5'1 and 186 pounds. Am I eligible for gastric sleeve?

Question

I am 23 years old and have struggled with weight for a long time. I do have a bad relationship with food and sweets especially. I want to also see a psychiatrist and a nutritionist to speak about these problems before and after getting this surgery if I am eligible. I have tried being dedicated to exercising and dieting but it is not possible with my schedule. I do not have children and I also am on the border of being pre-diabetic. Do not have a high blood pressure or high cholesterol. BMI- 35

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are 30 BMI or higher and have metabolic disease in initial stages... such as pre-diabetes, surgery will most likely revert the disease. Let me elaborate in the following video. I have also made reference to Youtube video of the International Guidelines for Metabolic Disease, a Facebook Live Symposium by the top Metabolic Surgeons.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

Based on your BMI of 35 and your pre-diabetic status, you may be eligible for gastric sleeve surgery, but it depends on your surgeon and insurance requirements. Many bariatric programs consider a BMI of 35 with obesity-related health conditions, such as pre-diabetes, as a qualifying factor. Since you do not have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, your eligibility will likely depend on how significantly your weight is affecting your health and quality of life. Your desire to work with a psychiatrist and a nutritionist is a great step, as addressing your relationship with food before and after surgery can improve long-term success. While it’s understandable that your schedule makes dieting and exercise difficult, bariatric surgery is a tool that still requires lifestyle changes to be effective.

Elizabeth Alexandra Zubowicz, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

Hi there,
you may be a candidate- in general it is a BMI of 35 or greater with two medical conditions or 40 or greater on its own.  However, different insurance companies have different requirements and they are becoming less and less strict, as we are seeing what a huge success the weight loss surgeries are for people.  Pre-diabetes can count, arthritis can count (if you have joint pain), elevated liver enzymes, sleep apnea- you may have some of these issues and not even know it.  In addition, being in a formal surgical weight loss program (at a center of excellence)- you'll have access to dieticians, psychiatrists, and all the support necessary to be successful.

That being said, weight loss surgery is only a TOOL.  In order to keep the weight off long term, you have got to work on lifestyle changes- most importantly exercise.  The surgery will force you to make the necessary diet changes, but over time, it's important not to get back into old habits- that's why its so important to continue to follow up with your surgeon/dietician/etc. after surgery.

Hope this helps!  Good luck!

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, thanks for your question and provided information. If your BMI levels are up to 30 or more, with 2/3 health conditions or complications, you will be elegible for weight loss/bariatric surgery with any problem.

5'1 and 186 pounds. Am I eligible for gastric sleeve?

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