| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| weight gain | 11/16/2009 |
Q: I am 3 1/2 years out and I have gained 35 pounds. I am wondering if there is anything that my ...
A: Amy, It sounds like you had a gastric bypass procedure. Later weight gain is unfortunately common, ...
|
| Single Kidney bariatric surgery | 11/8/2009 |
Q: Approximately 2 years ago I had renal cancer. At this time my (L) kidney was totally removed. All ...
A: Terry, Once your doctors can be reasonably certain that you are free of kidney cancer and that you ...
|
| Gastric Sleeve after Lap Band | 11/6/2009 |
Q: I have had my Lap Band for 2 years now and went in to my surgeon to get a fill because I have ...
A: Jennifer, You are right that this is a distressing situation. Most people who have a Band are very ...
|
| lap band consideration | 11/2/2009 |
Q: I'm considering the lap band surgery. I'm 5'4, 233 lbs. My family has a history of diabetes, ...
A: Kimberly, It sounds to me like you are a great candidate for a bariatric surgical procedure. What I ...
|
| gastric sleeve post op care | 10/26/2009 |
Q: I have researched this procedure but cannot find out in great detail but I am having difficulty ...
A: Diana, The best person to answer your diet and restriction questions is your surgeon, so I really ...
|
| Lap Band option for the >30 BMI patients | 10/19/2009 |
Q: I am 5'7" and 170 lbs. I've tried all the diets out there but still can't keep the weight off. I ...
A: Diane, The information you've provided puts you at a BMI of 27. I can see where it would be great ...
|
| bariatric surgery after ileostomy | 10/15/2009 |
Q: My dad has an ileostomy bag and also needs to lost a large amount of weight. He had a stroke after ...
A: Katie, I think it is marginally acceptable to place a Band in a patient with an ostomy, but I think ...
|
| Recovery from RNY reversal | 10/14/2009 |
Q: I am 6 years post RNY and for the past year have been in and out of the hospital and on TPN due to ...
A: Tina, Reversal of the gastric bypass is not all that common, so it is hard to talk about a routine ...
|
| Post RNY | 10/13/2009 |
Q: I had gastroplasty in 1980 and lost 125 lbs. I was never able to eat food that wasn't pureed without ...
A: Sonja, It is impossible for me to make a sensible projection about the lump in your stomach without ...
|
| Lap band removed still in pain!!!!! | 10/12/2009 |
Q: I had lap band surgery in May 2009, in July 2009 they did a revision and hiatal hernia repair as I ...
A: Tracey, I am super sorry but I have not run into this type of problem before. It sounds as if you ...
|
| Ulcer | 9/24/2009 |
Q: I had Lap.Gastric Bypass surgery in 2001. I lost most of the weight I needed too. Recently though,I ...
A: Lorena, I don't mean any disrespect for your primary doctor, but you DEFINITELY should be evaluated ...
|
| Sleeve and Crohn's Disease | 9/13/2009 |
Q: I am a 52 year old woman and weigh approximately 246 lbs. I have yoyo dieted all my adult life and ...
A: Snow, I am not able to form an opinion about the distribution of your inflammatory bowel disease and ...
|
| surgeon will not do revision from lapband to gastric bypass | 9/10/2009 |
Q: in Sept. of 2007 I had a lapband put in, at first I lost about 15 pounds due to throwing up all the ...
A: Linda, I am really sorry to hear about your difficulties. The information you have provided does ...
|
| port fills | 9/9/2009 |
Q: why after a fill is there 2 days of liquids
A: Tracy, Our experience is that the process of putting fluid into your Band causes the stomach tissue ...
|
| Lap Banb Post Surgery Recovery Stomach Spasms | 9/5/2009 |
Q: I am now in my 3rd day of post lap band surgery. I started to experience stomach rolling/spasm the ...
A: Yvonne, The best answer is that you should speak to your surgeon or whoever is covering for him/her. ...
|
| IS FISTULA CAUSE OF PAIN | 8/27/2009 |
Q: I AM A 33 YEAR OLD FEMALE. I HAD AN OPEN RNY PROCUDURE PERFORMED IN JUNE OF 2005. I LOST ABOUT 90 ...
A: Jennifer, If I understand correctly, you are asking about a fistula between your stomach pouch and ...
|
| Lap Band Removal | 8/9/2009 |
Q: Doctor Pilcher, I had Lap Band surgery three years ago. Within a year my band slipped, my ...
A: Sue, Given what you have described, I agree it is time to give up on the Band in your case. For ...
|
| RHUEMATOID ARTHRITIS AND BY-PASS SURGERY | 8/6/2009 |
Q: I had the rouen-y procedure May of 2004. I have been in very good health since until 11/08 when I ...
A: Sheryl, I can see how this is a really tough situation, and unfortunately I agree with your doctor ...
|
| burping | 7/30/2009 |
Q: I had the roux en y on July 8th. I keep having burping with a foul taste and odor. Is this common?
A: Beth, Foul burping is not a terribly common symptom in my experience. If you are able to drink ...
|
| incisional hernia /unable to eat | 7/22/2009 |
Q: I had a vertical banded gastroplasty in 1998. Since then I have lost 100 lbs but gained it all back. ...
A: Deborah, Unfortunately this is a fairly characteristic situation with the (outmoded) Vertical Banded ...
|
| Lap Band Surgery / Muscle Spasms | 7/18/2009 |
Q: In Jan of this year I asked a question about my daughter. After a Lap Band Fill she begin having ...
