I had a previous surgery when I was much younger (looks like I was gutted with a dull knife by a blind Dr.!!!) So I don't know if the belly button is an option for me, has anyone else had this issue?

Where do they cut to go in and how big is the incision?!

curious for the details

thanks bunches!

E

Last Spring (when I was banded) there were very few docs doing the single incision procedure. From what I've seen, most are still doing the 5 incision old method (but you can end up with more if they have problems getting things done- I've seen one person with 9 incisions). I have 2 that are nearly 2", 2 that are about 1" and the last is just a puncture. If you want the single incision I'd start researching docs in your area or do a search here on LBT. Good luck! -BG

I have 5 incisions, all above my belly button. 4 of my incisions are very little. I have one under my left breast that is about an inch and a half long, and that is where my port is located. I do not know of many people who had the surgery through their belly button. I would be interested to see how that works.

Only your surgeon can tell you for sure if you are a candidate for EITHER method. I had gallbladder surgery back in 1983 when they cut you from your sternum to your appendix and my surgeon specifically told me that he had had three cases where he couldn't do the lap band laprascopically because of the scars from an old gallbladder surgery. So I assume that in your case, your surgeon would examine you and tell you whether he would do the single incision or 5 incision ... or whatever....based on your scarring.

At this point I don't really care if I have 2 or 5 small incisions, but from what I have seen of the little videos of the laproscopic procedure, they go through the belly button for one of the 5 incisions. My main concern is that with all the scar tissue from my previous surgery that it doesnt increase my mortality rate. I want the surgery, but not enough to die for it!!!!!!!!!!!

When I wanted my tubes tied my Ob refused to do it because of my scar tissue.

I'm groovy with scars, ( it makes me took tough!! hehehehehehehe) maybe some intricately placed tattoos and noone will ever know! :smile2:

I have 5 incisions. All of them are above the belly button. 3 are small puncture type (less than 1/4 inch), one is about an inch and the one where my port is about 1 and 1/2 inches. It's not bad if you ask me. My incisions from my laprascopic gallbladder removal are bigger.

I have one incision that is 1 inch long in the center of my torso about 1 1/2" below the bottom of my sternum. My port is located just below and a little to the left of that incision. The other 4 incisions are just puncture spots. None of them are anywhere close to my belly button. All are fading well.

I had one incision through my belly button and it's was wonderful!! The incision recovery was a breeze b/c I didn't have the "port site incision pain" I have read about on here so often. But then, I needed my gall bladder out and had to have my belly button cut open again, along with three more tiny incisions. They are tiny and will fade, so I'm glad my "big" incision is hidden nicely in my belly button!

I have 5 small incisions...none through my bellybutton. You can check out my photo of my scars in my photo album "My Progress Pics" if you like, just click on the link below.