Can I receive a pro-active VSG with a BMI of only 27? (Photo)

Question

Background: My siblings and mother are obese. As I get older (i'm 25), the harder it is to keep up with my diet and exercise. I actually LOVE cardio! I've also been on prescription weight loss medication for 4 months and lost 10 pounds. STATS: 5'7 WEIGHT: 170 If it matters, I am looking at having it done in Tijuana, MX.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

At 25 years old, 5’7” in height, and weighing 170 pounds, your Body Mass Index (BMI) is about 27. According to internationally accepted medical guidelines, bariatric surgery such as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is generally reserved for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 and above if they also have significant obesity-related medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
With a BMI of 27, you would not be considered a candidate for VSG under standard medical or insurance criteria. While some centers abroad may offer surgery at lower BMIs, it is important to understand that the risks of surgery can outweigh the benefits at your current weight. Bariatric procedures are designed for individuals with clinically severe obesity who have not been able to achieve lasting results with medical or lifestyle treatment alone.
Given that you are already active, enjoy exercise, and have lost weight on prescription medication, you may benefit more from continuing structured medical weight management, possibly with the support of a bariatric physician or endocrinologist. Newer weight-loss medications can be very effective in patients with lower BMIs and are generally safer than surgery at your current weight.
While I understand your concern due to family history, bariatric surgery at a BMI of 27 is not recommended. I would encourage you to continue working closely with a medical team to build on the progress you’ve already made in a safe and sustainable way.

H. Joseph Naim, MD, FACS · Answer

No, you cannot have “Prophylactic Surgery”!
There is no such a thing and you can’t ask that, because it’s not the standard of practice in USA.
That being said, you can ask to have the Surgery to help you lose some weight (even with low BMI). 
Obviously with proper diet and active lifestyle, not only you will lose some weight, but also will maintain it and prevent obesity and/ or its complications in the future.

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. A BMI of 27 would not make you eligible for bariatric surgery. However, there are other options available for you like the gastric balloon. Additionally, my recommendation is to get evaluated by a bariatric team, considering your difficulty losing weight could have a medical cause.

Michael F. Sedrak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes sleeve in low bmi can be done, as long as you understand the risks, and understand the that you would pay out of pocket. Lots of great surgeons in Tijuana MX and elsewhere internationally, the issue is that of follow up, which will be very important after any operation

Can I receive a pro-active VSG with a BMI of only 27? (Photo)

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