Gastric Sleeve Requirements: Do I Qualify for it?

Gastric sleeve requirements have largely been standardized by the medical community, but individual factors still make a difference. During your initial consultation with a bariatric surgeon, one of the first questions you should ask is: “Do I qualify for gastric sleeve?” Your surgeon will determine your candidacy within defined parameters, but they do have a wide discretion while making a decision.

Meeting the requisite gastric sleeve qualifications is vital for your own safety and success of the procedure. Any bariatric surgery is a major procedure, and not everyone is a solid candidate for it. A responsible weight loss surgeon will educate you about VSG surgery qualifications and provide you a clear medical opinion. They will only recommend you for this surgery, if you are comfortably able to meet all the criteria for gastric sleeve.

Learn about your gastric sleeve requirements from a leading bariatric surgeon. Call or Contact Jet Medical Tourism® today to schedule a free consultation.

Gastric sleeve requirements/qualifications

The most important qualification that will determine whether you are a gastric sleeve candidate is your BMI (body mass index). The second factor of consideration will be whether you are suffering from any health conditions correlated with obesity. Most patients who fulfill these two gastric sleeve requirements can expect to qualify for this surgery.

In exceptional situations, your surgeon may recommend another surgical option such as gastric bypass if they don’t find you fit for vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). Even when you fulfill the minimum VSG qualifications, your bariatric surgeon will evaluate some other personal aspects. They will assess whether you are choosing this surgery out of your own choice or under pressure from someone else.

Your surgeon will ask questions to understand whether you have a long-term commitment to follow the dietary guidelines that come with this surgery. Make sure you to answer all questions truthfully and do not be anxious if you don’t meet all the gastric sleeve qualifications at first. A dedicated surgeon will work with you to ensure that you are ready for the surgery.

READ: Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery: A step-by-step guide

Gastric sleeve bmi requirements

Among all the gastric sleeve surgery requirements, the BMI matters the most. If your BMI is 40 or above, you will clinically be considered as suffering from obesity. This will qualify you straightaway for bariatric surgery in most cases. If your BMI is at least 35 or above, you could still be within the BMI requirements for gastric sleeve. In this case, the surgeon will assess whether you obesity-related medical conditions that can be improved with bariatric surgery.

A few patients may qualify as a gastric sleeve candidate even with a gastric sleeve BMI 30 or above. In these cases, the bariatric surgeon will closely review their medical history. They may also consult with other physicians to determine whether your severe symptoms of overweight-related diseases can reduce with bariatric surgery. You should know that in determining your gastric sleeve BMI requirements, your surgeon’s only goal is to ensure that the benefits should significant outweigh the risks.

READ: Bariatric surgery requirements: Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?

Weight requirements for VSG surgery

When you ask your surgeon about “How do I qualify for gastric sleeve,” they will focus on your BMI, and not your body weight. This is because the body weight is meaningful as a parameter only in related to your height. In other words, a person who weighs less than you, but has a shorter height might be considered clinically obese, while you may not. This is because the BMI is function of both weight and height. (BMI = kg/m2)

While weight requirements for gastric sleeve matter only indirectly, what is more important is whether you have tried to reduce weight through natural means. Reputable bariatric surgeons will prefer a gastric sleeve candidate who has first tried to reduce weight through diet and exercise, but failed. When your body weight becomes resistant and does not respond to natural diet and exercise, you may fulfill VSG surgery qualifications more ideally.

READ: How much do you have to weigh to get gastric sleeve

Other requirements for sleeve surgery

Here are some other gastric sleeve requirements that could influence your candidacy for this surgery:

• Age: The ideal age to undergo this procedure is between 18 and 60 years. However, in exceptional cases, the surgeon may decide to relax the criteria for gastric sleeve and approve a teenager or someone above 60 as a candidate.
• Health: Although obesity-related medical conditions can improve with gastric sleeve, you should not be suffering from any other major health problem. If the illness can interfere with your surgery or recovery, you may not qualify for the procedure.
• Smoking: If you are a smoker, you should discuss with your surgeon how to be eligible for gastric sleeve. They may instruct you to quit smoking for at least a few weeks before and after gastric sleeve surgery. If you are committed to it, you may qualify as a candidate.
• Emotional Makeup: Your surgeon will also consider whether you are emotionally ready to undergo the procedure. If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, they may put you on medications and see your response before approving your candidacy.

