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  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member Kimsterama's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/06/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Hidalgo
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Last Activity
    05-29-2021 10:38 AM
    Posts
    91
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    Default Do I qualify for the sleeve with my BMI

    I'm just wondering if I'm a good candidate for the sleeve. I start my pre-op tomorrow for 2 weeks (yikes, this is getting real!!) and the nerves are starting to set in. I'm 6 feet tall, and weigh 266 lbs. My BMI is 36.1 Is that a low BMI for gastric sleeve, or is a reasonable BMI for gastric sleeve? I would like to weight 170 lbs so that's 100 lbs to lose, so in my mind I should not be at risk for complications due to my BMI but maybe I'm wrong? My blood sugars are high and I'm right around the corner to taking meds for diabetes 2 so I guess there is co-morbidity there. What is a good BMI for gastric sleeve and do I qualify? I'm starting to get quite nervous, I certainly hope I'm doing the right thing. I don't want to die, and I don't want to have complications, I want to eat "normally" once I heal, I hope I can enjoy most foods just in smaller quantities? What will it be like after the sleeve? Any thoughts, encouragements or experiences are greatly welcomed!



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  3. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member Kimsterama's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/06/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Hidalgo
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Last Activity
    05-29-2021 10:38 AM
    Posts
    91
    Said "Thanks" 24 Times
    Was Thanked 71 Times in 38 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 2 Times

    Default Re: Do I qualify for the sleeve with my BMI

    Are these normal fears? The fears get me late at night!



  4. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member RehabNurse's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    04/20/2015
    Surgeon
    Dr. Smith
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Last Activity
    02-08-2020 09:38 PM
    Location
    Texas
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    Was Thanked 1,491 Times in 728 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 905 Times
    Blog Entries
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    Default Re: Do I qualify for the sleeve with my BMI

    I qualified for the sleeve with a BMI of 37 and a comorbid condition of elevated cholesterol (dyslipidemia). My friend qualified for the sleeve with a BMI of 35 and a comorbid condition of high blood pressure (hypertension).

    If your BMI is less than 40, most insurance companies require you to have at least one comorbidity such as diabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, etc. Prediabetes doesn't count...you need a diagnoses of diabetes.

    Of course, you could gain 25 pounds and attain a BMI of 40 so you can qualify without any comorbidities.


    10/23/14 Initial Consult 200 lb, 5'1 tall
    4/6/15 Highest Wt 225 (yes: 25 lb gain)
    4/20/15 Surgery Wt 218, BMI 41

    1 mo 203.0 -15
    2 mo 190.5 -12.5
    3 mo 184.5 -6
    4 mo 177.0 -7.5
    5 mo 171.0 -6
    6 mo 164.5 -6.5
    7 mo 157.5 -7
    8 mo 152.5 -5
    9 mo 149 -3.5
    10 m 143 -6
    11 m 142 -1
    1 yr 138.5 -3.5
    13 m 133 -5.5
    14 m 128 -5
    15 m 125 -3
    16 m 121 -4
    17 m 120 -1
    18 m 118 -2

    Dec '17: BMI 23.5; consumes 2000+ kcal/day

  5. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member Kimsterama's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/06/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Hidalgo
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Last Activity
    05-29-2021 10:38 AM
    Posts
    91
    Said "Thanks" 24 Times
    Was Thanked 71 Times in 38 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 2 Times

    Default Re: Do I qualify for the sleeve with my BMI

    I have high cholesterol but it's controlled with medication. I also have blood sugar levels of 7 which is right around the corner of needing to start metformin for diabetes type 2. The fact is that I don't qualify in Canada but it seems I'm a candidate in Mexico. Is that just reckless though, do I really qualify at 36.1 with no comorbidity? Why are Canada's guidelines different than Mexico's it would seem?



  6. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member RehabNurse's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    04/20/2015
    Surgeon
    Dr. Smith
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Last Activity
    02-08-2020 09:38 PM
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    1,147
    Said "Thanks" 695 Times
    Was Thanked 1,491 Times in 728 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 905 Times
    Blog Entries
    4

    Default Re: Do I qualify for the sleeve with my BMI

    Quote Originally Posted by Kimsterama View Post
    Why are Canada's guidelines different than Mexico's it would seem?
    That's an easy question to answer...in Mexico, you pay to play, so the qualifications are more relaxed. After all, cash rules everything around us.

    In Canada, the territorial health care insurance plans operate via supply and demand. Many people want bariatric surgery (demand), so the health authorities implement stringent requirements to reduce the number of people who qualify (supply).

    Otherwise, every fat person in Canada and their momma would sign up for bariatric surgery. This would burden the health system due to staggering costs. Stringent requirements prevent many people from having surgery, thereby lowering costs.

    If you're being sleeved in Mexico, most of the surgeons will qualify you with a BMI of 36 and no comorbid conditions. I was sleeved in the States and my insurance company required one comorbidity for BMIs less than 40.

    Here in the States, cash-paying patients can find surgeons who will operate with a BMI of 30 and no comorbid consitions. However, if qualifying with health insurance, prospective patients usually need a BMI of 35 with a comorbidity or a BMI of 40 without a comorbidity.


