Skip to Content

What weight qualifies for VSG?

The threshold for weight that qualifies for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) surgery is typically dependent upon various factors, such as insurance coverage and your body mass index (BMI). Generally, this surgery is recommended for adults with a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater along with obesity-related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes.

The amount of weight you need to lose beforehand can vary, as some individuals with a BMI of 35-40 may have a higher amount of weight to lose than those with a BMI of 40 or greater.

It is important to discuss your individual needs and goals with your surgeon to determine where your BMI needs to be and what specific counseling, testing, and monitoring needs to occur before and after surgery.

If you meet your individualized requirements, then you can be considered a good candidate for VSG.

How do you know if you qualify for VSG?

The best way to know if you qualify for VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) is to speak to your doctor or surgeon about your weight loss needs and whether VSG might be a good fit for you. Generally speaking, VSG is typically recommended for someone who is significantly overweight (BMI of ≥40 or ≥35 with obesity-related health issues) and has unsuccessfully attempted other weight loss methods, such as lifestyle modifications and medications.

Your doctor or surgeon will also consider other factors, including any underlying medical conditions you may have that could make it unsafe to undergo such a major surgery, your age, and psychological factors, such as ability to maintain long-term adherence to lifestyle changes to ensure sustained success.

In addition, they may also take an in-depth look at your eating and exercise habits to gain a better understanding of your overall health.

Can I get gastric sleeve with BMI of 35?

Yes, you can get gastric sleeve surgery with a BMI of 35. In general, gastric sleeve surgery is recommended for individuals with a BMI of 40 or more, or those with a BMI of 35-40 who have co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

Because it is an invasive procedure, bariatric surgeons take several factors into consideration before recommending it, including lifestyle, medical history, and emotional health. While gastric sleeve surgery can significantly reduce BMI, it is not a guarantee for weight loss success.

It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the long-term success of the procedure. This includes eating a balanced and nutritious diet, as well as working out regularly and getting adequate rest.

In some cases, additional procedures, such as medication or counseling, may also be necessary for optimal results. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about your situation before making a final decision.

Can you get the gastric sleeve if you are 50 lbs overweight?

Yes, you can get the gastric sleeve if you are 50 lbs overweight, but it is important to discuss this decision with your doctor first. The gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of bariatric surgery that is designed to help people who are severely obese lose weight and achieve long-term weight management.

The procedure permanently reduces the size of the patient’s stomach to about the size of a banana. To be a suitable candidate for this type of procedure, individuals must have a BMI of over 40, or have a BMI of over 35 with at least 1 obesity-related medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, or joint/mobility problems.

In addition, it is important to understand that the gastric sleeve is not a magical fix for obesity, and diet and lifestyle changes will still be necessary to help ensure long-term success. A patient’s diet must change in order to include healthier, lower-calorie foods, in addition to regular physical activity and lifestyle modifications such as decreasing screen time or stress levels.

In general, the gastric sleeve can be a helpful tool in managing weight, but it is not recommended for individuals who are not ready to make a lifestyle commitment to healthy habits.

Why would I get denied for bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a major procedure and is not always recommended for all types of patients. While it can be an effective way to lose weight and treat obesity-related health issues, it is not always the best choice for everyone.

There are various reasons why someone may be denied bariatric surgery.

The most common reasons for denial are health-related. Patients need to be in good general health and have no underlying medical conditions that could prevent the successful completion of the procedure or put them at greater risk for complications.

This means that patients with active cancer, heart disease, bleeding disorders, mental health issues, or active infection are not good candidates for bariatric surgery. Additionally, patients must be committed to following post-operative instructions and regular follow-up care.

In some cases, a patient’s current weight and/or body mass index (BMI) may be a factor in the denial of surgery. Depending on the type of surgery being performed, patients may be required to have a certain starting BMI or amount of excess body weight that cannot be lost through diet and exercise.

If a patient does not meet these criteria, they may be denied for the surgery.

Finally, patients must demonstrate a willingness to commit to lifestyle and behavioral changes in order to maintain the weight loss post-surgery. This includes making healthy eating and exercise habits part of their routine and attending any follow-up care appointments.

Patients who show a lack of commitment to this may be denied for the procedure.

Overall, bariatric surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly. There are risks involved, and it is best to weigh all of the risks and benefits with your doctor and look into any available alternatives in order to make the best decision for your individual circumstance.

What is the lowest BMI for weight loss surgery?

The lowest BMI for weight loss surgery typically ranges between 30 and 35, depending on a variety of factors such as health history, the presence of comorbid conditions, age, lifestyle, and available resources.

