Expert: John Pilcher, MD - 12/12/2008

Question
Your wrote in November, "Dr. Rutledge has long performed surgery and follow up in a way that is outside the accepted standards of our professional society..." I am very curious in what way is his work outside the standards? And, is it because sufficient professional studies have not been done by independent sources? Or is the accepted standards process so laborious and excessive that medical innovation takes an extraordinary long time to become widespread? The clos.net site certainly elaborates on the higher complication rate of Roux-en-Y and lower success rate of lap banding compared to the Mini-Gastric Bypass procedure. Although, I realize that the data given is from clos.net and therefore, self-serving. I just need help in trying to find the safest and most effective procedure. I live in NM, and have no idea how to find a knowledgeable and reputable physician. Thank you so much in advance for your consideration.

Answer
Mary,
I also don't know of any bariatric surgery programs in New Mexico.  The programs that I can feel comfortable recommending to you, that are in your general geographic area, are in Las Vegas (Dr. Cottman and partners) or in Los Angeles (Dr. Cuneen and partners).

Best of luck,
Dr JP