Please do your research

[Michele in NY 13]

There are a small number of surgeons in Mexico that perform the spider technique. But it does have it’s drawbacks. I considered it and researched it when I had my surgery. A reputable surgeon will tell you that you have to have a BMI below 40 and be otherwise low risk. That’s a little tricky for those of us large people. We are already a higher risk than normal weight people. The surgery takes longer so that increases the risk. Plus I was told that the surgeons vision is decreased because of only 1 hole. That makes sense I guess. I read in one of the articles about it is not for everyone because even if your BMI is under 40 there could be other reasons they can’t do it. Like too much belly fat or a large liver.

My doctor did mine using only 3 incisions and they are very small. I had my surgery with Dr. Alejandro Lopez and Dr. Elais Ortiz. When I pressed Dr. Lopez on the spider, he said that there really is not a lot of difference in the recovery from 3 incisions and 1 incision. I just thought I didn’t want to take the risk.

My doctor was charging $500 more for that technique and it just wasn’t worth it to me. But the main reason is that I just didn’t want to have an increased risk just to save myself 2 one half inch hardly noticeable scars.

Happy trails!

[TES 858]

Totally agree with this--better visualization for the surgeon has to up the potential for a better outcome. Not sure a few minute scars matter when most of us are going to have crazy loose skin anyway.

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,146]

Often we like to go with what is trending. The spider technique.

I think that is why there are ppl who are regretting the surgery because they miss eating excessively. This surgery has become trendy.

[notmeanymore 629]

I had the spider technique here in the U.S. My surgeon said that I was a good candidate for it because I am short. He said patients that are 5'6 or shorter he will recommend the spider technique for. My BMI was 41 at time of surgery and I weighed 222 at time of surgery. I have the one scar in my belly button and he actually used the same scar I had for my gall bladder removal.

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

I'll admit that scars are a very low, if not at all, worry in my book.

[Takingcontrol 467]

Like TES said, what's 3 little scars when we are going to have saggy skin anyway??

[Michele in NY 13]

That was what I decided when I was looking into it. The scar will more than be hidden by the saggy skin. No reason for the extra risk in my opinion.

Bunny K - congrats on a successful surgery!

[notmeanymore 629]

I actually didnt know it was an extra risk, my surgeon never relayed that information. I did research it online and watched a few videos. Im almost glad I didnt read anything extra risky, my anxiety level was high enough just having the surgery. But I tell you what, my surgery was totally complication free. I believe the reason for the minimal pain was that I did only have the one incision and it healed super fast. Im grateful beyond belief for my sleeve

[frumpynomore 204]

I had the Spider technique surgery done in Austin, Texas and at the time I didn't want more scars but the MAIN reason I chose it was for less pain and side affects. I literally had NO pain! I woke up from surgery and if I hadn't seen the bandages on my tummy I would have never known I had surgery. I went home the next morning. I never was even sore at the incision which was on the inside upper half of my belly button. I sort of knew that I was going to have to have a TT so it wasn't so much the scars as it was the fear of pain that made my final decision.

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

Hmm... i had the normal lap surgery and incision pain was not a problem.

My ab muscles were a bit tender.

[nadoue 158]

Let the pic speaks for itself. Pain free, no complication, I have a flat belly with scars

[frumpynomore 204]

You are still SEXY even with the scars!

[TES 858]

Let the pic speaks for itself. Pain free, no complication, I have a flat belly with scars

Looking great, Nadou--congrats!

[nadoue 158]

Thx darling and I think I am too proud of the scars too, been in maintenance for abt a year now so they are smaller but still visible

[TES 858]

I had the Spider technique surgery done in Austin, Texas and at the time I didn't want more scars but the MAIN reason I chose it was for less pain and side affects. I literally had NO pain! I woke up from surgery and if I hadn't seen the bandages on my tummy I would have never known I had surgery. I went home the next morning. I never was even sore at the incision which was on the inside upper half of my belly button. I sort of knew that I was going to have to have a TT so it wasn't so much the scars as it was the fear of pain that made my final decision.

Didn't the surgeon from Mexico say that there is more pain with the spider technique? Or did I misread it? I'm sure that it varies by patient just like traditional laporoscopy though. I didn't let myself have a lot of incisional pain bc I used the pain meds (and then Tylenol) proactively. I know some people don't need the meds though.