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Bariatric Surgery/weight loss surgery

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Expert: - 1/22/2010


Question
I Have Celiac Disease ...What Is the best Gastric Bypass Surgery for people with this disease??? I was told that the Lap Band would be better for me and that the doctors wouldn't perform gastric bypass because of this disease.. is this true??????????  

Answer
J,
Celiac disease means that you have an intestinal sensitivity to a certain protein found in wheat and some other grains.  I cannot think of anything about a gastric bypass procedure that would be a problem in this regard, since the usual recommended diet after gastric bypass is focused on minimizing wheat and other starchy carbohydrates.

One might imagine the possibility of an intestinal healing problem leading to a concern about gastric bypass, since the gastric bypass does involve cutting and re-routing the intestine.  However, I'm not aware of any such healing problem.

In short, I can't think of why there would be any special problem for a celiac sprue patient to undergo gastric bypass.  Perhaps there is some other reason the surgeons are recommending the Band instead?

Best wishes,

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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