You are here:

Bariatric Surgery/WLS And Colostomy reversal

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/27/2009


Question
I am about a month away from an colostomy reversal due to injury.I just realized that my surgeon is the BEST in my state.Do you think he would (or even could)perform the reversal of my ostomy AND lapband/Bypass at the same time?Killing two birds with one big fat stone!haha   please let me know if its even a consideration before I foolishly ask him? thanks

Answer
Shelly,
It would be surgically reasonable to do a colostomy reversal with a gastric bypass, though some reasonable surgeons would prefer not to combine two substantial operations.

Most surgeons would not place a Band at the same time as colostomy reversal because the colostomy reversal always involves bacteria which might infect the Band.

The other consideration is insurance coverage.  It is very common for insurance companies to require a 3 month or a 6 month monitored diet as a delaying tactic to keep patients away from bariatric surgery.  For better or worse, this may need to be part of the decision process.

Short answer - it is not a silly question to ask, so I suggest you bring it up sooner rather than later.

Best of luck!
Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.