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
Question I had a lap band placed 10-2007. I am miserable & in constant pain. I found out this week I have a hiatal hernia & reflux so bad that there is a stricture of scar tissue in my distal esophagus. Some days ice cream is all I can tolerate, even water creates such pain I nearly pass out. After an endoscopy MOnday, I am treating that with Nexium, and they also dilated my esophagus and will repeat it next month. Now I am having such severe pain under my diaphragm on the right side. It's tender to touch, my pants, although lose, feel like they are 3 sizes too tight. It hurts to take in a deep breath or stand up straight. Now what do I do? I don't even know what to do next. How long until my esophagus heals and I can eat without being near tears? I hate this, this is no longer life.
Answer Lori,
It sounds like you are having problems with your esophagus so that it can't work with the Band. In many cases like this, the Band needs to be removed but I strongly recommend you see your surgeon to help figure this out. He/she ought to work with you until you can swallow without undue pain.
Some surgeons are unduly attached to the Band - if your original surgeon will not discuss removal then you may need to see another surgeon. You may find a surgeon who practices at a Center of Excellence on our national website:
www.asmbs.org
You and the surgeon will probably wish to discuss conversion of your anatomy to another weight loss procedure such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. If the Band is simply removed then you are likely to continue having swallowing problems and you are basically guaranteed to regain weight.
