You are here:

Bariatric Surgery/Bariatric Surgery if I've had an ulcer?

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/29/2010


Question
I am a severely overweight 52 year old woman (215 pounds) and I am wondering if gastric bypass surgery is a good option for me.  I have had two bleeding duodenal ulcers, 10 years apart, which were remedied with endoscopic procedures.  I am also asthmatic, but otherwise in good health--no heart or blood pressure issues.  Is bariatric surgery an option for someone who has had a ulcer in the past?

Answer
Lisa,
I think it would be OK to do a gastric bypass in your case, though we would have a potential problem of not being able to reach the key area with a scope after the surgery.  I believe a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy would be a preferred option because of your ulcer history.  Following a sleeve operation, there would be no problem reaching the duodenum by scope in case there is a future question of ulcer in that area.

Best of luck!
Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.