Who Qualifies For Stomach Reduction?

Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Emel Gerdaneri • Medical review by Vehibe Isik, MD

Who Qualifies For Stomach Reduction?

Obesity is the disease of our age…

In cases where diet and sports are insufficient in the fight against obesity, which is formed within the framework of wrong eating habits and genetic predisposition from childhood and even infancy, which causes the onset of different diseases after the developmental period, “stomach reduction surgery” is the last resort.

We are wondering to whom sleeve gastrectomy is performed and to whom it is not, and  General Surgery Specialist  Vehibe Isik, MD answers our questions:
Vehibe Isık, MD“Stomach reduction surgery is a comprehensive surgery that helps to eliminate many health problems such as diabetes, blood pressure, sleep apnea, as well as obesity.

Who Can Have Stomach Reduction Surgery?

obesity"First of all, let's start with the answer to the question of "who will have stomach reduction surgeries".

Gastric reduction surgeries are performed on people who are older than 18 years of age and who do not have any health problems before undergoing surgery.

The upper age limit of applicability of stomach reduction surgery is also accepted as 65. Both the lower and upper age limit can be flexible depending on the health status of the person.

Gastric reduction surgeries are performed on people who have been diagnosed with obesity. For example, a woman with a height of 170 cm and a weight of 110 kilograms is considered a type 2 obese patient.

However, in order for a person to be defined as obese, some conditions are expected to occur.

Despite all kinds of diet and exercise, if the person has not lost weight in the last 3 years and continues to be obese, this person is considered in the category of people who can undergo gastric reduction surgery.

Stomach reduction surgeries are performed on people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 and above. If the person's body mass index is higher than 35 and has blood pressure and diabetes-like diseases, then stomach reduction surgery can be planned for these people.

In addition, I would like to emphasize that gastric reduction surgery should be performed on people with active and active lives.

Along with the post-operative weight loss process, your doctor will ask you to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Having an active life, at least at a level where you can do sports such as light-paced walking, will prepare you for a healthy life after stomach reduction surgery.

Who Cannot Have Stomach Reduction Surgery?

sleeve gastrectomyGastric reduction surgery is not for everyone. Certain criteria and conditions must be met for surgery.

Gastric reduction surgery is not performed for people who are planning a pregnancy. People considering pregnancy should wait at least 1 year after the operation.

In addition, gastric reduction surgery cannot be performed on mothers who have just given birth and are breastfeeding. Gastric reduction surgery is not performed on people below the surgical target weight.

In order to perform stomach reduction surgery, the person must be defined as obese or morbidly obese. Gastric reduction surgery is not performed on people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs.

In addition, gastric reduction surgery will not be applied to people with mental disabilities or psychiatric problems.

You Must Be Suitable For Anesthesia

anesthesiaStomach reduction surgery is performed closed with the laparoscopic surgery method for an average of 6-8 hours.

This is a long time and the rate of anesthesia to be taken is determined by the duration. Gastric reduction surgery is not performed for people who are not suitable for anesthesia.

The person may need psychological support during the post-gastric reduction surgery, and the person definitely needs his/her relatives during the post-operative care process.

People who live a solitary life are not suitable candidates for stomach reduction surgery.

Every surgery is risky, stomach reduction surgery has its own risks. Gastric reduction surgery is not and cannot be performed on people who are at risk of stomach reduction surgery.

Smoking is a habit that must be terminated before stomach reduction surgery. People who decide to have stomach reduction surgery should stop smoking at least 2 months before the surgery.


Written on 20/02/2023

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Last Update: 17/08/2023

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