Will I be qualified for vertical gastric sleeve surgery with BMI 27.2?

Question

Hello. I am 60 years old, fit with a BMI - 27.2. Newer been able to stay on my ideal weight in spite of extraneous physical activities such as all day mountain hiking or biking. - tried many weight control programs with short result. Now my weight is creeping up even more. I decided to have a gastric vertical sleeve surgery. Will I qualified for the surgery? If yes, After reaching my ideal weight (down 20-25 pounds) will I be able to stop the weight loss?

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there, the good news is that you don't need to be subjected to an operation just based on your current BMI. Current guidelines recommend bariatric surgery if one has a BMI >35 with comorbidities.  If one has a BMI between 30-35 with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension or a significant family history, these may support consideration for surgery. Below BMI 30, there needs to be a careful consideration on an individual basis to support surgical treatment. Exercising and living a healthier lifestyle will give you other benefits besides weight loss such as better stamina and endurance, a healthier heart, and mental wellness. If you are still interested in a procedure to help you lose weight, it is best to make an appointment and discuss your specific goals with your surgeon. During a one on one consultation, we can carefully assess your individual medical history and try to come up with a surgical or clinical plan that is tailored to your needs. 
Best, 
Dr. Babak Moein

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

With a BMI of 27.2, you typically wouldn’t qualify for gastric sleeve surgery under standard medical guidelines. Most bariatric programs require a BMI of 30+ with metabolic conditions or BMI of 35+ with comorbidities (like diabetes or hypertension). Some clinics may offer low BMI VSG for people struggling with weight regulation, but it depends on the surgeon and country.
Since you’re already fit and active, I’d recommend consulting a bariatric surgeon specializing in lower BMI cases to see if VSG is right for you.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

You may still be a candidate for weight loss surgery.  Body fat percentage can be a better indicator then BM.More information for a proper evaluation would be needed, but you shouldn't be ruled out just because of BMI alone.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello,
The weight loss balloon is a non-surgical option for people with a BMI below 32 Paired with healthy diet and exercise, the balloon is a good option for those who don’t want, or qualify for weight loss surgery, but the results are not as dramatic as what can be expected with gastric bypass or a sleeve gastrectomy. The Gastric Sleeve limits the amount of food that you can eat, it helps decrease the ghrelin hormone who is responsible of the hunger, you will feel less appetite after the surgery. Your current BMI is to low to perform weight loss surgery, my recommendation is to consider the gastric balloon
Approach a certified bariatric surgeon who can give you a recommendation and discuss about the different options and proceed to take the better option with you based in your actual health status and BMI.

Rodolfo Wilhelmy, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello There! 
A BMI of 30 is the minimum BMI for having a sleeve surgery, this is when you reach the obese category.  For patients  with a BMI over 25 but under 30, in the overweight category, we offer the Spatz -3 Intragastric Balloon, it is not a permanent solution but it may help you lose up to 50 lbs in one year, this may be a good option for you to consider.  
Good luck!

Will I be qualified for vertical gastric sleeve surgery with BMI 27.2?

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Answer: Gastric Balloon

Answer: Gastric Balloon

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Answer: Sleeve at a 27 BMI?

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Will I be qualified for vertical gastric sleeve surgery with BMI 27.2?

Answers (8)

Answer: Gastric Balloon

Answer: Gastric Balloon

Answer: Sleeve at a 27 BMI?

Answer: Sleeve at a 27 BMI?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.