Bariatric Surgery/Your Opinion

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Expert: - 3/13/2010


Question
Good Day:

I am considering having gastric bypass surgery after almost 3 years of research. I have my final evaluation on 03/15/2010 with the Registered Dietician and the Social Worker. I know what surgery am interested in so am not asking you to tell me which one I should have. What I would like to know is, base on your level of expertise in this field, what surgery would you say is the best and why? Thank you in advance.

Answer
Molly,
At the current time, if I were forced to choose only one operation to offer as an option for patients it would be the gastric bypass.  Fortunately, we have the ability to offer a wider variety of options to better suit individual needs, and I believe there is definitely a role for gastric sleeve and gastric band as well.  I have no personal experience with the BPD-DS.  A more complete answer is not practical via email.

Best of luck on your surgical journey!

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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