Two and a half years ago, I had open surgery to remove my bladder and uterus, due to bladder cancer. I had a new bladder "built" from my intestines. I went into the surgery thinking it would be done laproscopically but they couldn't and had to do an open surgery, due to my previous scarring from an emergency appendectomy years back. I spent 12 hours in the operating room and 12 days in the hospital.

My surgery is scheduled for November 20, and the surgeon has said that he does 99% of his sleeve surgeries laproscopically. But I'm worried. If they couldn't do my other surgeries lap, is this one going to be any different? Should I plan on having more time in the hospital?

always plan ahead but talk to your surgeon about your concerns because he will be able to guide you so that you are safe during the operation and when you are recovering. on your next visit or if not visit call the office and schedule a meeting with him and express your concerns and tell him everything that has happened so he can prepare you now for what could possibly happen in the OR. Best of Luck and keep us up to date with how everything goes.

Oh he is aware. I have a hernia the size of a basketball and originally went to him regarding hernia surgery. He wants me to lose weight (quickly, before the hernia strangulates my bowels and my stoma), he is the one who suggested the WLS first.

I haven't read yet where anyone has had to have open surgery?

okay well it was just a suggestion and i hope it all goes well for you. i havent seen that anywhere either but im sure if you google it you may be able to find info about it and it may lead you to here. Again Best of Luck!!

I have had 3 open abdominal procedures and my surgeon told me that I might have another. I was very happy today when I woke up today after my surgery that was laparoscopic! My docs ordered a ct scan in advance and my dr's approach was different as a result. Surgery went great and the nurse said there were high fives from the OR Team! Hoping things go smoothly for you as well.

I have had 3 open abdominal procedures and my surgeon told me that I might have another. I was very happy today when I woke up today after my surgery that was laparoscopic! My docs ordered a ct scan in advance and my dr's approach was different as a result. Surgery went great and the nurse said there were high fives from the OR Team! Hoping things go smoothly for you as well.

Awesome! Thanks for the hope!

Is it amazingly different to wake up to lap surgery as opposed to open?

I have my annual cancer scans and xrays the same day as my pre-testing stuff, so they will have very recent scans!

Yes, in my case it was night and day because the worst procedure I had involved a 12-15 inch incision and was done quickly because of an emergency situation and internal injury. My c sections were not so bad but still worse than this. I actually spoke to my dr this morning prior to surgery and he said that he's only had to perform 3 open procedures for WLS so usually they can work around the scar tissue.