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Bariatric Surgery/minimum weight for surgery

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Expert: - 7/21/2007


Question
I am 5'5" and 182 lbs.  I have struggled with this all my life. Is there a surgical procedure for me?

Answer
Rose,
The height and weight you've given me put your Body Mass Index at 30.  This is a really tough place to be, since your level of obesity DOES increase your risk of significant medical problems, but it does not reach the level where it is generally accepted that the risk/benefit ratio weighs in favor of surgery.

I am also not aware of any medication that is especially helpful in a situation like yours.

On the good news side:  As the risk of several surgical procedures has dropped, physicians are seriously discussing the merits of doing selected surgical procedures for people with a BMI > 30.  In other words, my answer about whether there is any surgery for you may be different 2 years from now.

I hope this is helpful,
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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