Can I get gastric sleeve in Mexico with a BMI of 25?

Question

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. First of all, I respect your concern and desire to lose weight and improve your health. With a BMI of 25, you technically just meet the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of "overweight." Being overweight increase your risk of 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, and heart disease. Thus you are wise to be concerned about your weight, its impact on your health, and the increased difficulty to lose weight or undergo surgery as you grow older.
That being said, a BMI of 25 means you are not a candidate for the sleeve gastrectomy. To qualify for weight loss surgery, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery recommends you meet one of the following:
BMI ≥ 40, or more than 100 pounds overweight.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.Inability to achieve a healthy weight loss sustained for a period of time with prior weight loss efforts.
As Dr. Alvarez pointed out, safe surgeons in Mexico (and elsewhere) follow the same or very similar guidelines. Even gastric balloons are usually limited to individuals with a BMI >35 or >30 with certain comorbidities. 
I would also like to point out that the BMI is an imperfect measure. For example, persons with higher than normal muscle mass may have a BMI in the overweight or obese category, when in fact they are neither. On the flip side, a person who has a small frame and little muscle mass, may actually be overweight at a BMI under 25. Consultation with a physician can help you determine you ideal body weight. If you find you are at a healthy weight, but are still unhappy with your body shape or size, you may be an appropriate candidate for cosmetic surgery.
Kindest regards,
Dr. Moein

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. Athough you would have to be evaluated to determine what type of bariatric procedure you apply for, I do not believe a gastric sleeve is a right option for you. A BMI of 25 is just over a normal BMI. If you wish to lose some weight there are other options you can explore. Eventhough I cannot speak for other doctors, I strongly advice you to consider other alternatives.

Guillermo Alvarez, MD · Answer

If you are looking at a good surgeon with good reputation (that everyone should) he/she will not carry out the procedure if you don't qualify with guidelines. We in Mexico as in the States work with international guidelines and criteria to select patients who are elegible for sleeve surgery. I hope you find this useful. Warm regards, Dr. Alvarez

Mark Pleatman, MD (retired) · Answer

I routinely do sleeve gastrectomy for patients who do not meet the "standard" guidelines; BMI between 35 and 40 but no comorbidities; and even BMI between 30 and 35.  But I would never offer weight loss surgery to someone who isn't overweight.  This is major surgery!

Can I get gastric sleeve in Mexico with a BMI of 25?

Answers (4)

Answer: Sleeve gastrectomy for BMI of 25

Answer: Sleeve gastrectomy for BMI of 25

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Can I get gastric sleeve in Mexico with a BMI of 25?

Answers (4)

Answer: Sleeve gastrectomy for BMI of 25

Answer: Sleeve gastrectomy for BMI of 25

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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.