Question:
Not a question - Report on Lou Mastrofrancesco

Hi everyone, I want to preface this with letting you know I am a pre op with my open RnY surgery scheduled for December 13th at Port Huron General Hospital. Although the following is troubling, I have not wavered in my decision to have this surgery. Lou Mastrofrancesco has been moved from Port Huron General Hospital to St. Johns Hospital in Harper Woods, Michigan. His condition is critical and is in need of all your prayers and good wishes. Lou had an open RnY on Thursday and has been in trouble since the surgery. His wife Linda has asked me to post this as an alert to all pre-ops that there are very real dangers to be faced in having this surgery. Linda stated that Lou knew the risks but that this decision is one that should be made with all the facts. Lou & Linda discussed the possibility of his death and he made the decision to go ahead with the surgery. It is a risk for all of us. Although I have never met Lou & Linda in person only through this list and in recent phone conversations I feel really close to them. I appologize for this posting being so long but I promised Linda that I would give an honest report to all of you.    — BOB J. (posted on November 20, 1999)

November 20, 1999
Hi Bob, Thank you for posting all the updates on Lou. You are a really good friend and angel. This news is very disturbing and I will continue to keep both Lou and Linda in my prayers. Please let us know what happens.
   — Jodie R.

November 20, 1999
My prayers are with Lou and his wife. I will keep you in my thoughts. God Bless
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 20, 1999
Bob, Thank you for the continued updates on Lou. I have kept them in my thoughts and Meditations and will continue. And thank Linda for the honest facts. If I could ask... were his complications due to the surgery itself or from other conditions? It really does not matter i suppose but I was curious as my sister is still considering this surgery. I had surgery in June of this year and have never had one moment of complications. I realize every day just how lucky I have been. I went into this with very serious liver problems but not serious enough that the surgeon felt the risk was worth it and so did I. I have lost 85 pounds since 6/17/99 and have not felt this wonderful in many years. Please do what is best for you when it comes to this surgery and know that you will be constantly in my thoughts. Just wanted you to have good news too. Blessed Be. Cheri
   — Cheri H.

November 21, 1999
Thank you Bob, for posting and updating the group on Lou's condition. We all are greatly concerned and please know that all our prayers and thoughts go out to him and his family. Thank you also for talking with Linda and letting her know that we all care deeply. You're really good friend and angel to them both. My heart goes out to them and you for assisting in the way you have. I too am pre-op 12/8 is my date and although I can't say I'm not wavering, this group has been a beacon of light for a hope of a better tomorrow and has been my salvation. Good or bad it gets the facts out there for all to examine and decide if RNY is for them. Again my prayers are with Lou tonight and each and every one of us..
   — Victoria B.