A: Bobbie, I'm sorry your daughter is having problems again. This does not ring a bell for me as a ...
|
| Constipation after RNY surgery | 7/16/2009 |
Q: I am 5 weeks after RNY surgery. I am drinking 68 ounces of fluid a day(Most days). I am constipated ...
A: Ms. Gill, Constipation is fairly common after gastric bypass, though usually not at this early ...
|
| lap band? | 7/16/2009 |
Q: i am 5'2 and i weigh almost 200 pounds and i am 21 years old i just calculated my BMI an it was ...
A: Raquel, Based on the information you have provided, most surgeons would agree that it is very ...
|
| hernia post lap banding | 7/12/2009 |
Q: Well i was rushed by ambulance back to the hospital 15hrs later for severe abdmoninal pain. Previous ...
A: Tiffany, I'm really sorry to hear about your pain and struggles after your recent Band surgery. I ...
|
| pouch size | 7/7/2009 |
Q: I had gastric bypass surgery back in 2002. How do I know how big my pouch is today?
A: Eileen, There are three ways I know of to check the size of your stomach pouch. 1) Endoscopy (also ...
|
| scar tissue | 6/6/2009 |
Q: I got the lapband surgery in 2006 and have lost 100 lbs (60 to go). Unfortunately I had to have a ...
A: Mary, My best understanding is that the scar tissue has formed around your port. If that's correct, ...
|
| Gastric Sleeve | 6/4/2009 |
Q: I have researched the band and the Sleeve surgery extensively. Everything tells me that the Sleeve ...
A: I can tell you quite honestly that educated and experienced people in our field are unable to form ...
|
| WHAT BARIATRIC SURGERY ? | 5/19/2009 |
Q: I'm a 48 y/o ER physician who is struggling with Metabolic Syndrome over 5 years. My diabetes is ...
A: Arturo, Thanks for writing. Given that you have been fighting this losing battle against weight and ...
|
| BMI 32, Can someone refer me to a bariatric surgeon? | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I am 5'0" tall and weigh 165 lbs, which puts me at a BMI of 32. Are there any bariatric surgeons in ...
A: V, Many experienced bariatric surgeons DO believe it is medically reasonable to perform bariatric ...
|
| ulcer surgery following gastric bypass | 5/13/2009 |
Q: I have had recurring ulcers following my gastric bypass surgery. Medication has not worked. It was ...
A: Tina, The surgery you are describing just might be necessary, but it is a really big deal, with ...
|
| Ventricular Shunt and Lap Band | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I had a VS placed when I was 13 to relieve pressure associated with head trauma. I am now 26 and ...
A: Lindsey, It should be OK, since the ventricular fluid (with the shunt) and the Band are both sterile ...
|
| loose skin | 4/25/2009 |
Q: i am a 18 year old male whose has lost around 30kilos in the past year....everything is fine BMI is ...
A: Visu, Your loose skin does have some ability to shrink, and the fact that you are young would be ...
|
| Duodonal switch vs. RNY | 4/21/2009 |
Q: I have been reading a lot about the different weight loss surgery options available and am wondering ...
A: Leanne, My compliments on researching all of your options thoroughly. Please allow me to disclose ...
|
| post bariatric surgery complications | 4/16/2009 |
Q: Does the bowel repair itself of leaks/nicks? Can there be pockets of fluid in the abdominal cavity ...
A: Andrea, What you are describing is technically called a "fistula." The management of this type of ...
|
| post bariatric surgery complications | 4/15/2009 |
Q: Does the bowel repair itself of leaks/nicks? Can there be pockets of fluid in the abdominal cavity ...
A: Andrea, The intestine (including stomach, small bowel, and colon) have very limited ability to ...
|
| Lap band | 4/5/2009 |
Q: .. I am interested in getting lap band surgery. Is it true that in the US you must be over 40 BMI ...
A: Diane, The height and weight you've provided translate to a Body Mass Index (BMI) just above 35. At ...
|
| lap band revision to sleeve | 3/31/2009 |
Q: banded 2 years ago only lost 32 lbs seem to have vomiting problems everytime they adjust the band ...
A: Dianne, Some patients do struggle with the Band, such that it can never be "tuned" to work well with ...
|
| lap band and alcohol | 3/17/2009 |
Q: I have substituted alcohol for food. I don't know what to do.
A: Ann, This a potentially serious problem, and it is great that you have begun to realize it is a ...
|
| 4-5 Years out of RNY Surgery, is constipation common | 3/14/2009 |
Q: I hope you can answer this. Number one I am an RNY failure. Lost some of the wieght but gained it ...
A: Mandy, Yes, constipation is fairly common after all of the weight loss operations. The issue seems ...
|
| gastrosleeve vs roux-en-y | 3/12/2009 |
Q: I am a 31 year old female that is 424 lbs. and 5ft 6 in tall, with no current health issues due to ...
A: Tuccia, I am going to answer your question from the perspective of a surgeon who routinely performs ...
|
| Gaining and keeping weight on | 3/8/2009 |
Q: I had gastric bypass Apr 8th of 2008. Approx. three weeks after surgery my uncle was dying in ...
A: Ron, Sounds like you have been through a really rough time and I'm sorry to hear that. In working ...
|
| How do i go about it? | 3/5/2009 |
Q: I am a 20, 5'2 and 285 lbs. I have tried dieting seriously for the past 5 years or so with no major ...
