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: 4/26/2008 Subject: thyroid removed contemplating bariatric surgery
Question 3 years ago I had my thyroid removed after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer and have been on synthroid ever since.
Does not having a thyroid disqualify me from having this type of surgery and if not will this affect the results of
the weight loss compared to those with a thyroid? I am on 175 of synthroid currently and thyroid levels have been stabilized since the removal.
Answer Rachel,
There should be no problem with bariatric surgery, in the context of your having your thyroid removed previously.
One question that often comes up is about absorption of medications after surgery. It's been my experience that absorption is basically normal, but that thyroid replacement doses often need to be changed as weight changes and as body metabolism changes.
