If you’ve been struggling to lose weight and improve your health, you might have heard about bariatric surgery as a life-changing solution. Among the options, the sleeve gastrectomy stands out as one of the least invasive and most effective procedures. But the big question for any surgical weight loss procedure remains: What qualifies someone as a “good candidate” for bariatric surgery? Below, we review five common indicators, along with a closer look at bariatric surgery and the sleeve gastrectomy.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is designed to help people with severe obesity lose weight when other methods, like dieting and exercising, haven’t worked. Beyond just weight loss, it can also improve or even resolve conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. One of the most common types of bariatric surgery is the sleeve gastrectomy, which is less invasive and has a quicker recovery time compared to other procedures, like gastric bypass.
In a sleeve gastrectomy, about 75% of your stomach is removed, leaving a small, banana-shaped “sleeve.” The smaller stomach holds less food and reduces fat storage, blood sugar, hunger, and body weight by lowering levels of hormones like ghrelin. It doesn’t involve rerouting your intestines, making it less complex and generally safer than other surgeries.
Who is a Good Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
There are five general indicators that suggest you might be a good candidate for bariatric surgery.
1. You Meet the BMI Requirements
Bariatric surgery approval often begins with your BMI, or body mass index, which is a calculation that estimates body size and body fat based on your height and weight.
- BMI ≥ 40: If your BMI is 40 or higher, and you’ve struggled to lose weight through other means, you’re likely a strong candidate.
- BMI 35-39.9 with health issues: If your BMI is between 35 and 39.9 and you have weight-related health problems like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea, you likely qualify.
- BMI 30-34 with health risks (case by case): Some people with slightly lower BMIs but serious health risks might also be candidates. The medical societies say so, but the insurance companies have been slow to adopt these recommendations for lower BMI individuals.
2. Other Weight Loss Methods You’ve Tried Haven’t Been Successful
Surgery is typically considered after trying and not achieving long-term success with dieting, exercise, and medications.
3. You’re Ready to Commit to Lifestyle Changes
Bariatric surgery is a tool, not a magic solution. To succeed, you’ll need to be prepared to commit to long-term changes, including:
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- Eating smaller portions of healthier meals.
- Taking vitamin supplements.
- Regular exercise.
4. You Meet General Health Requirements
You must be healthy enough to undergo surgery. Your doctor will evaluate things like:
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- Your heart and lung health.
- Any untreated psychological conditions you may have.
- Your ability to stop smoking if you’re a smoker.
5. You’re In The Appropriate Age Range
While there’s no strict age limit, most candidates for bariatric surgery are between 16 and 75. Older adults are evaluated more carefully to ensure they can safely handle the procedure.
Why Sleeve Gastrectomy is a Great Option
Unlike gastric bypass, the sleeve gastrectomy doesn’t require cutting or rerouting your intestines, making it simpler and generally safer. It has a lower list of complications, and there’s a reduce risk of issues like malnutrition or “dumping syndrome” (a problem with gastric bypass where food moves too quickly into your intestine). It’s also impressively effective. Most people lose about 50 to 70% of their excess weight within the first 1 to 2 years after surgery. Plus, because the surgery is usually performed laparoscopically (through small incisions), recovery is faster—patients often same-day discharge or just one night in the hospital.
Who Might Not Be a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Some conditions might make bariatric surgery unsafe, including:
- Uncontrolled psychiatric conditions.
- Untreated eating disorders.
- Severe heart or lung disease.
- Active substance abuse.
- An inability or unwillingness to follow post-surgery guidelines.
The Takeaway
If you’re struggling with severe obesity and want to improve your health and quality of life, sleeve gastrectomy could be the answer. It’s one of the least invasive, safest, and most effective bariatric surgery options. Talk to your doctor to see if you’re a good candidate—it might just be the life-changing tool you’ve been looking for! You deserve a future full of energy, confidence, and health, and bariatric surgery could help you get there.
In Reno, contact the team at Nevada Surgical to learn more about whether you might be a good candidate for bariatric surgery.
