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: 5/5/2008 Subject: questions about mgb
Question I amintrested in having the mgb but I have a few questions as I have a husband and a 12 year old son that I don't want to leave behind.
1.Is there a chance I wouldn't make it through the surgery and what are the chances?
2.Will my Medicaid pay for the mgb and if not how much does it cost?
3.Will I be able to lose the entire 91 lbs that I want/need to lose?
4.How long does the surgery last and how long will I be in the hospital?
5.Can this be reversed if I get or decide to become pregnate or decide it's not for me?
Answer Mrs. Johnson,
You asked about the "mgb" and I think you are referring to the Mini Gastric Bypass.
I have to tell you that the Mini Gastric Bypass is not a well accepted surgical procedure: the weight loss is variable, and in my experience a number of patients have devastating nutritional complications from the mgb.
Other bariatric procedures such as the gastric bypass or the gastric band ought to be reasonable options in helping you achieve better health with lower weight. I'll answer some of your questions as they relate to the standard procedures:
1) There is a chance of death with any surgery, but for properly selected patients the chance of death from weight loss surgery is far less than the risk from the weight. It is VERY rare for a patient to die "on the table."
2) Medicaid is a state-directed program. I don't know what the status would be in your state, and I generally don't keep up with insurance/financial issues.
3) People lose different amounts of weight after bariatric surgery - a lot depends on how the patient works with the surgery to get the best results.
4) For specifics about your surgery, you will really need to meet your surgeon.
5) Options for reversal depend on what surgery you have done. I have not found it necessary to change the procedure to account for a pregnancy.
In order to find a surgeon who will do a great job with the standard procedures and answer some of your questions in more detail, you can go to the website for our national organization:
www.asmbs.com
