Of all the bariatric procedures performed at Surgical Associates of South Florida, LLC in South Miami, FL, sleeve gastrectomy is the most common. We get a lot of questions about this procedure, but our most frequently asked question regards candidacy for the procedure.
5 Signs You Are a Good Candidate for Sleeve Gastrectomy
1. You Are Between the Ages of 18 and 64
The best candidate for sleeve gastrectomy is usually between the ages of 18 and 64. This procedure is not recommended for minors because their bodies are still developing. If you are a senior and considering this procedure, have a physical health examination performed by your general health practitioner to determine if you are healthy enough to undergo this procedure.
2. You Weigh Enough
Sleeve gastrectomy is usually indicated for morbidly obese adults. In other words, the best candidate for this procedure has a BMI (body mass index) of at least 40. For reference, a 5′ 4″ female must weigh at least 235 pounds and a 5′ 10″ male must weigh at least 280 pounds.
However, we also consider candidates with a BMI of at least 35 and one obesity-related health problem. For instance, we would consider a 5’4″ female who weighed 205 pounds or a 5’10” male who weighed 243 pounds with an obesity-related health problem such as joint pain, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, or asthma.
3. You Have the Right Attitude
The best candidate for this procedure has the right attitude. If you can’t lose weight without the procedure, it will save your life and improve the quality of your life. But it still requires several dramatic lifestyle changes. In fact, most insurance companies require policyholders to take a rigorous psychological evaluation during the pre-op candidacy process.
4. You’re Relatively Healthy
This is a major procedure, and you need to be healthy enough to undergo it. If you suffer from complications of obesity that make you a poor candidate, lose enough weight to qualify for the procedure.
For instance, your heart and lungs need to be healthy enough to work properly under general anesthesia. During your initial consultation, we’ll assess your current health to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
5. You’ve Tried and Failed Repeatedly to Lose and Maintain Weight
This procedure is ideal for morbidly obese adults who cannot achieve or maintain a healthy weight on their own. Note, you should try to lose 10 to 15 pounds before your procedure to increase its efficacy. You must be able to commit to a liquid diet for one to two weeks pre-op.
Learn How to Change Your Life for the Better Today
Are you ready to change your life for the better? Do you think you may be a good candidate for sleeve gastrectomy? If so, we strongly urge you to contact us at Surgical Associates of South Florida, LLC in South Miami, FL today to schedule your initial consultation. We can help you get your life back on track for good.
