I want to lose 50 pounds. Is a gastric sleeve procedure a good option for me?

Question

I'm 5'8, 213 lbs. No health conditions, not on any meds. I do 30-45 mins of cardio 4-5/week. Goal is to lose only 50 lbs (because I have always looked 30 lbs less than I actually weigh). I have been communicating with a clinic in Mexico that performs gastric sleeve surgeries. Only discussion we've had is regarding payment, and I still have many questions about long term consequences/ results of this procedure. I would like to know if the gastric sleeve procedure is the right choice for me.

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. From the information you have provided, your BMI is 32.4. To be considered for sleeve gastrectomy one needs to have a BMI of at least 40; or a BMI of at least 35 with 2 comorbidities, for the surgery to be covered by insurance. 
At BMI 30 to 35, the Sleeve Gastrectomy is no longer paid for by insurance. Although the health benefits are still significant, the health insurance does not consider the operation medically necessary and therefore does not pay for coverage. In this BMI range, it’s best to be evaluated individually by an expert bariatric surgeon to assess the risk and benefit in light of one's medical and family health issues. For instance, an individual with poorly controlled hypertension and/or diabetes and/or family history of heart disease is a great candidate for Gastric Sleeve operation even at a BMI of 30. These numbers are guidelines and not meant to place everyone into a single strict category. It is important for the patient to have a clear understanding of the risk and the implication of the guidelines prior to making a decision towards surgery.
I also need to stress that prior to any type of surgery the non-surgical options need to be exhausted in a reasonable manner. I notice you have been doing a good amount of cardio but perhaps a combination of a healthy diet and a different exercise routine (an addition of strength training and muscle building) might help shed those remaining pounds.
Lastly, I advise you to be judicious in choosing your Bariatric Surgeon. Seek out someone who is board certified and has a proven track record. To get an optimal outcome, your surgeon should be able to help you preoperatively to decide on the best procedure, perform the operation proficiently and map out a detailed postoperative plan. Hope this helps!
Best,Dr. Babak Moein

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

The gastric sleeve procedure may be a good option for you, but it depends on several factors. At your height and weight (BMI 32.4), you fall into a range where the procedure might be offered, particularly in international clinics, but it’s typically intended for those with a BMI of 35+ or obesity-related health conditions. Since you don’t have any health conditions and are already active, alternatives like a structured diet plan, medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide), or a gastric balloon could help you achieve your goal of losing 50 lbs without surgery.
The gastric sleeve involves permanently removing 70-80% of your stomach, which reduces hunger hormones and portion sizes. Most people lose 50-70% of their excess weight within 12-18 months, aligning with your target. However, it comes with long-term commitments, such as lifelong supplementation to avoid nutritional deficiencies, potential risks like acid reflux, and adherence to strict dietary changes.
While gastric sleeve surgery can yield excellent results, you might first consider non-surgical approaches before making a permanent change.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. Based on the metric you provided your calculated BMI is 32.4, which classifies you as Obese type I. This means you probably qualify for bariatric surgery, most probably a gastric sleeve. However you  would have to be evaluated by a certified bariatric surgeon in oder to correctly determine this. Hope this answer was useful. We are Dominican Republic based, do not hesitate to contact us if other quesions come up.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, with a BMI of 32 you are a candidate for surgery (but maybe not for insurance to cover it)  and remember, its not just about your BMI but also about body fat % - the goal should be to get your body fat % down which will help resolve or prevent health issues associated with being overweight.

I want to lose 50 pounds. Is a gastric sleeve procedure a good option for me?

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I want to lose 50 pounds. Is a gastric sleeve procedure a good option for me?

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