A: Kristen, Thanks for writing. Your description of yourself indicates that bariatric surgery probably ...
|
| Pregnancy three months after lapband | 3/3/2009 |
Q: I also will require to have my baby via C section. Will this cause more problems?
A: Nicole, I strongly recommend for you to coordinate in person with your bariatric surgeon to answer ...
|
| Rou en y gastric bypass | 2/28/2009 |
Q: I had the bypass done in 2006 and over the past two years have gained back 60lbs. Is it possible to ...
A: Becky, Weight regain after any bariatric surgery is an unfortunately common problem. Some surgeons ...
|
| Bypass reversal | 2/27/2009 |
Q: I had a routeny bypass one year ago. In that time I have developed malabsorption syndrome which led ...
A: Ms. Ali, You might need reversal of the gastric bypass, or revision of your intestinal anatomy. ...
|
| WLS And Colostomy reversal | 2/27/2009 |
Q: I am about a month away from an colostomy reversal due to injury.I just realized that my surgeon is ...
A: Shelly, It would be surgically reasonable to do a colostomy reversal with a gastric bypass, though ...
|
| Lap Band Surgery | 2/25/2009 |
Q: I am a 32 year old female who is 5'6 and weigh approx 230 . I have a long history of Pseudotumor ...
A: Ms. Farist, The success rate for helping (or even resolving) pseudotumor cerebri through weight loss ...
|
| Reflux/coughing associated with RNY Gastric Bypass | 2/16/2009 |
Q: I am a 58 year old female who had RNY Gastric bypass in 2003. I lost 145 pounds, but regained about ...
A: Pat, Seeing the gastro doc and having a scope done both seem like good ideas. In theory, the GI do ...
|
| Reflux/coughing associated with RNY Gastric Bypass | 2/15/2009 |
Q: I am a 58 year old female who had RNY Gastric bypass in 2003. I lost 145 pounds, but regained about ...
A: Wow Pat, this is a really tough problem. First, let me say that it DOES seem quite possible that ...
|
| VSG VS Lap Band | 2/13/2009 |
Q: I have decided to go to Mexico, Dr. Alvarez, to have VSG surgery. I have sleep apnea, high bp, bad ...
A: Susan, There is nothing intrinsically wrong with the VSG, or with surgeons in Mexico. I have not ...
|
| Lap Band to VSG | 2/8/2009 |
Q: I had a lap band placed in April of 2007. I have had the band slip 3 times due to having the ...
A: Donna, Coverage for sleeve surgery is uncommon in our area as well. For my Band patients who are ...
|
| Lap Band to VSG | 2/7/2009 |
Q: I had a lap band placed in April of 2007. I have had the band slip 3 times due to having the ...
A: Donna, I'm sorry to learn about your troubles. I think you may have captured the essence of your ...
|
| ? about weight stabilization vs regaining | 2/1/2009 |
Q: myhow do you know 3.5 years post op if you are settling into your weight or gaining weight back. ...
A: Nikki, I can't tell for sure since you sent only a few weight points, but it sounds like you may ...
|
| Revision Surgery and Insurance Coverage | 1/24/2009 |
Q: I had a gastric bypass in 2000. Prior to the surgery I weighed 252 lbs. I dropped down to 175 but ...
A: Anne, Some insurance companies do have a "one per lifetime" policy for bariatric surgical procedures ...
|
| NSAIDs and bariatric surgery | 1/23/2009 |
Q: Is there a good substitute for NSAIDs after bariatric surgery? I've got to choose between a ...
A: Mark, Most patients find that Celebrex (an anti-inflammatory available by prescription) is very ...
|
| lap band | 1/21/2009 |
Q: i am 50 years old, my bmi is 38. I am on blood thinner, for recurring dvts in the 1990s. I have ...
A: Jane, Your pertinent questions demonstrate that you have researched this well. I will break the ...
|
| gastric bypass | 1/21/2009 |
Q: I had gastric bypass 2 weeks ago (BMI of 35). The day after getting out of the hospital, I was ...
A: Dennis, In my experience, this is not a typical situation. Most patients find their pouch to be ...
|
| Gastric sleeve after hiatal hernia surgery | 1/18/2009 |
Q: Five years ago I have a hiatal hernia repaired. I remember the surgeon telling me that my upper ...
A: When I do a sleeve after a previous gastric wrap, my plan is to unwrap it as far as possible and ...
|
| Gastric sleeve after hiatal hernia surgery | 1/18/2009 |
Q: Five years ago I have a hiatal hernia repaired. I remember the surgeon telling me that my upper ...
A: Wanda, It is certainly true that preceding surgery can create important changes in the way your ...
|
| VSG | 1/5/2009 |
Q: I am interested in the VSG as I have researched it for months. I am a R.N. and have made myself ...
A: You are asking an intriguing question. The real answer will take many years to develop, since the ...
|
| Lap Band Fill Complication | 1/2/2009 |
Q: Lap Band Surgery Nov 2007, Lost 52 lbs from Nov 28th to Jan 10, reported it many times to surgeon's ...
A: Ms. Bearden, I am really sorry to hear about your troubles. I do have one thought that may help, ...
|
| Hiatal Hernia | 12/22/2008 |
Q: I have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and i suffer from chronic nausea, i have tried all the ...
A: Scott, It is possible that the Hiatal hernia is causing your nausea, but more likely a different ...
|
| MGB follow up question | 12/12/2008 |
Q: Your wrote in November, "Dr. Rutledge has long performed surgery and follow up in a way that is ...
