How many of you had to have an open procedure?

[atroglet 29]

That was one of my first questions to my current surgeon.. How would he handle it differently this time? Can't go through the same area because of scar tissue so he'll come in from the side. Also will start with a 5 mm laparoscopic tool versus the 10 mm one. Also is consulting with the vascular surgeon who did the graft. I had already spoken to him to be sure that he didn't see any issue with the surgery... He didn't foresee any issues.

Interesting

[KBT 35]

Prior to the sleeve, I had four open abdominal surgeries. A prior surgeon had told me I was loaded with scar tissue so I discussed the possibility with my surgeon of having to be opened for my sleeve surgery because of all the scar tissue. My sleeve surgeon said he would do everything possible to not open me up and luckily he didn't have to. Instead of an hour to hour and a half, my surgery took 3 1/2 hours. He said it took him well over an hour just to find his way around the scar tissue but he did it! The PA later told me they gave me some little baby scars to go along with the big scars. :-)

I wouldn't worry about this as a possibility unless you have some underlying issue that would require an open incision.

[atroglet 29]

Prior to the sleeve, I had four open abdominal surgeries. A prior surgeon had told me I was loaded with scar tissue so I discussed the possibility with my surgeon of having to be opened for my sleeve surgery because of all the scar tissue. My sleeve surgeon said he would do everything possible to not open me up and luckily he didn't have to. Instead of an hour to hour and a half, my surgery took 3 1/2 hours. He said it took him well over an hour just to find his way around the scar tissue but he did it! The PA later told me they gave me some little baby scars to go along with the big scars. :-)

I wouldn't worry about this as a possibility unless you have some underlying issue that would require an open incision.

Oh! That is good to hear!! It puts my mind at ease!

[atroglet 29]

Is there anyway for the surgeon to know how much scar tissue is in there before surgery?

[LBD 121]

Is there anyway for the surgeon to know how much scar tissue is in there before surgery?

I would imagine that if they were concerned, they would order an MRI....

[CharmingTortoise 83]

Honestly, I'm not sure how the doctors manage this surgery without needing to open everyone up. Just operating by that tiny little camera seems really difficult. I've watched a lot of the surgeries on YouTube and I'm constantly amazed that they manage it with such precision.

I wouldn't be too terribly upset if I had to go full open. I've had a c-section, it sucks but then again diabetes beating down my door sucks too

[LBD 121]

I would imagine that if they were concerned, they would order an MRI....

Thought I had finished all of my appointments but got the news that my vascular and bariatric surgeons have consulted and are ordering a pelvic and abdominal CT scan... Don't have any information as to why they are doing this but my guess is that they are looking for scar tissue from my 1st surgery and my two c- sections. I should know more today.