I am a 38 year old female with a BMI of 33. I'm being treated for high blood pressure. Do I qualify for a gastric sleeve?(photo)

Question

I am a 38 year old female, 215 pounds, 5ft 7in. I love carbs and sweets. I carry all my fat in my middle. Before I was placed on BP medication, the highest bp recorded was 180/101. Diabetes runs in the family and Im scared to death of the thought of becoming a diabetic myself. My question is do I qualify for a gastric sleeve and would insurance cover the procedure?

Shawn Garber, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

To qualify for sleeve gastrectomy you need a BMI of at least 40 or a BMI  - body mass index of 35 with a least one medical problem related to obesity.  Hypertension is one of the medical problems that is related to obesity. So currently you do not qualify.  You do qualify for an intragastric balloon like Reshape, Orbera, or the newest swallowing balloon Obalon.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Im totally agree with surgery in patient like you. Probably the obesity with the sleeve gastrectomy will lost the war on you almost in 100% of excess weight loss and the best news is that the blood preasure will be control for a long time after the surgery.I think that you really can be a candidate for the surgery.

Mark Pleatman, MD (retired) · Answer

You would benefit from surgery; there is a good chance that your blood pressure would improve or resolve.  Unfortunately insurance doesn't cover surgery for people with BMI below 35.  In the meantime, save up your money and pay for the surgery yourself if you think your life is worth it.

I am a 38 year old female with a BMI of 33. I'm being treated for high blood pressure. Do I qualify for a gastric sleeve?(photo)

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I am a 38 year old female with a BMI of 33. I'm being treated for high blood pressure. Do I qualify for a gastric sleeve?(photo)

Answers (3)

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