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Bariatric Surgery/Regarding the lapband

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Expert: - 3/13/2011


Question
Hello my name is Michelle and I was wondering about the lapband and if I qualified I weigh 186 lbs and I'm 5'0 tall and I have high blood pressure and I'm on medication for the pressure ... Do I qualify and would I loose alot were I would look sickly instead of healthy...

Answer
Michelle,
With the height and weight you have listed, you have a Body Mass Index of 36.  That BMI level, combined with the presence of high blood pressure, makes it very likely that you are an appropriate physical candidate for Lap-Band or one of the other bariatric surgery procedures.  The best next step if you are interested in surgery will be to meet with a surgeon who is experienced in a variety of surgical procedures.  You can find a 'Center of Excellence' surgeon in your area on the web at:
http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx

Regarding your question about looking too skinny or looking ill due to weight loss - that is a more complicated issue and I have to recommend that you ask your chosen surgeon once you meet with him/her in person.  Generally speaking, folks feel so much better at the lower weight that they don't mind a bit of loose skin.

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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