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Bariatric Surgery/lapband scarring
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Question
I had lapband surgery 2.5 yrs ago & just recently had to have it taken out due to scarring around the band. It was choking off my stomach to the point that I couldn't eat or drink for 6 days. The doctor said he couldn't put in the bigger band because my scar tissue was so thick it would just do it again to the new band.
My question is if this happened with the lapband, would I have similar issues if I qualified to have gastric bypass?
Tambra,
This scenario of thick scarring around the Band is not typical, but still I think I can answer your question. Most likely, the scarring was a reaction to the presence of the Band itself, and it seems unlikely to me that you would have a similar problem with a gastric bypass. I certainly think it would be worth your time to meet with an experienced bariatric surgeon to consider a possible gastric bypass - the surgeon can then look closely at exactly what happened with the Band and decide if a gastric bypass seems reasonable from a risk/benefit standpoint. I suspect the answer for you will be 'yes.'
Best of luck,
Dr JP
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Answers by Expert:
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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