E-mail from my surgeon

I just got this e-mail from my surgeon: "I have learned that all of the surgeons who usually assist me for laparoscopic bypasses are gone on 31 March. My coordinator had failed to confirm their availability for that date. We can easily go ahead with an open bypass on 31 March, but I do not have the proper assistance for a laparoscopic case on that date. I'm sorry for figuring this out so late." Well, needless to say I am dissapointed. I've written him back asking how long I'd have to wait to have it done lap. I told him I would go ahead with the open if I had to wait more than a couple of weeks. I seriously doubt I could get in that soon so I'm shifting gears and planning for an open RNY. So that's life. If this is the biggest dissapointment I have with regard to this surgery, I'll be pretty lucky I guess. The main thing is that I will have the surgery. Right? Caboose T-7 (I think)

I can't believe that their office was that screwed up! I'm so sorry Rob! Open is not that bad. Kind of gives you a strip of courage! I'd ask for a huge discount in compensation for the mental anguish though!!!!!! I'm here for you--whatever comes! Joy

Yes apparently his patient care coordinator dropped the ball somewhere. However, I have tremendous confidence in my surgeon and know that this is not at all a poor reflection on him or his abilities as a surgeon. Heck, he's the Chief Surgeon at University of Washington and I just read in US News that they rated the UW hospital number 10 in the country. I don't think he messed up here at all. Just one of the employees. Onward and upward!

Pretty shoddy! I tell you, when I woke up in recovery and looked down and saw that the surgery was over I immediately felt a wave of relief and thought, "It's done! It's over! No one can say no or take this away from me now!" So go with your gut, but I think it's best to just get it done. Especially in light of that article! Very best of luck, -Eve

Rob whatever you decide I know that I will be praying for you!! You have always been supportive of me and anything that I have posted so I will be the same for you sweetie!!! `Nicole

Thank you Nicole. That is very kind and I really do appreciate your prayers. Shalom, Rob

Oh Rob! I can't believe this happened to you at the last moment! Yikes - nothing like planning on one thing only to have the rug pulled out from under you. I guess it depends on how much time you planned to take off work. I feel fantastic having gone open, but it is a longer recuperation period than with the lap. But I have to say the lap gallbladder I had done hurt a lot more than this. Right now the stick in my craw are these doggone staples that I can't get taken out until Monday. THAT is what hurts most for me, and even then they are more of an annoyance than anything. There is one other thing that open does bring and that is a higher risk of hernia later, but it can work in your favor if you feel you want a tummy tuck, so it's a toss-up. Personally, having gone open already, I would still go for the open. But I understand when you get your heart set on lap it would be a hard pill to swallow. Fact is you do heal up quicker with the lap. I know I'm no help - sorry! But no matter what you decide, you'll always be our caboose! Dina -16

I didn't have any staples, Dina I am "glued" and my incision has never hurt except when I push on it.....funny how different each procedure is and how alike at the same time.....(wow, sally what a stupid statement)

Rob, you are are caboose....no matter what. But let me tell you, OPEN in this case is not much different. I had laparoscopic gall bladder surgery and hurt worse in recovery then open in this one. My OPEN is actually called a "Mini Laparotomy" and my incicison is less than 4 inches and surgery took an hour. That means you are under general anesthesia LESS time so that is an advantage too.. I think I am healing almost as quickly as LAP patients and I am ancient in age too....LOL Just an FYI but I hope you go with the Open.

Thanks Sally, That is comforting to hear.