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Bariatric Surgery/general question

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Expert: - 10/17/2007


Question
hi dr. pilcher

there's alot of people that have a fast metabolism that can eat anything they want and burn it off quickly, regardless if it's healthy or junk food.  but doesn't the fat still collect in the arteries?  so even if the person is skinny in their 50's their arteries could be severely clogged?  am right in thinking this?

Answer
SK,
I don't think anyone knows the whole story on weight vs. arterial blockage.  In essence, you are correct that there can be a big mismatch between the amount of food consumed (and the amount stored) and how much blood vessel blockage there is.

The statistics show that rising weight does correlate with a rising risk of blood vessel blockage.  However, sometimes heavy people can have normal arteries, and skinny people can have blockages.

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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