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Bariatric Surgery/bariatric surgery after ileostomy

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Expert: - 10/15/2009


Question
Hello,

My dad has an ileostomy bag and also needs to lost a large amount of weight.  He had a stroke after his ileostomy surgery which makes exercising difficult due to partial paralysis.  So, I am wondering if it is possible to have gastric bypass or lapband surgery with an ileostomy.  He spoke to one doctor who said no because of bacterial issues.  Please let me know.

Answer
Katie,
I think it is marginally acceptable to place a Band in a patient with an ostomy, but I think most surgeons would agree it the least desirable option of the available bariatric procedures because of possible bacterial contamination.

On the other hand, the gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve are quite tolerant of infection and I would not rule them out on the basis of the ostomy.

Best of luck,
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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