>laparoscopic chronicles

LAPAROSCOPIC COLECTOMY
Testimonial by Theresa Ann

I was diagnosed with a polyp on my stomach in 1999.  It was monitored, and in February 2000 I was told that it had grown larger and possibly thicker.  Dr. Likier referred me to Dr. James Rosser.

Upon meeting Dr. Rosser, I immediately felt comfortable.  He is friendly, down to earth and more compassionate than any other doctor I’ve seen.  Dr. Rosser felt comfortable that he could remove the polyp through laparoscopy and scheduled my surgery for July.  There was always the chance that he would need to do the surgery traditionally with a large cut, but we were praying for the best.

As every patient should, I intended to obtain a second opinion.  However, after questioning a few other doctors and researching on the internet, I received such high recommendations about Dr. Rosser that I had no doubt that he was the best doctor for the job.

I went into surgery in the late morning of Friday July 7, 2000.  My daughters were waiting for me during the procedure and were kept informed on a regular basis by Dr. Rosser or one of his assistants.  Although 40% of my stomach needed to be removed to encompass the polyp, I was very fortunate to have it done all through laparoscopy.  My initial scars were smaller than a half dollar.

After the surgery, I was obviously uncomfortable - but not in very much pain.  I was able to begin liquids on Monday and felt better every day.  I was released from the hospital on Wednesday July 12 and was able to eat soft foods.  The first few days at home were a little rough, but I was in touch with the doctor’s office regularly.  Moving around at home was a bit difficult, but I had the support and assistance of my daughters during that time.

My only set back was about one month after the procedure.  I was afraid to drink too many fluids (and become too full and unable to eat healthful meals).  This caused me to become dehydrated.  Dr. Rosser saw me right away.  After just one day of taking his advice and drinking Gatorade and Coca Cola Classic, I felt 100% better.

The greatest part of this situation was that I only saw Dr. Rosser.  He did not stop caring for me after my surgery by making me see one of his associates.  He personally visited with me each visit and made me feel very much at ease.

By September, I was able to resume a normal diet with normal portions.  And when I turned 70 years old in October, I was as healthy and happy as I had ever been.  My scars are now the size of a fingernail and I’ve lost 15 pounds.

Overall, my experience with Dr. Rosser has been a very positive one.  He is a wonderful man and an extremely skilled doctor.  He gives credit for all of his talents to the Lord, and I believe he is truly blessed. 

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