AboutJohn 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
Expert: John Pilcher, MD Date: 4/10/2008 Subject: Lap Band and Blood disorder
Question QUESTION: I am a 58 year old female. I am in generally good health except being 100 lbs overweight. I have Essential Thrombocythemia and I have been in remission for 12 years with the treatment of interferon a. My platelet count has been normal for 12 years.
I want desperately to have lap band surgery because of knee pain and stress bladder incontinence.
Could you please ask the doctor if I would be "excluded" from lapband because of ET. Are there additional risks because of this and how great are they.
I would appreciate any information more than I can tell you.
Many thanks,
Angela
ANSWER: Angela,
Personally, I would not exclude you from consideration for gastric banding from what you have described. I would probably want to get the opinion of a hematologist, quite likely the one treating you already would be fully satisfactory.
Even so, it is a bit of a judgment call and you really need to be evaluated by the surgeon in your area who might perform the surgery for you. To find a surgeon who practices at a Center of Excellence in your area, please go to our national society website at www.asmbs.org
Best of luck!
Dr JP
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QUESTION: My attending hematologist does not like the idea. I don't think he knows anything about the surgery other than it is voluntary and that it is laproscopic.
Answer Angela,
It's unfortunate if your hematologist is not "on board." I recommend you go ahead and meet a surgeon in your area. As long as you and the surgeon agree that Band surgery is reasonable, together you can find a way to work with or work around a doctor who is unsupportive through lack of knowledge.
