Bariatric Surgery/surgery

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Expert: - 5/17/2010


Question
Hi, I have RA and am due to have surgery for a gastric sleeve to reduce my weight.  I am concerned about my immune system attacking the sleeve.  Do you have any information regarding this matter.
Regards Shirley

Answer
Shirley,
I am pleased to be able to provide you with substantial reassurance.  During performance of the gastric sleeve operation, the surgeon does not insert any artificial material to wrap around the stomach, as many people naturally conclude from the word "sleeve."  Surgically speaking, the "sleeve" refers to the fact that the stomach is reshaped into a narrow tube.  Since it is all your own natural gastric tissue, there is nothing new to which your immune system ought to react.

To be perfectly precise, there will be some number of tiny titanium staples used which seal the cut edge of the stomach, but the titanium is completely non-reactive inside the body and should not present any risk of immune reaction either.

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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