anyone know if the recovery for the single incision is any worse as far as pain is concerned? i assume it would be but just curious if anyone knows for sure. i get that ones who have had single dont know how the others felt and visa versa.

my surgeon said i am right at the cusp for it but he wont know until he gets in there and sees for sure.

anyone know if the recovery for the single incision is any worse as far as pain is concerned? i assume it would be but just curious if anyone knows for sure. i get that ones who have had single dont know how the others felt and visa versa.

my surgeon said i am right at the cusp for it but he wont know until he gets in there and sees for sure.

I had my VSG on 8/17. I requested the single incision and I love it. No real pain at all. I posted the pic of my incision while in the hospital on here and ppl were amazed bcos You can't tell I had surgery! I say go for the single. U'll only have the one area to worry about instead of the 5 holes. oh & if u get the SI don't freak out If it drains. It's ok. Just will need to have your gauze on deck. Good luck!

do they have a weight limit for it or something? i've never heard of it. links would be appreciated.

I was sleeved August 20th and was supposed to be a single incision. When I woke up, I found out they had to do it just normal laparoscopically with the 5 small incisions because they said I was a little too "long" in the torso.

I originally opted for the single incision because my doctor said the pain and recovery time was slightly less. Good luck!!

I'm gonna be sleeved on Sept 5th..... I would love to have a single incision, as I also have keloid skin. Where did you get your sleeve done? I didn't know you could request a single incision.... I will ask for this

My surgeon was not impressed with single-incision surgeons. He basically said it's a gimmick and could compromise safety for minor cosmetic improvements.

I would definitely like to see some studies in the future. I bet in 5-10 years when they have enough data we can see if the single incision is just as safe.

Good luck.

My surgeon - the bariatric team at St Joe's hospital in Chicago does it so it was provided as an option. I know not all surgeons do it though.

Here's some more info from a press release I found:

SILS -- A New Houston Weight Loss Surgery -- Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery Posted on : 2010-02-01 | Author : PRWeb

News Category : PressRelease

In Houston, Texas, a new weight loss surgery technique known as SILS – single incision laparoscopic surgery – is now available for some bariatric operations (weight loss surgeries), including the Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) and the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). It involves performing the entire obesity-surgery through a single small incision...

(PRWEB) February 1, 2010 -- A new weight loss surgery technique known as SILS – single incision laparoscopic surgery – is now available for some bariatric operations, including the Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) and the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). It involves performing the entire procedure through a single small incision, ideally at the umbilicus (belly button).

SILS is usually less painful than standard laparoscopic surgeries (4-6 small incisions), and the cosmetic effect is thought to be superior. Some obesity surgery cases still need a balance of diet and exercise after the surgery to maintain long term results.

SILS weight loss surgery is done under general anesthesia with the patient completely asleep. A small incision is placed at the umbilicus and either 3 standard trochars (tubes through which the instruments are passed) or a single specialized SILS port is placed to gain access to the abdominal space. The space is then insufflated with carbon dioxide to create enough room to manipulate the instruments.

SILS requires specialized instruments that are able to articulate (bend into angles), and a novel camera that can be turned to a variety of angles. The operation is done using the same methods as the regular laparoscopic surgery. For the AGB procedure a tunnel under the skin and fat layer is created to place the port for later band adjustment. This is required to move it away from the umbilicus.

Postoperatively, the patient will only have one incision, usually with less pain than a weight loss surgery with 4 to 6 incisions. Also, as the scar heals and contracts it usually becomes less noticeable as it is partially hidden by the umbilicus. Most weight loss patients feel this has a better cosmetic result.

Not all patients can have the SILS approach. It is best used in patients of lower weight (BMI of 35 to 45) and whose body habitus (the physical and constitutional characteristics of an individual) is favorable. This depends on the individual patient and their surgeon’s judgment. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.