A: Mary, I also don't know of any bariatric surgery programs in New Mexico. The programs that I can ...
|
| Blood pressure weight loss | 12/11/2008 |
Q: I am 49,pretty healthy but overweight. I have always had blood pressure in the high normal range ...
A: Bud, This is a potentially interesting correlation, but I am not aware of any data that points to ...
|
| Gastric redo | 12/8/2008 |
Q: I had my stomach stapled 13 years ago and recently did a barium swallow which indicated the ...
A: Cathy, I'm guessing that your previous surgery was a Vertical Banded Gastroplasty. If that's ...
|
| gastric bypass-addiction transfer-alcohol | 12/2/2008 |
Q: My 42 year old "NORMAL GIRL" sister had gastric bypass surgery 2 years ago and lost about 110 lbs. ...
A: Maryjane, I am really sorry to hear about your sister's situation. Alcohol addition seems to be an ...
|
| VSG and scar tissue from previous lap band | 11/27/2008 |
Q: Pilcher, First I wanted to say I think it's wonderful that you take the time to respond so ...
A: Well Mary, I can see that you are thinking very carefully about your future and how to get the best ...
|
| MGB by clos | 11/24/2008 |
Q: Do you think the surgeons who perform the MGB with clos, Drs. Rutledge and Peraglie are reputable? ...
A: The patient I encountered suffered from thiamine deficiency, leading to a condition called ...
|
| MGB by clos | 11/23/2008 |
Q: Do you think the surgeons who perform the MGB with clos, Drs. Rutledge and Peraglie are reputable? ...
A: Ms. Coon, Dr. Rutledge has long performed surgery and follow up in a way that is outside the ...
|
| gastric sleeve | 11/22/2008 |
Q: My name is Fran, I had gastric sleeve done four weeks ago. I had the lap band done before that, but ...
A: Fran, The fact that you have needed such frequent treatment for dehydration tells me that your ...
|
| Reversal/Revision | 11/18/2008 |
Q: I had asked two questions about two weeks ago regarding reversing my RNY surgery. They definitely ...
A: Alannah, I have the feeling that your GI tract has been through so much that anything done to it has ...
|
| preliminary questions | 11/17/2008 |
Q: I am eagerly investigating bariatric surgery. I weigh 230 lbs and am 5'3". I am 47 and have a ICD ...
A: Ms. French, You are correct that your cardiac issues lead to some increase in risk, and will need to ...
|
| Band the sleeve | 11/11/2008 |
Q: I have a DR that is telling me he will do a sleeve and put a band around it. Have you ever heard of ...
A: Angie, I had heard of it, though to be honest I had not understood that it was a way to work around ...
|
| Gastric Sleeve | 11/10/2008 |
Q: My Gastric Sleeve is one year old. I notice that eating meat is a problem and I have an easier time ...
A: Ieberta, For certain, it is normal that meat will fill you up more than carbs. So usually, when a ...
|
| Rheumotoid Arthritis Medication | 11/7/2008 |
Q: I am on Remicade Infusion treatments every 8 weeks and Methotraxiate for RA. Will this have any ...
A: Cindy, To my knowledge there is not any formal answer to your question in the medical literature. ...
|
| musa | 11/4/2008 |
Q: I am a 19 year old male and have had abdomenal surgery when i was 6 years old. I recently found out ...
A: Musa, It is hard for me to give a solid opinion without examining you. However, I can say that if ...
|
| Revisions to RNY | 11/2/2008 |
Q: I had an RNY in October 2002. I have had chronic problems for the last year with heart palpatations ...
A: Merridy, The part of your question that talks about heart racing and feeling groggy sounds like ...
|
| Gastric Bypass Reversal | 10/30/2008 |
Q: Okay so I am a complicated case. I have vagal nerve injury which resulted in gastroparesis with ...
A: Alannah, Sorry I did not see this extra information when I answered your question earlier. It's a ...
|
| pregency and lapband | 10/30/2008 |
Q: I am going for a pregnancy test today and i am almost 3 yrs. out from being banded. My question is ...
A: Catrece, I hope the pregnancy test was positive, and that congratulations are in order! Band ...
|
| Vegal Nerve Injury | 10/30/2008 |
Q: I was diagnosed with vegal nerve injury after my gastric bypass (RNY) in June 2003 (I went to Mayo ...
A: Alannah, My compliments on your clear description of the problem. I have to say this is a really ...
|
| gastric bypass revision | 10/29/2008 |
Q: How overweight does a person have to be to qualify for a gastric bypass revision?
A: Katrena, Whether or not a person is appropriate to undergo revision actually has a lot more to do ...
|
| too much weight loss | 10/12/2008 |
Q: I had gastric bypass surgery in March 2006. I was 325 pounds before I has the bypass. I am now 143 ...
A: Alicia, From your description of things I would agree it is likely you have a problem with your ...
|
| surgery cancelled low hemocrit | 10/6/2008 |
Q: I was due to have the lap band surgery this morning and my doctor called and said he would have to ...
A: Tami, I understand that you must be tremendously disappointed. There are 3 reasons I can think of ...
|
| Options after band erosion | 9/30/2008 |
Q: Pilcher. I had a lap-band surgery last year. After three months, I was back into surgery because ...
A: Sam, I'm sorry to say but in my mind it is pretty clear that one should not have another Band if one ...
|
| drinking alcohol after lap band surgery | 9/30/2008 |
Q: Im just wondering how long after surgery is the absolut minimum time i can have a drink? i have ...