How to qualify for gastric sleeve

You may consider the following steps in order to fulfill the minimum gastric sleeve qualifications:

Step 1: Obtain an accurate BMI measurement

Consult with your general physician to determine your exact body weight, height and body mass index (BMI). In addition, request them to conduct your physical exam or review your medical history and certify if you are suffering from any obesity-related health conditions.

Step 2: Talk to your insurance provider

Based on the professional advice and medical documents from your doctor, you should speak to your insurance company and ask: “Do I qualify for gastric sleeve?” This will give you a clear idea of whether you are eligible for insurance coverage for this procedure.

Step 3: Call a representative at Jet Medical Tourism®

If you feel that undergoing bariatric surgery in your home country is too expensive, speak to the knowledgeable representatives at Jet Medical Tourism®. They will guide you about your options and arrange for your free consultation with a weight loss surgeon.

Step 4: Determine your eligibility during a virtual consultation

Jet Medical Tourism® will provide your medical history, documents, and other details to one of the best bariatric surgeons on board. During your initial consultation, you can discuss your eligibility and how to get a gastric sleeve surgery at an affordable cost.

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Step 5: Follow the Surgeon’s Instructions to Qualify

In many cases, your bariatric surgeon may approve you as a gastric sleeve candidate at the first virtual meeting itself. In other cases, they will give you follow-up advice on how to meet gastric sleeve surgery requirements. This will enable you to qualify for this procedure.

Step 6: Adhere to the Gastric Sleeve Pre-op Diet Guidelines

Finally, once you have qualified as a candidate and your surgery is scheduled, you will be required to follow a special pre-op diet plan. Make sure to diligently meet this requirement or you may be disqualified even at the last minute for this surgery.

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Can I get a gastric sleeve?

“Can I get a gastric sleeve?” This is a question you might be asking yourself right now, wondering if the surgery may be for you. If the time is right, your health is a priority, and you’re ready for a change, a gastric sleeve may be all you need to improve your life.

Gastric sleeve eligibility factors include:

• Body mass index (BMI)- Your current weight, as measured by your BMI will be a very important factor. Patients can have a BMI from anywhere between 30 and above to qualify. Importantly, a minimum BMI of 40 will guarantee your approval!
• Pre-existing conditions– Candidates will have conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and severe sleep apnea, but other major health issues such as cancer make approval difficult.
• Age– Gastric sleeve patients are required to be adults up to age 60. Patients would need to consult with their surgeon after age 60.

Patients are expected to make a long-term commitment to stop smoking and follow a strict diet before and after having surgery. This requires effort, determination, and hard work. Your emotional stability will help you tolerate this life-changing surgery. Accepting risks, such as infection, leaks, or bleeding will also be important.

What to expect during the gastric sleeve qualification process

The qualification process for gastric sleeve surgery involves several steps:

Initial consultation

• During your first visit, your bariatric surgeon will review your medical history, current health, and weight loss goals.

Diagnostic tests

• Blood tests, imaging (e.g., X-rays or ultrasounds), and possibly an endoscopy will be conducted to assess your health.

Psychological evaluation

• A mental health professional may evaluate your readiness for surgery and your ability to commit to post-operative lifestyle changes.

Pre-Operative weight loss program

• Some clinics require candidates to follow a supervised weight loss program to demonstrate their commitment to the process and improve surgical outcomes.

Medical conditions that impact sleeve gastrectomy qualifications

Certain medical conditions may either support your qualification or disqualify you from the procedure:

Conditions that support eligibility

• Obesity-related illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or severe acid reflux may strengthen your case for surgery.
• Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are also common in candidates.

Conditions that may disqualify you

• Severe psychological disorders that are untreated or unmanaged.
• Active substance abuse issues.
• Severe illnesses such as advanced heart disease or cancer.

Your surgeon will evaluate your overall health and risks to ensure the surgery is safe and beneficial for you.

Lifestyle changes to help you qualify for gastric sleeve surgery

Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery requires adopting significant lifestyle changes to ensure a successful procedure and recovery. Here are key areas to focus on:

Dietary adjustments

One of the most crucial steps is transitioning to a low-calorie, high-protein diet. This dietary change helps reduce the size of the liver, making the surgery safer and easier for the surgeon to perform. Additionally, limiting carbohydrate intake and focusing on lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats can kickstart weight loss, improve metabolic health, and prepare your body for the postoperative diet.

