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: 7/2/2008 Subject: Gastric bypas vs sleeve
Question I am scheduled for bypass on July 28th which my insurance "was" going to cover. During my office visit the physician realized they had sent in the wrong BMI & weight. They notified my insurance and now they are probably not going to cover it, it is in review.I asked about self paying and he stated that the bypass was to expensive but he could do a sleeve for around 12-14K. My question is: am I a candidate for the sleeve and would it be beneficial? I am 5'6" and 231 lbs.
Answer LaShon,
There are a lot of factors in this decision that can't really be captured in an email, so whatever feedback I give you will need to be considered as just some thoughts in the midst of your real-life experience.
#1) Given the height and weight you listed, your BMI is 37. Most insurance will cover surgery if there is any associated medical problem, even something like chronic back pain. I strongly recommend you do not give up on insurance since most folks don't have $10-20K sitting around.
#2) In most locations the price for a gastric bypass is in the range of $20K, but also the sleeve is usually in the range of $16K. I recommend you learn what the cost of the gastric bypass actually is.
#3) The sleeve may be a good operation but it has not been proven in the long run. There are only 3 years worth of published results for the sleeve.....