Generally, a BMI of 30 or higher is necessary for a patient to be eligible for weight loss surgery, though surgeons may choose to consider patients with BMIs lower than 30 based on individual cases. Generally, the minimum BMI is measured as part of a comprehensive assessment to determine candidacy for bariatric surgery.

In addition to a BMI of 30 or higher, other criteria are considered for weight loss surgery. Examples of these criteria include having a history of medically-supervised dieting efforts over a period of time, the presence of weight-related health issues (such as certain types of diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, or high blood cholesterol or hypertension), and the availability of support from family and friends.

Surgeons may also look for evidence that a patient has the commitment, determination, and willingness to make the necessary lifestyle changes for successful weight loss after surgery.

Is a BMI of 35 considered morbidly obese?

Yes, a BMI of 35 is considered morbidly obese. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that a BMI over 30 is considered clinically obese, which is a range defined as an increased risk to health. Within this range, BMIs between 30 and 34.

9 are categorized as class 1 obesity, and BMIs 35 and over are labeled as class 2, or morbid obesity.

Morbidly obese individuals are at greater risk of developing a range of health conditions associated with obesity, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, coronary artery disease and some types of cancer.

They also have a lower quality of life and a shorter lifespan than individuals with healthy BMIs.

If you have a BMI of 35 you should discuss your weight with your doctor and create a plan to get to a healthier weight. It may involve increased exercise, dietary changes and even medication or weight loss surgery.

With dedication, even morbid obesity can be managed and overcome.

What happens if you have a BMI of 35?

If you have a BMI of 35, it means that you are considered to be severely obese. This is a great cause for concern, as it can lead to a variety of negative health consequences. Those with a BMI of 35 or greater are at a significantly higher risk for developing chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, and stroke, as well as an increased risk of certain forms of cancer.

Additionally, having a BMI of 35 or higher can increase the rate of mortality from any of these conditions or from other causes. In order to reduce the risk of developing these health conditions or other serious health issues, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to discuss possible treatments, such as lifestyle modifications, like increasing physical activity and adopting healthier eating habits, or other potential treatments.

Who Cannot have gastric sleeve?

It is important to note that Gastric Sleeve is a major surgical procedure and, as with any major surgery, it is not suitable for everyone. Those with a BMI below 30 would not be suitable candidates for a Gastric Sleeve, as individuals with a higher BMI have been shown to have the most successful outcomes with this procedure.

In general, those with a history of gastrointestinal or digestive problems, long-term medical conditions, or alcohol- and substance-abuse disorders may be excluded from Gastric Sleeve because of their higher risk of resulting complications.

Additionally, individuals who do not have a history of healthy weight loss attempts may be advised against the procedure.

Finally, individuals with concurrent medical conditions, such as heart disease, are usually not considered good candidates for a Gastric Sleeve.

Ultimately, it is important to consult with a medical professional to determine whether or not Gastric Sleeve is the right option for you.

What is the success rate of VSG surgery?

The success rate of VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) surgery is generally very high. Studies have shown that this type of surgery is effective in helping people lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off in the long term.

The average amount of weight lost is between 50-60% of excess body weight at a one year follow-up. One year after surgery, over 80% of the patients had maintained a weight loss of at least 60% of the baseline.

Longer-term studies have also found that patients maintained a stable weight loss of up to 60% of the excess body weight up to five years post-surgery.

VSG surgery has also been shown to improve other health conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension. A 20-year follow-up study of VSG surgery showed that not only did the participants maintain a long-term weight loss of over 60%, but improvements in diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension were still present in the majority of patients.

In short, VSG surgery has a very high success rate with an average weight loss of between 50-60% of excess body weight, and these results have been shown to be sustained in the long term. In addition, patients often experience an improvement in certain health conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension.

How many years does gastric sleeve last?

The gastric sleeve is considered a permanent procedure and typically lasts for life. The success of the procedure is largely dependant on the patient’s commitment to healthy eating and lifestyle habits after surgery.

The patient must commit to breaking unhealthy habits of overeating and instead focus on adopting healthy and sustainable dietary and exercise habits. These habits are necessary to ensure the sleeve works properly and that the long-term weight loss goals can be achieved.

Barring any medical complications, the gastric sleeve should last for years with the right combination of diet and exercise.

How many people gain weight back after VSG?

Although the success rates of vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) as a weight loss treatment are very impressive, with many patients losing on average of 40-70% of their excess weight, there is unfortunately still a significant number of people who gain some, or even all of the weight back afterwards.

