You are here:

Bariatric Surgery/gastric bypass revision

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/29/2008


Question
How overweight does a person have to be to qualify for a gastric bypass revision?

Answer
Katrena,
Whether or not a person is appropriate to undergo revision actually has a lot more to do with the anatomy of their original gastric bypass.  So the first question is:  is there anything wrong that a repeat surgery will actually be likely to fix?

If yes, then the complexity and risk of the revision surgery has to be balanced against the level of illness being caused by the weight or other problems.  There is really not any formula out there - it is considered on a case-by-case basis.  As you might suspect, insurance coverage for revision surgery is also quite variable.

Best of luck!
Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

John Pilcher, MD

Expertise

I can answer medically oriented questions about bariatric surgery including: patient selection, preparation for surgery, differences between types of bariatric surgery, aftercare following bariatric surgery. I can answer detailed questions about gastric bypass, Lap-Band, gastric sleeve, and revision bariatric surgery. I am only somewhat familiar with Biliopancreatic diversion. I am not prepared to answer insurance or other financial questions related to bariatric surgery.

Experience

I have been a practicing bariatric surgeon since 1995. About 85% of my current practice consists of bariatric surgery, including all of the above procedures except biliopancreatic diversion. I am the senior surgeon of a 5-surgeon group. I am recognized among surgeons and other medical professionals as the most experienced bariatric surgeon in my region.

Organizations
Fellow of American College of Surgeons Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Education/Credentials
BA in Biochemistry - University of Virginia Medical Degree - University of Virginia Surgical Residency - University of Virginia

Awards and Honors
Alpha Omega Alpha

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.