for Jo Ann - Lap vs. Open

[Guest guest]

you wrote:

"I was planning on having lap surgery; however, after>reading all the posts, I think I've changed my mind.>I'm not too concerned about having a bikini figure so>I don't really care about the scar. my biggest>concern is the anesthesia - I don't want to be under>any longer than necessary. I don't mind spending a>couple of extra days in the hospital!! "

Jo Ann:

RE: Lap vs. Open

I can appreciate your concerns about which procedure to chose. Think about it this way, you've consulted an experienced surgeon that you have researched and that you trust. The surgeons expertise and experience would weigh into his judgement when he decided which procedure was right for you. A Lap surgeon is not going to do Lap surgery on someone that is not an appropriate candidate. Secondly, for a variety of reasons, any Lap surgery can become open.

My Lap DS surgery lasted about 5 hours with Dr. Gagner. I am older than most on this list and I am bottom heavy. The DS surgery actually took only 1.5 hours. However, I had a rather nasty large diseased gall bladder that was removed and an incisional hernia from an old C-section that was repaired. The results from a sonogram I had just before surgery, indicated I needed to have the GB removed. No one knew about the hernia until Dr. G. went in. There is very little they cannot do using Lap surgery.

You need to weigh all the facts and make your decision. You should direct your concerns to your surgeon and have him ease your mind. Having had two C-sections, one vertical and one horizontal, I made the choice to travel from MD to NY to avoid being done open. (and also because I wanted the DS surgery)

I wish you the best of luck with your decision and your ultimate surgery.

Kathie from MD