Dear Teresa, thank you very much for your welcome and response to my post. I sincerely appreciate your kindness. I am embarrassed to say that at the time that I met with the vascular surgeon my mind was all over the place and I did not ask about the reason for an open procedure rather than a stent. I suspect that it may be due to my BMI. It was explained to me that the invasive procedure will eradicate the aneurysm rather than a stent. Of course I intend to discuss this with the doctor. Very anxious to have it done and start recuperating. I was told it would likely be a 6-8 week recovery, something I am not looking forward to as I am sure no one is. I am hopeful that I will be cleared for surgery by the end of this month and be on schedule. Thank you again.