This phenomenon, referred to as ‘weight regain’, is reported in a few studies, however it is difficult to provide an exact percentage of people who will regain weight after having the procedure.

Weight regain has been linked to certain patient and environmental factors, such as a patient’s pre-operative weight, time since the operation, body composition and eating habits as well as socioeconomic factors including stress, depression and other psychological issues.

One study conducted by the University of Toledo Health Science Campus reported that out of the 215 patients studied, almost 45% had regained some of their lost weight within the first three years after VSG.

Though VSG may provide effective short-term results in terms of weight loss, it is important for patients to adhere to lifestyle changes that are conducive to maintaining a healthy weight in the long term.

This includes exercising regularly and making conscious food choices. It is also important for VSG patients to follow-up regularly with their medical provider in order to ensure that their body is responding to the surgery in a healthy way.

Is gastric sleeve a high risk surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery can be a relatively high risk procedure. It is important to keep in mind that it is still considered a major surgery, so there are risks associated with any type of surgical procedure, including gastric sleeve surgery.

However, the risks associated with this particular procedure are generally considered to be fewer than those associated with other forms of bariatric surgery. Common risks associated with gastric sleeve surgery could include the potential for bleeding, infection, or abdominal hernias.

Other risks may relate to the patient’s unique health situation, such as complications related to being overweight prior to surgery, prior or existing medical conditions, or other medications being taken.

To minimize the risk of any adverse reactions, it is important to evaluate the patient’s health prior to surgery and to follow up accordingly to monitor for any potential complications. It is also important to follow all of the pre- and post-surgical instructions given by the medical staff for optimal results and minimal complications.

How long after VSG do you stop losing weight?

The amount of time it takes to stop losing weight after a gastric sleeve (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, or VSG) procedure is highly individualized, and dependent on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, most patients are able to reach a plateau one to two years after the procedure is completed.

During this time, weight loss usually slows or stops, and total weight can remain stable for quite a long time afterward.

The amount of weight loss achieved during the initial post-op year is a key factor in determining when a patient will reach a weight plateau. If a patient is successful in making positive lifestyle changes and losing large amounts of weight during the first year—often called “rapid” or “fast” weight loss—it is more likely they will reach a stable weight shortly after.

However, if the patient’s diet and exercise habits are not healthy, or if they are failing to make the necessary post-operative adjustments for adequate weight loss, it can take longer for them to reach a plateau in their experience.

In these cases, it’s not atypical for a patient to still be losing weight three or more years after a VSG procedure.

It is important for every gastric sleeve patient to understand that the post-operative journey is not just a matter of the procedure itself, but could involve a long-term lifestyle change to keep weight off.

Lifestyle after surgery—including dietary and exercise habits—is a crucial part of keeping weight off permanently. It is important to create healthy habits and routines that will sustain the weight after a VSG procedure.

Working with a dietician or nutritionist, and attending regular post-operative follow-ups with a bariatric physician can be also be helpful in achieving and maintaining weight loss goals.

Why do VSG patients regain weight?

VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) is a type of weight loss surgery in which approximately 85% of the stomach is removed. It is intended for use as an effective weight loss tool for those suffering from extreme obesity, allowing them to lose a significant amount of weight quite quickly.

However, some patients may experience a regained weight following the surgery.

In some cases, patients may not adhere to the diet and exercise recommendations that are necessary for a successful weight loss journey. Since VSG is a tool and not an absolute solution to obesity, it is important for the patient to still follow through with the recommended lifestyle changes in order to successfully maintain a healthy weight after the surgery.

Furthermore, the surgery may cause physiological changes to the digestive system, such as slower absorption of food, that can impact a patient’s weight. The stomach pouch created by the procedure may also become stretched over time, allowing a patient to eat more than they would have post-surgery.

In some cases, patients will also be able to take in a greater amount of calories due to the smaller stomach pouch. This can lead to weight gain over time, especially if consuming unhealthy foods.

Finally, psychological factors can also play a role in VSG patients regaining weight. After the surgery, patients may be more likely to go off their diet and exercise plan due to a lack of motivation, leading them to regain some of the lost weight.

Therefore, it is important for VSG patients to receive the necessary support and guidance throughout their weight loss journey to help them stay on track and successfully reduce their weight.

Resources

  1. BMI Calculator – Bariatric Surgery Candidates – HonorHealth
  2. Weight Loss Surgery Requirements | BMI Calculator
  3. Who Is a Good Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
  4. Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery? – Cleveland Clinic
  5. Sleeve gastrectomy – Mayo Clinic