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Bariatric Surgery/Rheumotoid Arthritis Medication

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Expert: - 11/7/2008


Question
I am on Remicade Infusion treatments every 8 weeks and Methotraxiate for RA.  Will this have any effect or problems on me having gastric bypass surgery?  Also, will I be able to continue with the treatments following surgery?

Answer
Cindy,
To my knowledge there is not any formal answer to your question in the medical literature.  In my personal experience, I have done gastric bypass on 5 or 7 patients with severe RA, who have been on remicade and/or methotrexate.  There have not appeared to be any adverse effects on the gastric bypass in terms of healing, ulcers, or similar problems.  Thus in my experience these meds are not a contra-indication for weight loss surgery.

I hope this is helpful.

Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

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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

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