How to Know If You're an Ideal Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

How to Know If You're an Ideal Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most effective and reliable weight loss procedures that has been known to significantly improve the lives of several obese people. However, any weight loss surgery can only be effective if it is performed on the right candidate. It is therefore extremely important to learn about the eligibility criteria for gastric sleeve surgery.
Qualifications
People suffering from obesity are ideal candidates for bariatric surgery if:
1. BMI is above 37.5 with absence of any obesity related ailment.
2. BMI is greater than 32.5 with the presence of obesity related ailments such as Type 2 Diabetes, etc.
3. All traditional weight loss methods have been tried but none worked.
4. Patient is motivated to lose weight and stay committed to lead a healthy lifestyle post the bariatric surgery.
5. Age is between 18 and 65 years.
6. For patients below 18 of age, surgery can be considered in special circumstances after attaining puberty i.e. after pediatrician/endocrinology certification.
7. For patients above 65 years of age, surgery can be considered if there is any obesity related disability.
Additional Gastric Sleeve Surgery Requirements
Few additional tests may be required to determine whether a patient is an ideal candidate for surgery or not. These include:
• Blood Tests
• Physical, psychological and nutritional evaluation
Every qualification parameter for gastric sleeve surgery has been set to ensure that the procedure is performed on the right candidate. Due to the cost of bariatric surgery, the tests and health requirements can vary depending upon the cost a patient has to bear and the one covered in the insurance package.
Obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, hypertension, etc. affecting patients for a period of 5 years or more can be best treated with the help of weight loss surgery. Apart from BMI and obesity-related conditions, a psychological examination is carried out to evaluate if a patient is mentally stable enough for achieving long-term success from the procedure.
A patient's ability to undergo significant changes in lifestyle, behavior and physical health, and willingness to adapt to a healthier lifestyle is also evaluated before sleeve bariatric surgery. Physical examination is required in order to reduce any risk of complications post the surgery and understand if the patient is fit to undergo the procedure.
Although the results of weight loss after the surgery vary from person to person, the average expected weight loss if proper diet and exercise is followed include:
• 30% in 3 months
• 50% in 6 months
• 70% in 12 months
• 75% in 18 months

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