I'm a 5' 4 and weigh 190 pounds. Would I qualify for any weight-loss surgical help? (Photos)

Question

I'm a 29 year old female who has struggled with weight all my life. I'm known for always being on some workout regiment and/or restrictive diet. Thought iv'e always been the fattest, iv'e always been the most athletic. However, that's all changed now that the weight has caught up with me. I have lower back and knee pain, and i'm unable to be as active. My body is swallowing me up. I'm extremely depressed and in desperate need of help. Is there a weight-loss surgery that I qualify for? Thank you.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes!  Your current BMI (body mass index) is 32.66 so you do qualify for surgery.  Insurance may not cover it, but find out your options.  Its best to have the surgery before you gain more weight, and before you start developing metabolic issues (diabetes, PCOS, high blood pressure).  I would recommend you look at the gastric sleeve or the gastric plication surgery.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

Based on what you’ve shared, it’s likely that you qualify for weight-loss surgery, especially if your BMI is 35 or higher with health issues like back and knee pain, or 40 and above without other conditions. Common options include gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and even adjustable gastric bands. Each has its own benefits and considerations.
The gastric sleeve, for example, is highly effective and involves removing a portion of your stomach to limit food intake and hunger hormones. Gastric bypass also reduces your stomach size while rerouting digestion, which can lead to significant weight loss but is slightly more complex. Both are permanent solutions and require a commitment to lifestyle changes. If you’re looking for something less invasive, a gastric balloon might also be an option, though it’s temporary and tends to result in less weight loss.
It’s important to meet with a bariatric specialist to determine your eligibility and discuss the best procedure for your specific situation. They’ll evaluate your health, weight history, and current challenges to guide you toward the right solution.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello
Thank you so much for your question. There are other factor to take into consideration before making a decision; The sleeve gastrectomy, which reduces the size of the stomach is probably an excellent option because  the 70% to 80% of the stomach is removed and the part that produce Ghrelin which is a hormone that makes you feel hungry.
To qualify for weight loss surgery, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery recommends you meet one of the following:
1- BMI ≥ 40, or more than 100 pounds overweight.
2- BMI ≥35 and at least one or more obesity-related co-morbidities such as type II diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders, or heart disease.
3- Inability to achieve a healthy weight loss sustained for a period of time with prior weight loss efforts.
Have a consultation with a bariatric surgeon this will allow you to discuss about the different procedures in details. Many factors should be considered when deciding for a bariatric surgery, is needed to check your current health status with lab work and in a consultation you can accomplish this.  Don't be discouraged and continue searching the best option to improve your health.
My Best Wishes

Omar Fabrizio Platero, MD · Answer

hello due to your weight and height your best option is a gastric sleeve, restrictive procedure which will help you to solve your back and knees pain, regards

I'm a 5' 4 and weigh 190 pounds. Would I qualify for any weight-loss surgical help? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Gastric sleeve

Answer: Gastric sleeve

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I'm a 5' 4 and weigh 190 pounds. Would I qualify for any weight-loss surgical help? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Gastric sleeve

Answer: Gastric sleeve

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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.