Expert: John Pilcher, MD - 11/2/2009

Question
I'm considering the lap band surgery.  I'm 5'4, 233 lbs.  My family has a history of diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, back pain (I suffer from a back injury w/ multiple disk herniation), and both parents have had knee surgery.  I'm currently 33 years old, a personal trainer (its true!), and not suffering from any weight related illness...yet.  My back injury is due to a cheer leading accident in high school and two car accidents.  I'm researching my options as dieting hasn't brought me too much luck and I don't want the effects from yo-yo dieting.  I believe my BMI was 42 at one point.  What are your thoughts?  I'm trying to find the dietary restrictions (long term), and general recovery time for the most part.  Can you help?

Answer
Kimberly,
It sounds to me like you are a great candidate for a bariatric surgical procedure.  What I mean by that is that you are working hard to inform yourself, you are currently fit in spite of obesity, and you are not yet "damaged" enough from the weight that you would have excessive risk from surgery.  It also seems that you are faced with a lifetime struggle against obesity, and you could use some help.

An excellent unbiased website for you to continue your education is at www.bariatricedge.com

The step after that should be for you to visit a committed bariatric practice in your area.  You can find practices at:
https://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx

Best of luck!

Dr JP