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Bariatric Surgery/kidney donation

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Expert: - 11/10/2010


Question
I am considering donating a kidney to my brother who has Diabetic kidney disease, but I am also considering bariatric suegery. Can I donate a kidney after surgery or should I do it before? Can I have bariatric surgery after I donate a kidney? Thanks for your help.

Answer
Sonya,
We in the medical profession have the greatest respect for those who are willing to donate parts of their body in the service of others.  Many thanks to you for that wonderful contribution.

There is some advantage to having the bariatric surgery first, because the kidney donation procedure will be easier (safer) and because the remaining kidney will have less metabolic load in the setting of your decreased weight.

On the other hand, if your brother is medically ready to undergo kidney transplant then it is probably best to go forward before his body suffers more strain from the dialysis and existing kidney failure.  The factors I mentioned above are not overwhelming factors, and there should not be any interference with the kidney donation procedure and a later bariatric surgical procedure.

Last and most importantly, I definitely recommend for you to discuss this question with the doctors of the transplant team that would care for you and your brother.

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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