    10/23/14 Initial Consult 200 lb, 5'1 tall
    4/6/15 Highest Wt 225 (yes: 25 lb gain)
    4/20/15 Surgery Wt 218, BMI 41

    1 mo 203.0 -15
    2 mo 190.5 -12.5
    3 mo 184.5 -6
    4 mo 177.0 -7.5
    5 mo 171.0 -6
    6 mo 164.5 -6.5
    7 mo 157.5 -7
    8 mo 152.5 -5
    9 mo 149 -3.5
    10 m 143 -6
    11 m 142 -1
    1 yr 138.5 -3.5
    13 m 133 -5.5
    14 m 128 -5
    15 m 125 -3
    16 m 121 -4
    17 m 120 -1
    18 m 118 -2

    Dec '17: BMI 23.5; consumes 2000+ kcal/day

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  9. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member joyfulinhope's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Deb
    Surgery date
    07/20/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Macaron
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Last Activity
    05-11-2020 03:57 PM
    Location
    Connecticut
    Posts
    25
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    Blog Entries
    2

    Default Re: Do I qualify for the sleeve with my BMI

    Welcome! I had the same question about qualifying. I actually had to gain a little just in case. It really depends on your insurance and more specifically the person reviewing your case. My nutritionist told me you don't want an red flags. Like gaining in the months prior. I am 5'7" and at my last NUT weigh in I was around 230. BMI 36. My BCBS plan wants a BMI of 35 with 2 comorbidities. You should find out what your insurance company requires ad go from there. Good luck!!

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  11. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member Kimsterama's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/06/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Hidalgo
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Last Activity
    05-29-2021 10:38 AM
    Posts
    91
    Said "Thanks" 24 Times
    Was Thanked 71 Times in 38 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 2 Times

    Default Re: Do I qualify for the sleeve with my BMI

    HI! Thanks for all the responses! Turns out I was having a major panic attack lastnight as the surgery is about to get real! I do believe I'm overweight enough, and I don't feel I'm putting myself at risk. With 100 lbs to lose (and it's a realistic goal) I believe I am making the right decision for me. Further comments of reassurance are welcomed. I am self-pay in Mexico so qualifying for insurance is not an issue for me.



  12. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Tracey
    Surgery date
    03/06/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Verboonen
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Last Activity
    05-24-2018 10:11 AM
    Location
    Saskatchewan Canada
    Posts
    59
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    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 2 Times

    Default Re: Do I qualify for the sleeve with my BMI

    I am from Canada and had a bmi of 34.1 and had the sleeve done in Mexico just a little over six months ago. I didn't even bother to look into having it covered in Canada as I know the guidelines are so stringent here. I have had no real issues since my surgery except for heartburn which is controlled with medication. I needed to lose about 65 lbs and have just recently reached my goal weight. They told me they do alot of sleeve surgeries for people with low bmi's as people are becoming more pro-active in their weight and health. That being said they are also a business that makes money and want to sell their services.

    Your eating habits will definitely change. There will be foods that you don't tolerate well. It is a big adjustment in learning how to cook in such small quantities. You will not be able to drink anything carbonated after which really limits alcohol beverages. I can eat pretty much anything as I did before although some food are uncomfortable to eat so I don't bother with them. But in order to be successful you need to learn to eat properly. Best of luck to you!



  13. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member GigiUSA's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/03/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Mario Almanza
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Last Activity
    02-05-2018 11:36 AM
    Location
    Indiana
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    449
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    Default Re: Do I qualify for the sleeve with my BMI

    I had my surgery done in Mexico too... my BMI was under 40 but I had been diagnosed as pre-diabetic and sleep apnea.



  14. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member Tamera2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Tamera Anderson
    Surgery date
    01/24/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr Mario Almanza
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Last Activity
    02-04-2024 03:59 PM
    Location
    Vancouver Wa
    Posts
    914
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    Default Re: Do I qualify for the sleeve with my BMI

    I went to Mexico and had my surgery. It was the best experience. I think if you have a 100lbs to loose you should do this. The risk are minimal. Like with any surgery there are some risk. But the risk of carrying all that weight is higher. I've lost 121 pounds so far. I was considered high risk because of BMI, CHF etc. I've cured my diabetes, sleep apnea and more. I went from couch potatoe to climbing mountains in less than a year. I saved my life and do it again in a heartbeat. Happy to answer any questions.
    Highest weight- 288 / Wt at Surgery 268
    1 month 236 -29lbs 2 month 214 -22lbs 3 month 206 -08lbs 4 month 196 -10lbs 5 month 185 -11lbs 6 month 178 -7lbs 7 month 172 -6lbs 9mos -12lbs 156 13mos later wt.144lbs, Wt.138 -150lbs in 15mos

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  16. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member Christie13's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Christie
    Surgery date
    11/03/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr. Wright
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Last Activity
    09-12-2019 04:13 PM
    Posts
    5,169
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    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 1,465 Times
    Blog Entries
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    Default Re: Do I qualify for the sleeve with my BMI

    You qualify but just not for most insurance companies to pay. Example mine was 40 BMI with no comorbities or 35+ with 2 comorbities. All plans are different, though. So that being said I think you're at a reasonable BMI for surgery. Just breathe. Good luck. You got this.



  17. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member PokerGuy's Avatar
    I have not had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/07/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr Mario Almanza
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Last Activity
    06-13-2023 05:16 PM
    Location
    Washington DC
    Posts
    120
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    Was Thanked 77 Times in 57 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 6 Times

    Default Re: Do I qualify for the sleeve with my BMI

    My BMI was 32 and I was sleeved in Mexico. You say you want to eat normal after surgery. You will never eat "Normal" again . Normal is why so many people are fat. You will eat much slower than normal, chewing much more than normal, and about 1/4 to 1/2 of what normal people eat.
    That is why you will lose weight.



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