A: Monique, I have a two-part answer for you: 1) If you want to know what your body will tolerate, and ...
|
| Weight loss after surgery | 9/21/2008 |
Q: What is the average weight loss per week after have Roux-en-y surgery. I had my surgery 6 weeks ...
A: Jen, The rate of weight loss depends a lot on where you start. People who begin at greater than 400 ...
|
| LapBand Removal | 9/18/2008 |
Q: I had a LapBand installed in June 2007 and have lost 50 pounds. I have been miserable since ...
A: Nicole, I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation. There is no set pattern for how a surgeon ...
|
| VSG and Fundonissen | 9/16/2008 |
Q: I am told I cannot have the lap band due to the fundonissen and I cannot have gastric bypass due to ...
A: Tracey, Having the previous Nissen fundoplication makes any subsequent surgery more complicated. I ...
|
| Lap Band surgery | 9/13/2008 |
Q: I have been more then 100 lbs overweight for 17 years. Sometimes I lose a little, but I have never ...
A: Kathleen, You are asking a sensible question, and one thing I want to reinforce is that a person ...
|
| Surgery with PCOS, Celiac | 9/11/2008 |
Q: I'm 5' 5" 285 lbs. and have PCOS, Celiac disease, and my doctor thinks I have a hiatal hernia. Would ...
A: Wendy, None of the problems you have written about looks like a "stopper" for potential bariatric ...
|
| lap band after roun-y | 9/6/2008 |
Q: I had open roun-y done in Sept. 2000, and lost 175 lbs. I have gradually gone back up (was 376 lb) ...
A: Karen, There is no single right answer for what to do when you have weight regain after bariatric ...
|
| Kidney Transplant Recipient and Lap Band | 8/28/2008 |
Q: Pilcher, I received a kidney transplant about 6 years ago and I haven't had any problems whatsoever ...
A: Kenya, First, let me endorse the conclusion you've reached that it IS reasonable to consider ...
|
| post operative pancreatitis | 8/27/2008 |
Q: What would the symptoms of post operative pancreatitis be? I had a gastric diverticulum removed July ...
A: Megan, If a person had one episode of pancreatitis in the past, they are a bit more liable to have ...
|
| post operative pancreatitis | 8/26/2008 |
Q: What would the symptoms of post operative pancreatitis be? I had a gastric diverticulum removed July ...
A: Megan, Surgery might cause pancreatitis if the operation causes direct physical trauma to the ...
|
| Do I qualify? | 8/24/2008 |
Q: I'm a 24 year old female, I stand about 5'9'' and I weight about 445 lbs. Ive been told that I ...
A: Sarah, Based on the information you've given me, I think it is very likely that it would be logical ...
|
| Foul smelling gas and runny stools | 8/18/2008 |
Q: I had the R-Y surgery in Oct 06. It has been successful, as I have lost 127 pounds. However, I ...
A: Jo-Ann, Your surgeon needs to be the main one to address this issue, since much of the answer is ...
|
| bariatric surgeon | 8/13/2008 |
Q: Have you heard of a client that had their stomached stapled and after its failure had the lapband ...
A: Sorayal, This procedure of putting a Band on a previously stapled stomach is being practiced by a ...
|
| Staples on VSG | 8/13/2008 |
Q: I am thinking on having a VSG surgery, but I am concerned about the long term effects that the ...
A: Cesar, I understand your concern. The good news is that the staples that are used for all surgery ...
|
| Gastric Surgery | 8/12/2008 |
Q: Are there any surgeons in Mobile, Alabama that do the revise gastric bypass surgery.I had the ...
A: Ms. Jones, I'm not immediately familiar with the surgeons in Alabama. You are most likely to be ...
|
| 1 month post op rny | 7/21/2008 |
Q: i am following all orders, but i am losing weight very slowly. 2 lbs. a wk. is this 'normal'. i am ...
A: Jennifer, In my experience, 2 pounds per week is a really good pace in the long run, but it is a bit ...
|
| 1 month post op rny | 7/21/2008 |
Q: i am following all orders, but i am losing weight very slowly. 2 lbs. a wk. is this 'normal'. i am ...
A: Jennifer, It is not typical in my experience to have a weight loss this small. You will need fairly ...
|
| Life as a surgeon | 7/20/2008 |
Q: Dr. Pilcher, Can you please tell me how much free time you have during the week? I am reapplying ...
A: Amanda, This is a really interesting line of questions, but it is hard to answer adequately by ...
|
| lapband | 7/16/2008 |
Q: i have had my lapband for almost 2 years. i have lost 124 lbs. i have had great success. however, ...
A: I'm not sure what you meant about the "race against your son," maybe the Band was tightened quickly ...
|
| Rou n Y Reversal | 7/14/2008 |
Q: I was wondering if you can tell me if there has ever been a reversal to a roux n y procedure?
A: Robin, There have been many cases of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass being "reversed" by connecting the ...
|
| Bariatric Revision Surgery | 7/11/2008 |
Q: Twenty-six years ago, I had a gastroplasty surgery. After losing 110 lbs., I had a complete ...
A: Linda, My opinion is that revision surgery would be fairly risky because of the old scar and the ...
|
| blockage in esophagus? | 7/4/2008 |
Q: I'm 58 yrs. old, had lap band surgery in Mexico in September, 2008. I lost 20 lbs in the month ...
