Eman’s surgery to be recorded for posterity’s sake

Mumbai: This newspaper had earlier reported that the world’s heaviest woman, Egyptian national Eman Ahmed Abdulati, 36, was in the city to undergo weight-reduction bariatric surgery at the hands of bariatric surgeon, Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, Saifee Hospital. It is now learnt that the entire procedure related to the conduct of surgery on Ms Abdulati, who was admitted to Saifee Hospital last Saturday, is being recorded in audio-visual format.

Speaking to the The Asian Age, Dr Lakdawala said that the entire experience associated with treating Ms Abdulati who weighted 500kg at the time of admission into Saifee would be an invaluable case study for budding bariatric surgeons in the country and the rest of the world. He said that his team aimed to enable Ms Abdulati sit and have her food on her own within two months.

Dr Lakdawala said, “Her daily treatment and processes related to surgery will be recorded as a case study for upcoming medicos and surgeons, especially those wanting to be bariatric surgeons. In two months, I want to see Ms Abdulali sitting on the bed and having food.”

Since being admitted to Saifee, Ms Abdulati has lost 40kg, due to which she is able to move her hands and limbs slightly and is more cheerful. “I have operated on persons weighing 300 kg, so her weight reduction is a challenge. She has shed 40 kg since her admission a week ago,” said Dr Lakdawala.

He also said that Saifee had started an account in the name of “Save Eman” for receiving public donations to fund her treatment. Since her arrival, the hospital had received Rs 36 lakh from the public although earlier, it only had a few thousands of rupees. The estimated cost of the treatment will be Rs 1 crore. The hospital accepts even Rs 100 for the cause, even anonymously. “We are in need of Rs 1 crore for her treatment and surgery,” he said.