The Egyptian’s story is one of mismatched expectations and a doctor-patient relation gone sour
Shaimaa Selim beamed at the cameras when her sister, Eman, was carried out of the customised Egypt Air aircraft that brought her 500 kg sister from their home in Alexandria, Egypt to Mumbai on February 11. A lot has changed since they landed in Mumbai. The relationship between bariatric surgeon Dr Muffazal Lakdawala and Shaimaa has soured. In fact, a bitter battle of words has marred Eman’s stay in India, with Semil alleging that her sister’s health has worsened in the last three months. A 13-member team, led by bariatric surgeon Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, has been fending off allegations, with the hospital administration saying they are paying the price for being honest. While surgeons all over have have kept a keen eye on the case, how did the blame game ensue in less than two months?
In February, when Eman was brought to Mumbai, Saifee Hospital spent Rs 73 lakh in transportation costs. A response to Dr Lakdawala’s tweet from External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj helped to further the process of Eman’s visa. Plans were set into motion and funds were raised before Eman could actually make the long journey to Mumbai.
Once doctors took charge and began the required medical procedure, Eman’s weight dipped by 100 kg in less than a few weeks. By March 18, Emam went from a massive 500 kg to 358 kg, and by mid-April, she was close to 250 kg, according to her doctors. A test had revealed that Eman had a rare genetic defect — with no cure — that caused weight gain.
Doctors at Saifee Hospital told Shaimaa that Eman would be discharged in two weeks, and added that her condition would be monitored remotely. “How can they ask me to take my sister back? How will I be able to take care of her. She is still so big,” she said. In a video posted by Shaimaa on April 14, which later went viral, she alleged that Eman was very sick and had not lost as much weight as the doctors had claimed.
Shaimaa then reached out to other hospitals, and soon, Burjeel Hospital in the UAE, founded by Indian-born billionaire Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, offered to not just help Eman but take care of Shaimaa and their mother for a year.
“They have promised to make Eman walk. She has deformed legs and walking will be difficult for her,” said Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, a doctor part of the team who was treating Eman.
Shaimaa, however, disagrees. “How can they give up on her after trying for just three months? If they treat her for a year and it doesn’t work then I can understand. They can’t give up so soon.”
Huzaifa Shahabi, COO, Saifee Hospital, said,“We have no reason to doubt the treatment provided. We are paying the price of giving a right opinion, while others sugarcoat facts,” said A leading city surgeon, on condition of anonymity, said, “Bariatric surgery is a field which creates a lot of hype. False and unrealistic expectations surround bariatric surgery. Patients must be informed about the possible outcomes and risks”
Quick facts
Eman’s current weight: Fluctuates between 170-178 kgs due to fluid retention
What next: Eman to be shifted to Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi. Likely to undergo gastric bypass
How it all unfolded
October 2016 Eman Ahmed’s younger sister Shaimaa Selim initiates a social media campaign and later contacts Dr Muffazal Lakdawala who gives his consent to treat Eman.
February 11, 2017 Eman Ahmed, an Egypt national, who weighs about 500 kg arrives in Mumbai for undergoing bariatric surgery at Saifee Hospital.
March 7, 2017 Eman undergoes surgery — a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at Saifee Hospital and loses more than 100 kg and her weight is down to 358 kg.
April 12, 2017 Eman loses 242 kg since her arrival and weighs less than 270 kg, a doctor attached with the team treating her claims.
April 14, 2017 Shaimaa, Eman’s sister calls Dr Lakdawala a liar in a video uploaded online. She says that Eman is not able to move and looks bluish. She does not talk at all. She is not able to move and there is no improvement.
Similar cases
Dr Shashank Shah, bariatric surgeon at Hinduja Healthcare, Khar in 2016 operated on UK-based Zachary Smith who was 310 kgs, and Vasai-based Amita Rajani, who weighed around 300 kgs before surgery. Both patients subsequently lost over 170 kgs.
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