Thank you for the kind wishes! I have to tell you, I've been one of those "silent" users of this website and it never ceases to amaze me about the kindness of the users of this forum! Thank you so much for all your help (even though you didn't know you were helping me!). After three years of research and visiting doctors, last summer (2002) I made the final decision to go for it and for Dr. Schweitzer to be the one to do it. My surgery was on Monday, April 21, 2003, and I was SHOCKED that Dr. Schweitzer was able to perform a LAP version on me since my BMI was so high! SCHWEITZER IS THE MAN!! I've been following his career as he's gone from one hospital to another teaching other doctors his techniques, and once I saw him at John Hopkins, I knew the time was right. Here is what I wrote to my family and friends and applies to many of you as well, a few hours after coming home from the hospital on Thursday, April 24:
Thanks so much for each of your thoughts and prayers. I just got home from the hospital a few hours ago but I'll try to fill you all in. After a
wonderful Easter with my whole family, we head back home for the last night before surgery on
Monday. We (hubby, sisters, Mom and Dad) had to leave my house at 4:15 am on Monday morning to arrive at John Hopkins at 6 a.m. for
pre-op stuff. I was the first on the list for Dr. Schweitzer's surgery day (which I was happy about). Everyone at Hopkins were outstanding, always making me feel comfortable and only reassuring me with their professionalism. After changing into a gown and getting my vital stats,
they sat us in a pre-op waiting area, where Dr. Schweitzer came out to brief us all. He had warned me that although he would try to do it
laproscopically, because of my size, it may have to be done "open". He also said, if there
is too much bleeding or anything unusual, then it would have to be an "open" procedure. He also discussed that he would be taking my gallbladder out while he was there since from the weight loss, stones will form. I'm getting light headed, so I'm going to cut this short. After a short 3 ½ hours, the Dr. came out and told my family that he was able to do the "Lap"
version, but he was not able to take out the gallbladder because my liver was so enlarged. He said, that he could give me pills to stop the stone from forming, but the real issue that we should be thankful for is that when he touched my liver, pieces just fell off, and that I was on my way to full blown liver disease, and that had I not gotten this operation to reduce my wgt., that he wouldn't have given me more than a year and a half to live, then I my liver would have deteriorated...all from obesity. The Dr. said that my liver would regenerate itself, so I shouldn't worry, but be happy that we caught it in time. If you ever needed more proof that there
is a living Lord who is ever interceding for us - let me be a witness to you of that fact! Great is HIS Faithfulness! Again, thanks for your prayers and thoughts! Ya'll are the BEST!
Respectfully,
DD Roberts