Guest guest Posted February 29, 2004 Report Share Posted February 29, 2004 You are right, , lap is not the only way. Nor is it *the best* way. Some people have fatty livers, some have adhesions, some don't have Dr. choice. I had open because the procedure I chose (a very distal RnY - 60 " common channel), cannot be done lap. Surgeon cannot access/visualize the distal *end* of the gut lap. Open surgery *does NOT* make you more likely to have infections. We may be more prone to seromas, which are the weeping pockets of fat that heal from the inside out, but *not* to infections. And both seromas and infections are better avoided by someone who is well-nourished. Start drinking protein supps *now*, to protein load before surgery. Higher protein and vitamin C levels make stronger tissue, quicker healing, and faster recovery. I took as much protein drinks and vitamin C as I could stand for weeks before surgery, got split " from nipples to knees " (as my doc says), and healed remarkably fast. I was scabbed and itching at 1 week, scarred at 2-3 weeks. Don't worry . . . the myth that lap is better is just that, a myth. The surgery is *just* as invasive, just as dangerous (some say*more* than) open. And you don't *really* save anything on the scar. 7 1 " scars still makes 7 " of scar. YOur reconstructive surgery will make a scar down the middle of your belly later, where lap patients will have scar down middle and 7 little stab scar, you will only have the middle of belly one. Subject: Tricare & Lap vs Open Well I too have Tricare. We are stationed at ton AFB in SC. ALl of us in this region (for Tricare purposes) have NO choice now about the way we have our RnY done. If we want it done we HAVE to have it done open. SO.......we have to sift through all of the messages and try to find the 'positive only' ones that give us encouragement and hope. We all have fears going into this and it does NOT help us one bit when we are constantly bombarded with the comments from the Lap patients that think their way is the ONLY way. I don't mean to be harsh....I am sorry. I have been told about all of the pro's and con's to having it done both ways. In the end they BOTH work and have the same purpose. I am a classic lap candidate but that doesn't matter. I too was very depressed when I first was told about this new ruling but I force myself to look on the brite side. With Tricare we have little to NO grief having this surgery approved. There is something to be said for that. WE are lucky! I have read about so many people that have to fight forever with their insurance companies. So we may be down and out for a little longer......that is ok. It is all worth the end result isn't it?? I love you all for all of your messages and tips. I am more of a lurker then anything but I could not sit quiet on this one. For all of you Tricare people out there. There is also a website like this just for us military people all in the same boat. I think it is OSSG- Military. If I am wrong email me stinardclan5@... and I will let you know what it is. Sorry again for the vent but we all need positive encouragement no matter which way we are having it done. Take care.... pre-op Hawkridge in Washington State. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 29, 2004 Report Share Posted February 29, 2004 You are right, , lap is not the only way. Nor is it *the best* way. Some people have fatty livers, some have adhesions, some don't have Dr. choice. I had open because the procedure I chose (a very distal RnY - 60 " common channel), cannot be done lap. Surgeon cannot access/visualize the distal *end* of the gut lap. Open surgery *does NOT* make you more likely to have infections. We may be more prone to seromas, which are the weeping pockets of fat that heal from the inside out, but *not* to infections. And both seromas and infections are better avoided by someone who is well-nourished. Start drinking protein supps *now*, to protein load before surgery. Higher protein and vitamin C levels make stronger tissue, quicker healing, and faster recovery. I took as much protein drinks and vitamin C as I could stand for weeks before surgery, got split " from nipples to knees " (as my doc says), and healed remarkably fast. I was scabbed and itching at 1 week, scarred at 2-3 weeks. Don't worry . . . the myth that lap is better is just that, a myth. The surgery is *just* as invasive, just as dangerous (some say*more* than) open. And you don't *really* save anything on the scar. 7 1 " scars still makes 7 " of scar. YOur reconstructive surgery will make a scar down the middle of your belly later, where lap patients will have scar down middle and 7 little stab scar, you will only have the middle of belly one. Subject: Tricare & Lap vs Open Well I too have Tricare. We are stationed at ton AFB in SC. ALl of us in this region (for Tricare purposes) have NO choice now about the way we have our RnY done. If we want it done we HAVE to have it done open. SO.......we have to sift through all of the messages and try to find the 'positive only' ones that give us encouragement and hope. We all have fears going into this and it does NOT help us one bit when we are constantly bombarded with the comments from the Lap patients that think their way is the ONLY way. I don't mean to be harsh....I am sorry. I have been told about all of the pro's and con's to having it done both ways. In the end they BOTH work and have the same purpose. I am a classic lap candidate but that doesn't matter. I too was very depressed when I first was told about this new ruling but I force myself to look on the brite side. With Tricare we have little to NO grief having this surgery approved. There is something to be said for that. WE are lucky! I have read about so many people that have to fight forever with their insurance companies. So we may be down and out for a little longer......that is ok. It is all worth the end result isn't it?? I love you all for all of your messages and tips. I am more of a lurker then anything but I could not sit quiet on this one. For all of you Tricare people out there. There is also a website like this just for us military people all in the same boat. I think it is OSSG- Military. If I am wrong email me stinardclan5@... and I will let you know what it is. Sorry again for the vent but we all need positive encouragement no matter which way we are having it done. Take care.... pre-op Hawkridge in Washington State. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.