A: Patti, You are in urgent need of experienced attention for you and your Band. You should contact ...
|
| Gastric bypas vs sleeve | 7/2/2008 |
Q: I am scheduled for bypass on July 28th which my insurance "was" going to cover. During my office ...
A: LaShon, There are a lot of factors in this decision that can't really be captured in an email, so ...
|
| Gastric band question | 6/19/2008 |
Q: I have had a band for about a year - about 30 lbs lost and 40 to go. The slow weight loss more from ...
A: Leigh, An upper scope (EGD) can show if there's any persistent inflammation from reflux, or if ...
|
| STAPLES MISSFIRE | 6/17/2008 |
Q: I'M LOOKING FOR THE BEST OF THE BEST TOP IN THE COUNTRY FOR GASTRIC BYPASS REVISION SURGEON... MY ...
A: Yazmin, I'm truly sorry to hear of your husband's difficulties. My input is that there IS a valid ...
|
| gastric ulcer post roux-en-y | 6/10/2008 |
Q: I had a RNYGB 4.5 years ago and have been doing fine until last Nov(07) Now I have intense pain ...
A: Norma, The only thing I can think of is to check for some partial bowel obstruction - a CT or ...
|
| Frequent Burping after GB - 4 Years PO | 5/23/2008 |
Q: I'm nearly 4 years postop from an open RNY. Lately, no matter what I'm eating or drinking, or even ...
A: Cathy, This is an interesting question that I've not encountered before. I'm presuming that you've ...
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| one kidney, GERD, & PCOS | 5/11/2008 |
Q: I have one kidney, GERD, and was recently diagnosed with PCOS. I am 75 pounds overweight and can ...
A: Brenda, It is quite likely the weight is causing medical harm in your case, as you appear to know ...
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| questions about mgb | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I amintrested in having the mgb but I have a few questions as I have a husband and a 12 year old son ...
A: Mrs. Johnson, You asked about the "mgb" and I think you are referring to the Mini Gastric Bypass. I ...
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| PAIN | 5/2/2008 |
Q: I had a lap band placed 10-2007. I am miserable & in constant pain. I found out this week I have a ...
A: Lori, It sounds like you are having problems with your esophagus so that it can't work with the ...
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| Removal of lapband | 4/27/2008 |
Q: I had lap band surgery in July 2006 but, have not lost anyway even with the fills. After a while I ...
A: Dawn, I'm really sorry you have not had success with your Band. I am going to assume that you've ...
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| thyroid removed contemplating bariatric surgery | 4/26/2008 |
Q: 3 years ago I had my thyroid removed after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer and have been on ...
A: Rachel, There should be no problem with bariatric surgery, in the context of your having your ...
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| VSG | 4/14/2008 |
Q: I am considering bariatric surgery. I have been told I am not a candidate for lap band due to a ...
A: Barb, I can see that you've done your homework, so you understand that the impact of Crohn's disease ...
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| Vagus nerve injury due to gastic bypass | 4/14/2008 |
Q: I have had many episodes of eating just to vomit about 10 to 20 minutes later and having food come ...
A: Charmaine, I will answer your last question first: I would certainly expect that after treatment ...
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| Which WLS? | 4/11/2008 |
Q: JP, I am planning to have weight loss surgery, that is not in question--I have fought my waistline ...
A: Ms. Kilpatrick, I think it's great that you are researching this thoroughly before jumping in. I ...
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| Lap Band and Blood disorder | 4/10/2008 |
Q: I am a 58 year old female. I am in generally good health except being 100 lbs overweight. I have ...
A: Angela, It's unfortunate if your hematologist is not "on board." I recommend you go ahead and meet a ...
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| Lap Band and Blood disorder | 4/9/2008 |
Q: I am a 58 year old female. I am in generally good health except being 100 lbs overweight. I have ...
A: Angela, Personally, I would not exclude you from consideration for gastric banding from what you ...
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| help | 3/24/2008 |
Q: I AM 30 WITH 2 KIDS I'M 5'4" I WEIGH 245lbs.I HAVE BEEN ON EVERY DIET I DO TRY TO EXERCISE BUT MY ...
A: Rose, At the height and weight you've outlined, you have a Body Mass Index of 42. This does meet ...
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| Do i qualify for bariatric surgery? | 3/16/2008 |
Q: I am a 21 yr. old female that is 5'4" and weighs 236 lbs. I recently found out that my BMI is 40. ...
A: Elizabeth, You do clearly meet the standard criteria, where the risk of surgery is LESS THAN ...
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| Post-op status | 3/13/2008 |
Q: I had gastric bypass surgery approx 4yrs ago this August and with having a full management career, 3 ...
A: Moni, I'm glad you are working to be re-engaged with long term follow up. We believe that is the ...
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| One Kidney vs WLS | 2/28/2008 |
Q: I am 43 years old with BMI of 46. In 06 I lost my left kidney due to Renal cell carsonima I could ...
A: Angela, This is a sensible question. It's a fact that when an organ system is weakened (for ...
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| revision | 2/26/2008 |
Q: I had a lapband removed in January 2007 because it had slipped. I live in North Dakota and my ...
A: Kay, My experience is that it is technically easy to go from laparoscopic gastric bypass to ...
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| Surgery | 1/31/2008 |
Q: I'm 5'-8" 270lb, Type ll diabetic for ~ 2years now. I take medication for blood pressure, ...