BMI-Body Mass Index formula is a specific calculation. For basic understanding of the BMI, here is a simple example. A person who is 5’5” to 6’0” with a weight of 225 to 300 pounds could be a possible SILS candidate. For each 7 to 8 pounds of body weight, they will get 1 point of BMI. So, if you divide 250 pounds by 7 you will have an estimated BMI of 36.

If you are dealing with obesity or are interested in the SILS version of either the AGB or the LSG operations, please ask your Houston surgeon prior to starting the process to qualify for Houston weight loss surgery in Texas. There is also the option of a gastric bypass surgery for people with higher BMI.

Houston Surgical Specialists Operating on a Personal Level (713) 993-7124 Houston, Texas

I was told there was a slightly higher incisional hernia risk with a single incision, but ultimately I wanted to do it. Doesn't really matter since they couldn't I suppose, but you weigh your options with this as you do any.

I'm gonna be sleeved on Sept 5th..... I would love to have a single incision' date=' as I also have keloid skin. Where did you get your sleeve done? I didn't know you could request a single incision.... I will ask for this [/quote']

I too have skin that keloids so that's why I requested the SI! I got sleeved in Rochester, NY. My surgeon is excellent! Very in demand after being on the Oprah show! LOL...So When I said I wanted the SI he showed me where the incision would be through my belly button..and like I said I'm pleased! Check out my postings and your see my pic I posted. If you are worried about scaring I would def go for the SI!

I am not sleeved yet. Just had my consultation. I heard of si but didnt think to ask because I have so many stretch marks who cares about 5 little scars. But when he explained it to me I was more happy about only having one incision to make sure doesnt get infected instead of 4-6. He measured my belly button to the tip of my sternum and said I'm right at the cusp meaning the tools are only so long. I did say that I was interested in it with the understanding that when I wake up I could have the normal amount and I said that was fine.

I'm going to the Kane center in northwest burbs of Chicago.

Thank you all got the responses.

I had single incision, and I have to say that the SILS VSG surgery was more painful than my other laparoscopic procedures, which were traditional in nature. Of course the least painful was robotic surgery, but next was my lap gallbladder removal, and last and most painful was VSG. I honestly think my pain had more to do with my anatomy, because I have a defined roll at my belly button. The surgeon said it would hurt more, because they had no other option to place the incision. Good Luck!

My surgeon was not impressed with single-incision surgeons. He basically said it's a gimmick and could compromise safety for minor cosmetic improvements.

I would definitely like to see some studies in the future. I bet in 5-10 years when they have enough data we can see if the single incision is just as safe.

Good luck.

Ha! That sounds ridiculous! "gimmick" ...smh... What state is your surgeon located in? Tell him he should reach out to Dr.William O'Meally of Rochester,NY and I'm sure he or she can learn a thing or two. The SI is very safe. The surgeon just has to know what their doing.

Just his opinion. May be right or wrong. That's why I mentioned needing some studies to prove or disprove the opinion. That's how science works.

Ha! That sounds ridiculous! "gimmick" ...smh... What state is your surgeon located in? Tell him he should reach out to Dr.William O'Meally of Rochester,NY and I'm sure he or she can learn a thing or two. The SI is very safe. The surgeon just has to know what their doing.

I too have skin that keloids so that's why I requested the SI! I got sleeved in Rochester, NY. My surgeon is excellent! Very in demand after being on the Oprah show! LOL...So When I said I wanted the SI he showed me where the incision would be through my belly button..and like I said I'm pleased! Check out my postings and your see my pic I posted. If you are worried about scaring I would def go for the SI!

Wow, and I'm in NY.... Going to Mexico with Dr Alvarez, I haven't heard anyone say or read any post that he does the single incision. Won't hurt to ask though... Thanks

Oh, this would be the icing on the cake, if I can have the single incision. And I love cake....

I also have a very physically demanding job, lifting, pulling, rolling patients. This would probably heal faster and allow me to get back to work sooner.

So glad I saw this.....