Would I qualify for a weight loss surgery? Female, 22, 5'9, and I currently weigh 220lbs.

Question

Hi, I've been struggling with my weight since I was 13 and was always overweight. I reached my heaviest, 240lbs in 2018 but lost a bit due to an illness. With the weight gain, my boobs have gotten uncomfortably large as well and I'm not a fan. I'm really interested in a weight loss surgery to get me back at a healthy comfortable weight, so I can get back to exercising painlessly and maintain a new figure. Would I qualify for any weight loss procedure? Is my BMI too low to be considered?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At 5'9 and 220 lbs, your BMI is 32. You would not qualify for insurance coverage for weight loss surgery.  You can consider liposuction or abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement.  These techniques can help produce a permanent loss of weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jorge Maytorena, MD · Answer

Hi, I hope you are well.
We use the Body Mass Index as an indicator for weight loss surgery approval. This is calculated with the relation between your Height and Weight, if you have a BMI between 31 to 55 you can be approved within 24hrs. We perform premium quality weight loss surgery procedures at an affordable price for patients who wish to take control of their weight. I recommend the Gastric Sleeve Surgery which is a restrictive procedures that limits the amount of food you are able to ingest.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

At 5'9" and 220 lbs, your BMI is 32.5, which falls into the obesity category. Most insurance and medical guidelines require a BMI of 35+ with comorbidities (like diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure) or 40+ without comorbidities to qualify for weight loss surgery. However, some surgeons and clinics offer self-pay options for patients with a BMI of 30+ if they have a history of struggling with weight and related issues.
Since you’ve been overweight since childhood and have concerns about exercise discomfort, some surgeons may consider you a candidate. If your breast size is causing significant discomfort, you could also explore a breast reduction separately or alongside weight loss efforts.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hey, thank you for your question Right now your BMI is 32.5 kg/m2. I think you are an excellent candidate for the gastric sleeve, I recommend this procedure because it has a positive metabolic effect, many comorbidities such as diabetes, cholesterol and sleep apnea improve soon after the surgery, less risk of vitamin deficiencies post-surgery, desire to eat decreases and more. The sleeve has a succesful rate among patients, just make sure to get your evaluation from a professional, this way you can evaluate all the available options for your particular case. Hope my answer helped you!

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

You are a great candidate for surgery.  I would recommend you consider the gastric sleeve.  It has very similar weight loss with fewer risks and complications.  
To calculate your BMI I would need to know your height.  You can also use this BMI calculator in the link below
A BMI of 30 or more makes you a candidate for surgery, and even a BMI under 30 with a high body fat % is still a candidate.

Would I qualify for a weight loss surgery? Female, 22, 5'9, and I currently weigh 220lbs.

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Answer: Hey!

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Answer: BMI Requirement for surgery

Answer: BMI Requirement for surgery

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Would I qualify for a weight loss surgery? Female, 22, 5'9, and I currently weigh 220lbs.

Answers (6)

Answer: Hey!

Answer: Hey!

Answer: BMI Requirement for surgery

Answer: BMI Requirement for surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gastric Bypass

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