area witch is more difficult for lap.. please correct me if im wrong im just trying to understand this whole deal i have read a lot on diffrent procedures.. i just want to do the least dangerous sounds dumb right?? cause they are all dangerous right?.. anyway keep the post coming....

Hi Mina,

Welcome to TT. I just had Lap RNY 4 days ago on 9/12. I am doing very well. I am still sore in the tummy area but that is to be expected. I have 5 very small incesions (sp?) and I did not have a drain tube. I a truly surprised how great I feel. I have been out walking everyday, today I walked about 1/2 mile with the support of my hubby right beside me.
The most discomfort that I have had is from all the gas they use during the surgery. I am still bloated and have some gas pain but it each day I am getting better and better. Today I was able to drink 24 ozs on protein for a total of 69 grams and eat a few baby spoonful of watered down very thin instant mashed potatoes...yummy!

I used chicken broth when I made them. I also ate about 3/4 of a SF jello pudding cup. So far so good I took it slow and easy.
If you have not read the book WLS for Dummies go get it. It is a great reference. In fact I still read it daily as a refresher. Talk with your surgeon and look at all your options. I am here for you if you have any questions also everyone here @ TT will also be your fan club and we will keep the losers bench warm for you!
Take care and I wish you the best!

~Paula

UuUuLaLa · 09-16-2007, 09:32 PM

Thanks Paula.. and what an adorable doll you have there... i have a 2 year old and i know how adorable they are... my goodness im so excited for you..you just had that done!! im new to this forum and i been on here reading and reading everyones stories very intresting and i will defintely look for that book and please be my friend and give me tips what has worked good for you... receipt ideas etc.. im willing to try it all thanks and huggles!