Bariatric Surgery/revision

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Expert: - 2/26/2008


Question
I had a lapband removed in January 2007 because it had slipped.  I live in North Dakota and my doctor is just starting to do vsg surgeries.  This is the surgery I would very much like to have but I don't know if I should go to an experienced revision doctor or trust that he can do it. He has done many lapband surgeries and rny surgeries.  What you do think?  Thank you in advance.

Answer
Kay,
My experience is that it is technically easy to go from laparoscopic gastric bypass to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.  If your surgeon has lots of experience with gastric bypass, then I'd be confident with him/her doing a removal of slipped Band with conversion to sleeve.  Patients for whom I've done a similar conversion have been very happy.

Best of luck!
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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