Is a VSG with a BMI of 32 possible? (Photos)

Question

Hi, I'm interested in getting a VSG because I have tried everything to lose weight and it's been an up hill battle I have lost all my life. I have seen other low BMI patients be treated and loss the undesired weight. I'm 22, have a BMI of 32 (weigh around 200lbs) and I'm 5'4. Would this be possible?

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

At 22 years old, 5’4” in height, and approximately 200 pounds, your Body Mass Index (BMI) is about 32. According to the standard medical guidelines, bariatric surgery is generally recommended for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 and above if there are significant obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. A BMI of 32, without major medical comorbidities, typically falls below the standard eligibility threshold.
That said, there are exceptions. In some countries, and in carefully selected cases, patients with lower BMIs may be considered for surgery, particularly if they suffer from serious obesity-related health problems that affect quality of life. However, many insurance providers in the United States will not approve coverage at this BMI, so surgery at a lower weight is often done on a self-pay basis.
It’s important to remember that bariatric surgery is a major, lifelong decision. For someone at your BMI, non-surgical approaches&mdash;sometimes in combination with newer weight-loss medications&mdash;can be very effective and may be considered before surgery.
I recommend consulting with a board-certified bariatric surgeon who can evaluate your full medical history, discuss all of your options, and guide you toward the safest and most effective path for long-term success.

Alejandro Lopez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi dollydream,
I would suggest getting a full bariatric assesment, some countries like germany are decreasing the current BMI requirement, for example it has been dropped all the way to a BMI of 30 if the person has other comorbilities and failed to loose weight before.

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello
Thank you so much for your question and congratulation on taking the decision to become healthier.The sleeve gastrectomy, which reduces the size of the stomach might be an option because the 70% to 80% of the stomach is removed and the part that produce Ghrelin which is a hormone that makes you feel hungry. Paired with healthy diet and exercise you should have a successful procedure. 
To qualify for weight loss surgery, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery recommends you meet one of the following:
1- BMI ≥ 40, or more than 100 pounds overweight.
2- 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.
3- Inability to achieve a healthy weight loss sustained for a period of time with prior weight loss efforts.
Remember that the surgery limits the quantity of the food intake but doesn't help with the quality of what you eat. 
Have a consultation with a bariatric surgeon this will allow you to discuss about the different procedures in details. Many factors should be considered when deciding for a bariatric surgery, is needed to check your current health status with lab work and in a consultation you can accomplish this.  Don't be discouraged and continue searching the best option to improve your health.
Good luck in this journey, hope this information helps

Is a VSG with a BMI of 32 possible? (Photos)

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