36 years old, 5'1", 180 pounds. Can I get a sleeve bypass surgery?

Question

I don't lose the weight no matter if I didn't eat a whole day.. I'm always at 178, 180. I've been this weight ever since my last 2 kids. I have body and muscle aches all day. My bones and ankles feel like they can't take weight. I fatigue in seconds of doing anything. And I sweat all day literally especially in the winter.. please tell me I can have this surgery. Because i won't lose the weight to my normal 130/145 size myself..

Hasan Erdem, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question!
Unfortunately, Bariatric Surgeries are performed after 35 BMI and your BMI is 34. But we can suggest you gastric balloon or gastric botox. These procedures can help you as well.
Dr.HE

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

At 5'1" and 180 pounds, your BMI is around 34, which puts you in the obese category. This means you likely qualify for weight loss surgery, especially if you have health conditions related to your weight, such as insulin resistance, PCOS, joint pain, or extreme fatigue.
A gastric sleeve could help by reducing your stomach size, making it easier to eat less and feel full faster. However, given your history of metabolic struggles and difficulty losing weight even with extreme calorie restriction, a gastric bypass might be a better option. Gastric bypass not only limits portion sizes but also changes how your body absorbs food, which could be more effective in helping you reach a healthy weight.
If your goal is to get back to your normal weight of 130-145 pounds and nothing else has worked, weight loss surgery is definitely an option worth considering.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. One of the eligibility factors for bariatric surgery is the BMI, which cannot be calculated based on weight alone, as your height is also needed. Based on your reported symptoms, weight loss journery, and probable elevated BMI, you would qualify for bariatric surgery. However, you woud have to be evaluated by a cerfied riatric surgeon in order to determine which procedure you qualify for, as it would not necesarrily be a bypass. Hope this answer was helpful. Do not hesitate to contact us if another question comes up.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

Your BMI of 34+ makes you a great candidate for the Gastric Sleeve surgery.  Its less invasive then the bypass, but has similar weight loss.   There are several weight loss surgeries available that can get you to your goal and help you stay there, but make sure there is nutritional counseling available and at least a 5 year follow up plan.

Kandace Kichler, MD · Answer

Hi love, 
I'm so sorry you are struggling with your weight! According to my calculation, your BMI is right at 34. Most insurance companies will approve the surgery - gastric sleeve or gastric bypass - once your BMI is 40 OR if it is 35 or greater with a medical comorbidity (like arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, the list goes on...). With that being said, even if you do not qualify for surgery today, you will absolutely benefit from speaking to someone who is trained in obesity medicine to talk about all of your weight loss options (this can include, diet, exercise, certain medications, and surgery of course). Best of luck - I wish you happiness & good health!

Dr. Kandace Kichler

36 years old, 5'1", 180 pounds. Can I get a sleeve bypass surgery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Lower BMI Sleeve

Answer: Lower BMI Sleeve

Answer: Surgery may be an option!

Answer: Surgery may be an option!

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.

36 years old, 5'1", 180 pounds. Can I get a sleeve bypass surgery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Lower BMI Sleeve

Answer: Lower BMI Sleeve

Answer: Surgery may be an option!

Answer: Surgery may be an option!

Browse related questions

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.