Five Gastric Sleeve Surgery Requirements
Carrying extra weight puts undue stress on our organs, joints, and overall health. While some patients can lose excess weight with diet and exercise, other patients cannot. Gastric sleeve surgery is a safe and effective way for these patients to lose body fat and improve their overall health.
At Oasis of Hope Bariatrics, our team of dedicated bariatric surgeons have been helping patients lose excess body fat for over three decades in Tijuana, Mexico. With minimally-invasive techniques and advanced technology, our patients know that they are getting superior care.
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, then you’ll need to know about five gastric sleeve surgery requirements. Understanding these qualifications can help you determine if a gastric sleeve is right for you.
1. Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index measures a patient’s overall body fat by comparing their mass relative to their height. A BMI greater than or equal to 30 is considered obese, and a value over 40 is considered extremely obese.
Patients considering gastric sleeve surgery must have a BMI range between 30 and 50. A BMI below 30 or above 50 will disqualify a patient from getting this bariatric procedure.
2. Cardiovascular Health
Patients who have had a heart attack or currently have a cardiovascular condition may be disqualified from getting gastric sleeve surgery. A weak heart can lead to complications during and after the procedure, which places a patient at a higher risk of developing life-threatening issues.
At Oasis of Hope, patients must undergo extensive preoperative examinations to check their cardiovascular health. A thorough evaluation with a cardiologist and an EKG will help us determine if your heart is strong enough for gastric sleeve surgery.
3. No Previous Gastric Bypass Surgery
Almost 15% of patients who receive gastric bypass surgery do not experience long-term weight loss success. While bariatric revision surgery may be an option, patients who have previously had a gastric bypass are not eligible for gastric sleeve surgery.
4. Diet Commitment
Patients seeking a gastric sleeve should consider their long-term commitment to diet and food guidelines following their surgery. Otherwise, they may risk injuring their gastrointestinal tracts and gaining weight after their procedure.
Patients should be able to follow these diet guidelines closely:
- Eating mindfully
- Chewing thoroughly before swallowing
- Eating and drinking separately
- Drinking water approximately 30 minutes before consuming meals
- Eating nutrient-dense foods and avoiding high calorie, junk foods
- Taking daily nutritional supplements
5. Exercise Commitment
Being committed to diet alone is not enough. Patients should prioritize a daily exercise regimen in addition to their diet efforts.
Getting 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity three to five times a week can help patients enhance their weight loss. Adding in strength exercises (like weight training) can help patients burn fat, which may help them reach their weight-loss goals faster.
Schedule a Gastric Sleeve Consultation
Are you ready to discuss gastric sleeve surgery requirements with a team of qualified bariatric surgeons? If so, then it’s time to schedule your consultation at Oasis of Hope Bariatrics now.
Patients can get started by calling our Tijuana bariatric center at (619) 690-8417 or by sending our team a message.
