Scar Tissue question - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

mommyto-3 · 07-27-2008, 09:24 PM

I'm a little concerned, hopefully for no reason. I have been reading alot about people not getting the gastric bypass done because of to much scar tissue. I have had 3 c-sections and 3 hernia surgeries(which were all along the same incision line as my c-sections.And all 3 c-sections were the low incision. I know I would have to ask my doctor to be sure, but does anyone know if that could cause a problem? I would think the surgeries I have had would be down low enough in my abdomen that the scar tissue wouldn't affect this. Does anyone have any experience with problems because of scar tissue with these surgeries? My doctor knows I have had those done, and didn't say anything, but i didn't even think to ask at that time either. I am suppose to have surgery in 3 weeks so, hopefully i haven't come this far, to run into a problem with this.

mistymee · 07-27-2008, 09:29 PM

did the doc express any concern at all about the previous surgeries? Has he/she discussed the possibility of it being an open surgery instead of a lap surgery once they get in there?

There were discussed with me ahead of time as a possibility..

I had a scar tissue and adhesions from my hysterectomy that did cause problems during surgery in that the adhesions were 'gluing' my internal organs.. as I understood things, my colon and intestines were so stuck together that she had trouble attaching my pouch at first and spent several hours scraping the adhesions before she could do the entire operation.

It is something you certainly should discuss as a 'what will happen if so and so presents as a problem', I would think.

KathyV · 07-27-2008, 09:33 PM

I had three c-sections and a gallbladder out and the Dr said it would take about 30 minutes longer because of the scarring. I think the gallbladder probably created more scar problems. But all went well and I am sure your Dr has run into that befor too and it will be fine.
Kathy

Ann Bird · 07-27-2008, 09:35 PM

I was still asking my doctor that same question about 3 minutes before surgery. He was okay with the scar tissue - I had 2 c-sections, hysterectomy, gall bladder removal, and a lap band and port. I was very worried but it all worked out. Good luck!

mommyto-3 · 07-27-2008, 10:11 PM

Thanks everyone. Thats very reassuring. I forget that I also had my gallbladder removed. I think I will just check with the surgeon , just to make sure. I Would be so devastated if I couldn't have it done. I made sure to tell the nurse in his office about all of my surgeries, so I know he knows about them, But i think I will do as you suggested and just bring it up to him to make sure. I feel alot better about it now though

mistymee · 07-28-2008, 05:13 AM

Glad you're going to talk to the surgeon.. he's the only one that can tell you what his feelings are on the matter..

(Note.. I'd also had my gallbladder out, back in 1981.. when they did it open, with huge scars from between breasts to belly button.. I look like I have a zipper running from breasts to pubic bone.. with the lap sites from RNY, I'm a zipper with holes around it..lol)

JumboJulie · 07-29-2008, 03:55 PM

If it's a problem then he'll probably resort to doing it 'open' instead of lap.
And even if that happens, it's no big deal. I had mine open and am losing tons of weight just the same!

Good luck!

mommyto-3 · 07-29-2008, 04:29 PM

I guess i should have posted that I talked to the surgeon yesterday. He said basically what all of you are saying, that it shouldn't be a problem. Worst case scenerio he will have to do it open. And he said he really doesn't think he will have to do that. But if he does I am fine with it. Obviously I would rather have it done lap, but as long as i get it done I'm good.