A: Gene, The medical data indicates that the rate of full remission of diabetes is about 85% for ...
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| No health insurance | 1/23/2008 |
Q: I am in my mid-forties and have struggled with obesity my entire life (I am more than 100 lbs ...
A: Carla, Even when folks have health insurance, the insurance company often refuses to cover Band ...
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| lap band surgery | 1/15/2008 |
Q: Several questions in one: I am scheduled for prostate removal Feb 20. Urologist is concerned about ...
A: John, I think that either a Band or a gastric bypass could make sense for you, though I don't really ...
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| Finding a Bariatric Surgeon for VG (Sleeve) | 1/13/2008 |
Q: Belated New Year Greetings Dr. Pilcher: I am having no luck finding a surgeon who performs the ...
A: Traci, First thing I ask myself is if I personally know a surgeon in your area who is doing gastric ...
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| Can anyone have this surgery or do you have to meet criteria? | 1/11/2008 |
Q: I am 27, 400lbs, 6'6", BMI is 46.2% I have no health issues and want to keep it that way. My Dad ...
A: Chris, Yes, there are generally accepted criteria to help decide if the risk vs. benefit is likely ...
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| Pregnancy after lap-band surgery? | 12/26/2007 |
Q: I recently had lap-band surgery on November 5th and was wondering how long before it is safe for me ...
A: Sue, As you probably understand, the concern about pregnancy in the early time period following ...
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| Sleeve Gastrectomy | 12/21/2007 |
Q: I had a sleve gast.do they take out part of your stomuc or just staple it.i am having trouble ...
A: Brad, For both of your questions, I strongly encourage you to make an appointment with your surgeon ...
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| Which surgery is best? | 12/17/2007 |
Q: I am 42yo 250# and 5'2. I am researching which surgery would be best for me. I don't have any ...
A: Karen, I am not familiar with a prohibition against spices after Gastric Band, but it is very ...
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| Dumping Syndrome | 12/9/2007 |
Q: , On Nov 7th I had revision surgery and my surgeon bypassed 150 cm of my intestines (only 50 cm ...
A: Linda, I'm sorry but I'd have to know the details of your surgical anatomy to give you a reliable ...
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| Fistula | 12/1/2007 |
Q: I had bypass surgery in July 2005 and made good weight loss up to january 2006 when i fell through ...
A: Terry, I'm sure that fall through the chair was painful in multiple ways. However, I would be ...
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| Bariatric revision | 11/28/2007 |
Q: How can I get a bariatric physician to doa revision. I was approved by insurance for a revision and ...
A: Sorayal, This is a very difficult situation. It is true that bariatric surgeons prefer not to take ...
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| GJ stricture & ulcer 3 years p/o roux en y | 11/12/2007 |
Q: After losing 25 lbs and put back on tpn, I was diagnosed with gastritis of the native stomach and ...
A: Dale, Please let me summarize the situation to see if I have it right: -gastric bypass about 3 ...
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| Surgery | 11/2/2007 |
Q: I am 30 weight 235 5'5". I am thinking of doing something... I have lots of pain in my legs and ...
A: Kelly, I think it is reasonable for you to consider surgery for your weight. As a young woman, you ...
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| Hypothyroid results with WLS comparable to those with normal thyroid function? | 10/31/2007 |
Q: I am 35, 5'4 and 240 pounds, with severe sleep apnea and hypertension. I am currently looking at ...
A: Tracy, I believe that, as long as your hypothyroid status is properly treated, it should not have ...
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| lap band proceedure | 10/29/2007 |
Q: I am a 38 yr old male and about 325 lbs. I have been considering a lap band procedure but I ...
A: Chris, I have a two part answer for you: 1) It is medically and statistically logical for you to ...
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| general question | 10/17/2007 |
Q: pilcher there's alot of people that have a fast metabolism that can eat anything they want and burn ...
A: SK, I don't think anyone knows the whole story on weight vs. arterial blockage. In essence, you are ...
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| vagotomy post-op gastric bypass surgery | 10/11/2007 |
Q: I am 4 years post-op Roux-N-Y(85 lb loss) and in the past year I have gained 25 lbs. I've been ...
A: Marybeth, Weight regain after bariatric surgery is a major problem, and I'm sorry to hear about your ...
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| SURGERY | 9/29/2007 |
Q: HI I'M A 34 YEAR OLD WOMEN WHO WEIGHS 260 POUNDS AND FOR THE FIRST TIME I'M TERRIFIED ABOUT BEING ...
A: Anna, I have to tell you up front that I can't give you one single answer about the best operation. ...
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| gastric bypass | 9/19/2007 |
Q: Dr. Pilcher, My husband is scheduled to have gastric bypass surgery in early nov. My husband is 54 ...
A: Linda, I think it is great that you are working to be involved and educated about your husband's ...
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| Gastric Sleeve | 9/17/2007 |
Q: I have the gastric sleeve on August 1st. Since then I still experience nausea and inability to eat. ...
A: Cindy, The symptoms you are describing are within the spectrum of what is seen after gastric sleeve, ...
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| Lap Band <35 bmi | 9/11/2007 |
Q: Do you know of any (East Coast) studies or bariatric centers that will perform lap band surgery on a ...
A: Peri, I am one of the surgeons who believes a Lap-Band can be medically reasonable in a ...
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| VSG vs RNY???? | 9/2/2007 |
Q: Happy Labor Day Dr. Pilcher, A question regarding the VSG surgery vs the RNY. I was leaning toward ...
