Am I a candidate for gastric bypass with a BMI of only 30?

Question

I am a 49 yr old female. 5'4" and 175lbs. I have tried every diet, I work out with a trainer four days a week and play tennis and I cannot get this weight off. I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I know I would have to pay out of pocket for the surgery which I can do but I need to know if it would be wise to do it with a BMI of only 30?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It would not be a good idea to perform a gastric bypass on someone with a BMI of 30.  An alternative to consider is abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement.  The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

With a BMI of 30, weight loss surgery is usually not recommended unless you have significant obesity-related health issues. However, since you have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, some surgeons might consider you a candidate, especially if your weight is resistant to diet and exercise. Paying out of pocket gives you more flexibility, but you’ll need to find a surgeon willing to operate at a lower BMI.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

You are a candidate, but you may want to consider a different surgery like the  Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Plication.  Neither involves intestinal re-routing.  The sleeve has similar weight loss to the bypass.  The Gastric Plication involves no cutting of stomach tissue.  Make sure you educate yourself about different procedures and decide on one you are comfortable with.

H. Joseph Naim, MD, FACS · Answer

No
No
No
Surgery has risks, and therefore the risks outweigh the benefits for someone like you!
You qualify for Gastric Balloon, or alternatively could look into Lap-Band if you qualify based on your other medical issue, but a invasive procedure like Gastric Bypass should be for higher BMI (above 35) and people with type II diabetes.

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. Although you proably qualify for a bariatric procedure, based on your BMI a bypass would most probably not be ideal. In order to determine this you would need to be evaluated by a certified baritatric surgeon, but according to your BMI and comorbid diseases a gastric balloon or sleeve would probably be a better fit.  Hope this answer was helpful.

Michael F. Sedrak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes, low BMI gastric bypass or gastric sleeve are definitely options. Nobody will lose too much weight if the surgery is done correctly.

Mark Pleatman, MD (retired) · Answer

You are correct that you would have to go the self-pay option with a BMI of 30.  It's a tough call as to whether or not to proceed.  It probably isn't "wise," but I can tell you that we have studied patients in your category who have had the surgery anyway, and the majority say that they would do it again.

Am I a candidate for gastric bypass with a BMI of only 30?

Answers (7)

More Gastric Bypass Questions

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

Can you get Gastric Bypass and 360 Liposuction, Tummy Tuck and BBL all at the same time?

I am 22 years old and 260 lbs. Am I too young for bypass surgery?

Plastic surgery after gastric sleeve - How long do you have to wait between the two?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS