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Bariatric Surgery/BMI 32, Can someone refer me to a bariatric surgeon?

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Expert: - 5/14/2009


Question
I am 5'0" tall and weigh 165 lbs, which puts me at a BMI of 32. Are there any bariatric surgeons in the US that will accept me as a cash pay patient? I don't want to wait until my BMI is any higher, I need to do something about this NOW. I've been overweight the last 7 years. I used to weigh 90 lbs before I had my three children. I am 32 years old and do have GERD, but otherwise healthy. Just very much obese at this point.

Answer
V,
Many experienced bariatric surgeons DO believe it is medically reasonable to perform bariatric surgery for a well informed and well motivated individual with the physical characteristics you describe.  Most of us would suggest a gastric band or gastric sleeve (usually not a gastric bypass) for someone in your weight range.

I recommend you call directly to Center of Excellence sites in your area, which you can locate on the web at:
https://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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