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About 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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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Obesity > Bariatric Surgery > one kidney, GERD, & PCOS
Expert: John Pilcher, MD
Date: 5/11/2008
Subject: one kidney, GERD, & PCOS
Question
I have one kidney, GERD, and was recently diagnosed with PCOS. I am 75 pounds overweight and can not get it off. I have heard you must be 100 pounds over-weight to have surgery. Is this true? And, do my other health conditions disqualify me for a surgical bypass or lap band?
Answer
Brenda,
It is quite likely the weight is causing medical harm in your case, as you appear to know well. If surgery is done for you, I would lean toward the gastric bypass because it is likely to help you with the GERD and PCOS more than the Band. There are two remaining questions to answer:
1) Does it make sense medically to have a gastric bypass, or in other words: is the risk of surgery LESS THAN the risk of weight over time. Most likely this is true, but this can only be truly determined by visiting in person with an experienced surgeon.
2) Will the surgery be covered? Your weight is in the gray zone, where the answer may be yes or no. Here also, my advice is to visit in person with an experienced bariatric surgeon - this is certainly worth your time.
You can find a Center of Excellence surgeon in your area by using our national organization website:
www.asmbs.org
Best of luck!
Dr JP
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