A: Cathy, I can tell you are researching this question and thinking about it thoroughly - that fact ...
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| Mini Gastric Bypass Problems | 8/28/2007 |
Q: Can you tell me what the long term complications from a mini gastric bypass would be. Thanks. ...
A: Kim, It sounds like your brother is experiencing nutritional complications that can occur following ...
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| fistula ulcer caused from gastric bypass | 8/27/2007 |
Q: I am a 43 year old that is 6 years post op. I had no problem with the original surgery. I started ...
A: Teri, This is a really challenging situation, from both a medical standpoint and from an ...
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| Mini Gastric Bypass Problems | 8/27/2007 |
Q: Can you tell me what the long term complications from a mini gastric bypass would be. Thanks.
A: Kim, I will give you the best answer I can, but this will have to be provisional information for ...
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| Type of Gastric Bypass Surgery | 8/16/2007 |
Q: I am considering Gastric Bypass Surgery and have recently read about something called a mini ...
A: Yvonne, For the most part, surgeons who do a true Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedure do not cut or ...
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| Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy | 8/12/2007 |
Q: Doctor, I'm considering WLS, and trying to decide the procedure that's right for me. Thus far I ...
A: Lisa, The possibility of using orlistat with a VSG (or Band, or Gastric Bypass) is sensible. ...
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| Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy | 8/11/2007 |
Q: Doctor, I'm considering WLS, and trying to decide the procedure that's right for me. Thus far I ...
A: Lisa, First, I must compliment you on your careful consideration and research. My experience is ...
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| Anastomosis | 8/10/2007 |
Q: My mom is going in for surgery soon, and I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about it. She ...
A: Jes, The operation proposed for your Mom is actually the origin of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass used ...
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| lapband | 8/1/2007 |
Q: i had lapband surgery in 12/2005 i have nothing but trouble.i was at 315 and would lose 1-2lbs then ...
A: Goldie, In order for the Band to be successful, it is necessary for the esophagus (swallowing tube ...
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| lapband | 8/1/2007 |
Q: i had lapband surgery in 12/2005 i have nothing but trouble.i was at 315 and would lose 1-2lbs then ...
A: Goldie, This is a really tough situation. I'm not positive, but it sounds like you may be one of ...
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| minimum weight for surgery | 7/21/2007 |
Q: I am 5'5" and 182 lbs. I have struggled with this all my life. Is there a surgical procedure for ...
A: Rose, The height and weight you've given me put your Body Mass Index at 30. This is a really tough ...
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| coverage | 7/21/2007 |
Q: I am interested in having surgery to make my body smaller. Either lap band, gastric bypass, or ...
A: Dana, Medicare does cover Lap-Band, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch for patients who meet the ...
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| symptoms months after bariatric surgery | 7/11/2007 |
Q: I live in U.K, my daughter last year had a gastric by-pass in Belgium. The weight loss so far has ...
A: Jean, This situation does not ring a bell for me, though I share your concern. I note your comment ...
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| Lap band surgery | 7/10/2007 |
Q: I am 19 years old and have been overweight my whole life. I am currently 237 and 5'2. I have been ...
A: Brittany, At the height and weight you described, it usually is medically sensible to proceed with ...
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| Lap-Brand or Gastric Bypass | 7/6/2007 |
Q: My husband is considering having either Gastric Bypass or Lap-band procedure done but is unsure ...
A: Sara, There are many factors that ought to be considered in the choice between gastric bypass and ...
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| revision following a lap band removal | 7/5/2007 |
Q: A couple weeks ago I had to have my lap band removed after 1 & 1/2 years. I lost 50 lbs., but have ...
A: Cathy, It is usually helpful to wait several months for scar to soften, if one is considering ...
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| lap band and drinking | 6/13/2007 |
Q: My question is what happens if you have a few too many drinks. How does it affect the lap band? I ...
A: Christi, I'm going to leave aside concerns about drinking too much, in terms of your general health. ...
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| banding | 6/13/2007 |
Q: I was wondering though if you could make any recommendations or give any advice. And generally as ...
A: Carole, I still want to tread lightly on this subject, but what I can say is that generally work on ...
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| Lap band surgery overseas. | 5/31/2007 |
Q: I am 58, 6’0”, and weigh about 230. I’ve tried eating less and exercise to lose weight for years ...
A: Roger, The information you've provided works out to a Body Mass Index (BMI) = 31, so I believe you ...
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| bariatric surgery..30 years later | 4/27/2007 |
Q: At age 25, weighing 400+ I had intestional Bypass..with which i dropped the weight..to 180..7 years ...
A: Jim, You may not be surprised to know that there is not a simple answer to your question. I can ...
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| Armour Thyroid | 4/1/2007 |
Q: I am male,48. I am sick of being overweight. I am sure I am hypothyroid,although the tests my doctor ...
A: Barry, Since I am a surgeon, this question is not exactly in my area of expertise. However I do ...
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| Weight Loss | 3/20/2007 |
Q: hi I'm about 260 pounds and 5'4 in height and I've considered weight loss surgery I'm 34 years of ...
A: Anna, The information you provided about your height and weight puts you at a BMI (Body Mass Index) ...
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| post op & preg weight | 3/7/2007 |
Q: I had gastric bypass surgery in Dec 2001 and went from 280 down to 130, I am 5'2. I then had my ...
A: Deanna, I think you have a lot to be proud of at 139 or so. For my surgical patients who are 5'2", ...
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