About Me

Bengt Pehrsson, M.D., F.A.C.S.
California Bariatric and General Surgery Associates
Methodist Hospital, Arcadia, California

Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Bengt Pehrsson, MD received his medical degree at the University of Munich in West Germany 1975. He completed his residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana and served as a Fellow at the Alton Ochsner Clinic, also in New Orleans. Dr. Pehrsson is a member of the Boards of both General Surgery and Colon/Rectal Surgery. An early advocate of bariatric surgery, Dr. Pehrsson has performed Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass since 1991. He is the only surgeon in the San Gabriel Valley performing laparoscopic revisions of bariatric surgery.

“I believe in following my patients closely,” states Dr. Pehrsson. “It is always gratifying when I see a good result. Patients who are considering this type of surgery should be very cautious about selecting a doctor and hospital that have a record of good outcomes.” What should patients look for when selecting a center for bariatric surgery?

“Patients should ask how many procedures the surgeon has performed. The ASBS recommends that surgeons complete a minimum of 50 procedures under supervision of a trained bariatric specialist before they earn privileges to do this surgery. Professionals at the center should conduct a thorough pre-surgical evaluation to be sure the patient is committed to follow through with lifestyle changes after the surgery. There should also be an educational component to explain nutritional and exercise guidelines for these patients. And be sure to ask about outcomes. Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence routinely collect outcomes data and share information on best practices, so this data should be readily available to patients.”