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Bariatric Surgery/Lap Band <35 bmi

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Expert: - 9/11/2007


Question
Do you know of any (East Coast) studies or bariatric centers that will perform lap band surgery on a patient with less than 35 BMI? I have read about placed in Arizona and Texas that only require greater than 30 BMI.  My BMI is 31 and I have been struggling for 5 years to lose weight. I understand the risks and am willing to self pay. I just want to be sure I have a safe procedure and not sure I trust going to Mexico.

Answer
Peri,
I am one of the surgeons who believes a Lap-Band can be medically reasonable in a well-prepared and well-educated patient with a BMI between 30 and 35.  However I am not on the East Coast.

I don't have specific knowledge of surgical protocols for my colleagues' practices across the country, though I would be hopeful that one of the following practices would agree this is reasonable:

Drs. Christine Ren

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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