Bariatric Surgery
Med School/Year Graduated: Creighton University, 1996
Years in Practice: 20
As a bariatrician, what’s the most common procedure you perform?
For weight loss and metabolic disease, the most common procedure [in my repertoire] is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. I also perform sleeve gastrectomy and revisional bariatric surgery.
Are all bariatric procedures performed with weight-loss and diet management in mind, or are there other reasons?
While bariatric operations are commonly thought of as “weight loss” operations, the procedures can also greatly improve medical conditions related to obesity. A good example is the use of bariatric procedures to address metabolic disorders such as diabetes. We often have patients who are able to drastically reduce or even discontinue their diabetes medications after bariatric surgery.
Who is and is not an ideal candidate for bariatric surgery?
The ideal candidate realizes that the surgical procedure is only one part of a successful long-term outcome. They will need to make lifestyle modifications as well.
You treat achalasia. What is it, and how common is it? How can it be treated?
Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus which can make it extremely difficult to swallow properly. It’s a rare condition that only affects about five people in 100,000. While we don’t have a cure, we can very successfully help patients with minimally invasive surgical and endoscopic procedures.
What are your hobbies and interests outside medicine?
I enjoy spending my free time staying active with family. We engage in a lot of outdoor activities. I personally do Pilates on a regular basis as well.
What are you streaming on TV these days?
I’m currently watching the latest season of True Detective.
“If I wasn’t a doctor, I’d be…”
I can’t really imagine a different career… but maybe a detective or FBI agent, since I really enjoy true crime novels.
