You are here:

Bariatric Surgery/gastric bypass vs sleeve

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/28/2011


Question
Hello! I'm 240lbs getting ready to have the weight loss surgery.I really need help on which surgery is best for me,I'm not having any medical problems other than high blood pressure.I want to loose 120 lbs.

Answer
chell,
I like the results of both the gastric bypass and the sleeve for my patients.  With your minimal medical problems, I would not push you toward either operation and I think it is quite valid to choose based on which one 'feels' right to you after you learn about both.

If you study and meditate on this, and you are still on the fence, then I suggest you go with the gastric bypass because it is the one that has been around since the early 80's, and we know it works for decades.  The Sleeve has nice results at 5 years post-op, and I really believe it is going to be a good sustainable operation, but it is not yet proven in the same way as the gastric bypass.

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.