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Bariatric Surgery/How do i go about it?

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Expert: - 3/5/2009


Question
I am a 20, 5'2 and 285 lbs. I have tried dieting seriously for the past 5 years or so with no major success.

My questoin is, how do I go about getting bariatric surgery? I dont really have a regular doctor I go to. Could I make an appointment with any random doctor and say I want it? What would be involved?

thanks,

Kristen

Answer
Kristen,
Thanks for writing.

Your description of yourself indicates that bariatric surgery probably IS a reasonable option for you, from a medical standpoint.

Your best way to move forward is to find an experienced and dedicated bariatric surgeon in your area.  I recommend you search on the website that lists surgeons who are designated as a Center of Excellence.

http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx

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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