Gastric Sleeve Surgery Guidelines: Candidacy and Surgical Information By info on November 26, 2014

A doctor and patient shake handsGastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) is performed in order to reduce the size of a patient's stomach. This helps reduce the amount of calories that a patient consumes, helps patients feel fuller sooner, and also cuts down on hunger cravings that patients may face. We feel that is is an effective and low-maintenance option for people who would like to lose weight safely, which is why the team at our Tijuana weight loss surgery center have written about it extensively on this blog.

There are some basic guidelines for any sort of bariatric surgery that must be met in order to ensure the most successful surgical outcomes possible. We'll cover each of the basic guidelines below, but we'd be more than happy to discuss them in full detail during a consultation.

Weight Guidelines for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

In general, people who are going to undergo bariatric surgery should be at least 80 to 100 pounds overweight for their height and general build.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Guidelines for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

In addition to the weight guidelines specified above, bariatric surgery patients should also have a BMI greater than 40.

There are exceptions to this guideline, however. If a patient has a BMI of 35 to 39.9, he or she may qualify for bariatric surgery if the patient also suffers from a diagnosed obesity-related health problem. Examples of obesity-related health problems include:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • High cholesterol
  • Sleep apnea
  • Arthritis

Acceptable Age Range for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The general age range for bariatric surgery is 18 to 70. The surgery can potentially be performed on minors, though this remains a controversial decision among many weight loss surgery professionals and is generally not encouraged. Weight loss surgery can be performed on older patients depending on their general health.

Physical Wellness and Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Patients should not suffer from any sort of systemic condition that would make weight loss surgery a potential health hazard. We'll be sure to review your medical history and also note your diet and activity levels when making this assessment.

Psychological Suitability for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Psychological health is another important consideration. Patients should have a solid understanding of the risks and benefits of surgery and be positive about the choice that they are making. It's also important that patients have any issues with depression, substance abuse, and binge-eating addressed by a mental health professional in order to ensure the best possible outcomes of the surgery.

The Patient's Commitment to the Lifestyle Change

Weight loss surgery of any kind is not something that patients should consider passively. A bariatric surgery patient's diet changes, and he or she will have to commit themselves to improving their general wellness and staying active to maximize weight loss and prevent regaining the weight. If patients are not committed to the lifestyle changes ahead, bariatric surgery may not be ideal for them.

Schedule a Consultation for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and how it can help you achieve a more ideal body mass, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery center today. The entire team here looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve a more ideal weight and overall body mass.

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Tijuana Bariatrics

The network of physicians coordinating with Tijuana Bariatrics performs a wide range of services, including bariatric surgery. By choosing Tijuana Bariatrics, you can experience safe care from a board-certified surgeon in luxury accommodations.

For more information, fill out this online form or call (800) 308-3607 today.

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