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Bariatric Surgery/Bariatric Surgery

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Expert: - 5/20/2010


Question
What is the difference between Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve?

Answer
Kaari,
Both the gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve use surgical stapling devices to reshape your stomach so that you can be satisfied with much smaller amounts of food.  In the gastric bypass, the surgeon also re-routes food flow to travel through the small intestine and there is a physical reaction against the intake of sugar.  With the gastric sleeve a large part of the stomach is removed but there is no re-routing.

Both operations are done laparoscopically.  Both are highly successful in promoting weight loss, with perhaps a slight edge to the gastric bypass.

A picture is worth 1,000 words so you may also check these procedures on the web at:

gastric bypass
http://www.ndwls.com/default/surgical-procedures/roux-en-y-gastric-bypass

gastric sleeve
http://www.ndwls.com/default/surgical-procedures/sleeve-gastrectomy


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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