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Bariatric Surgery/Surgery with PCOS, Celiac

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Expert: - 9/11/2008


Question
I'm 5' 5" 285 lbs. and have PCOS, Celiac disease, and my doctor thinks I have a hiatal hernia. Would I be able to have gastric surgery? I'm most interested in the sleeve. Thank you.

Answer
Wendy,
None of the problems you have written about looks like a "stopper" for potential bariatric surgery.

The presence of PCOS is a factor that weighs in favor of any type of weight loss.  This is very likely to get better.

The hiatal hernia is probably not a problem (unless it is huge) with either a sleeve or a gastric bypass.

Celiac disease will probably not be affected by a sleeve (or any of the common surgical procedures), but it might be a little better because of less food overall.

Best of luck to you!

Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

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Volunteer

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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