If you are struggling with obesity, you may be considering bariatric surgery options like a gastric sleeve. But, as with any surgical procedure, it is important to ask questions first. Determining whether or not surgery is right for you is a crucial first step before undergoing treatment.

When considering bariatric surgery, you may be wondering, what’s the right BMI for gastric sleeve surgery? Most patients must meet a certain BMI threshold to be eligible for this procedure. But what is the ideal BMI range, and is it possible to exceed it?

To answer the latter question: no, most patients do not need to worry about having excessive BMI for gastric sleeve surgery. However, to qualify for gastric sleeve surgery, you typically must have a BMI of 35 or greater.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as a sleeve gastrectomy, in which a portion of the stomach is removed. The procedure gets its name because the remaining portion of the stomach resembles the shape of a shirt sleeve.

By removing part of the stomach, gastric sleeve surgery accomplishes two things that aid weight loss. First, the reduced stomach capacity means the patient will experience less hunger, as the body produces less of the hormone ghrelin. Ghrelin is responsible for regulating hunger, and higher levels of it mean you experience greater hunger levels.

Second, by reducing the size of the stomach, the patient also becomes full more quickly during meals. This means they will eat less food, and thus gain less weight from their diet. There are, however, certain risks associated with the gastric sleeve surgery.

BMI Calculator for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

As mentioned, 35 is the standard minimum BMI for gastric sleeve surgery. The CDC defines obesity as having a BMI of 30 or higher.

If you are unsure about your BMI, BASS Bariatric provides a handy BMI calculator for gastric sleeve surgery patients. To calculate your BMI, divide your weight (in pounds) by the square of your height (in inches). While BMI is not an exact science for measuring overall health, it is an effective way to compare weights within a population. The doctor-recommended “normal” BMI range is between 19 and 25. However, every individual’s health is unique to them and their lifestyle. Any weight questions or concerns should be discussed with your doctor before undertaking any weight loss actions.

Gastric Sleeve Pre-Op Diet

One thing you may have heard about a sleeve gastrectomy is the gastric sleeve pre-op diet. This pre-surgery diet may be the source of some confusion about the ideal BMI for gastric sleeve surgery. A gastric sleeve pre-op diet is a universal requirement, but not because patients must reduce their BMI to be eligible for surgery. Instead, there are a few other key reasons why you need to adjust your diet before gastric sleeve surgery.

First, a gastric sleeve pre-op diet can reduce the risk of complications during surgery. This is simply because obesity is associated with a wide range of health risks and complications. The more you can reduce obesity before surgery, the easier the procedure will be.

Second, your gastric sleeve pre-op diet helps to prepare you for your lifestyle and dietary habits post-surgery. Your diet will undergo major changes following gastric sleeve surgery due to your reduced stomach size, and will have to avoid certain unhealthy foods. Your pre-op surgery eases the transition period by helping your body begin the adjustment beforehand.

When undergoing bariatric surgery, your medical team will always discuss your pre-op diet with you before surgery. Great bariatric surgeons, like the team at BASS Bariatric Surgery Center, will work hard to prepare you for a successful and healthy life post-surgery. Read our patient stories to learn more about the positive effects of successful bariatric surgery.

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