Quit smoking

Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications such as infections, poor wound healing, and respiratory issues during and after surgery. Many surgeons mandate that patients quit smoking at least six weeks before the procedure. This timeline allows your body to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, enhancing recovery and minimizing risks.

Commit to long-term changes

Gastric sleeve surgery is not a quick fix but rather a tool to assist in achieving weight loss. Long-term success depends on your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. This includes:

• Healthy Eating Habits: Adopting portion control, mindful eating, and avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks.
• Regular Exercise: Engaging in consistent physical activity to support weight loss and overall well-being.
• Behavioral Support: Attending counseling or support groups to help manage emotional eating and stay motivated.

By embracing these changes before surgery, you not only enhance your candidacy for the procedure but also lay a solid foundation for sustained success on your weight loss journey.

Options if you don’t meet the criteria for gastric sleeve

In a few cases, it is possible that you do not meet Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy qualifications. However, you do not have to feel disheartened and you can discuss other options with your bariatric surgeon. They may recommend certain steps that will help you meet the criteria for gastric sleeve. Alternatively, your surgeon will discuss the following options with you:

• Gastric Bypass: Sometimes your underlying medical conditions may be such that you could be a more suitable candidate for a gastric bypass surgery. This procedure will help improve your symptoms of diabetes as well as acid reflux. Talk to your surgeon whether you are eligible to undergo this weight loss procedure.
• Duodenal Switch: If the surgeon determines that you are suffering from severe obesity (having a BMI of 50 or above), they may recommend duodenal switch surgery instead of gastric sleeve. Feel free to ask questions about this bariatric surgery option and make a well-informed decision after evaluating all the pros and cons.
• Gastric Lap Band: In exceptional situations, your surgeon may recommend an adjustable gastric lap band surgery for you. Although the success rate of this surgery is low and most surgeons will prefer to avoid it, but it might be the only option available in a few cases.
• Diet and Exercise: In some cases, your surgeon may find that your BMI requirements for gastric sleeve are not met. This means, you may actually be suffering from clinical obesity. Discuss a comprehensive diet and exercise plan with your surgeon and other nutrition and fitness experts. You could achieve weight loss through natural means without surgery. You can also consult our bariatric nutrition support team.

RELATED POST: Gastric sleeve vs. gastric bypass vs. lap band

Gastric sleeve requirements for insurance coverage

It is important to understand that insurance companies in general are not very supportive of bariatric surgery procedures. Your insurer may impose stringent gastric sleeve requirements insurance coverage. Many patients find it hard to meet those conditions, and may be deprived of this procedure even if they desperately need it. The good news is that if insurance coverage is denied or you do not have adequate coverage for this procedure, you can consider other options.

The surgeons at Jet Medical Tourism® have been helping thousands of women and men who want to seek affordable weight loss surgery without insurance. Your overall cost of gastric sleeve with Jet Medical Tourism® could be lower than just the deductibles and co-pays that you will pay even with insurance in your home country. If you find that you are unable to meet gastric sleeve requirements insurance, your best bet would be to talk to a Jet Medical Tourism® representative.

RELATED: Weight loss surgery insurance

Frequently asked questions about gastric sleeve requirements

What are the basic qualifications for gastric surgery?

The basic qualifications include a BMI of 40 or a BMI of 35+ with an obesity-related health condition, being between 18-65 years old, and failing to achieve significant weight loss through non-surgical means.

Can I qualify for gastric sleeve if I don’t meet BMI criteria?

In some cases, exceptions are made for individuals with severe obesity-related health conditions even if their BMI is below 35. Consult with a surgeon for personalized advice.

Are there alternative options if I don’t qualify for sleeve gastrectomy?

Yes, non-surgical options like medically supervised weight loss programs or other bariatric procedures like gastric bypass may be viable alternatives.

Contact Jet Medical Tourism to see if you fulfill qualifications for gastric sleeve

Jet Medical Tourism® provides safe and affordable weight loss surgery procedures. We have teamed up with some of the pre-eminent bariatric surgeons, hospitals and clinics with demonstrated expertise in gastric sleeve surgery. If you wish to receive authentic medical information about VSG surgery qualifications, our representatives will be happy to help you. To schedule a free consultation with one of our surgeons, call Jet Medical Tourism® today.

Reference:

The Mayo Clinic. 2021. Sleeve Gastrectomy. Assessed: 23 Nov. 2021.