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Bariatric Surgery/weight loss surgery

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Expert: - 12/4/2009


Question
Will the RNY procedure work as well as the DS for someone who has previously undergone lap-banding? I have lost about 50% of the weight i wanted to, but after 5 years am only having problems and pain so am planning a revision. Thank you!

Answer
Julie,
Both the gastric bypass and the DS ought to be reasonable surgical options at the time of Band removal.  I don't perform the DS so I have limited direct experience with it, but the understanding from the surgical literature is that the DS causes more weight loss on average than the gastric bypass, with a higher rate of nutritional problems in the short term and long term.  I would not rule out consideration of a gastric sleeve at the time of Band removal.

In a situation like yours, I think it makes the most sense to find an experienced bariatric surgeon with whom you can develop a good relationship, then work with him/her to choose the available option that has the best chance of working for you.

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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