Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

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Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
  • 30/12/2025
  • Obesity

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

One of the most commonly used methods for obesity treatment is gastric sleeve surgery (also known as sleeve gastrectomy). This surgery is performed by removing approximately 75–80% of the stomach. As a result, the stomach volume is reduced and appetite hormones are secreted at lower levels. But is this surgery suitable for everyone? Who is a suitable candidate for gastric sleeve surgery? Let’s explore the answer together.

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure in which the stomach is reduced into a tube-like shape. Thanks to the smaller stomach volume, patients feel full with less food, aiming for long-term and permanent weight loss. After surgery, changes in eating habits and lifestyle adjustments are extremely important.

Who Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Suitable For?

Gastric sleeve surgery is generally suitable for individuals who meet the following criteria:

1. People with a High Body Mass Index (BMI)

  • Individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher

  • Individuals with a BMI between 35 and 40 who also suffer from obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea

2. Those Who Cannot Lose Weight with Diet and Exercise

For people who have tried diet and exercise for a long time without achieving permanent weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery may be an effective option.

3. People with Obesity-Related Health Problems

Patients experiencing conditions such as:

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Joint pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Sleep apnea
    may benefit significantly from the surgery.

4. Psychologically Prepared Individuals

Gastric sleeve surgery requires not only physical but also psychological readiness. It is suitable for individuals who can comply with post-operative dietary rules and are willing to change their lifestyle.

5. Individuals Between the Ages of 18 and 65

The generally accepted age range for surgery is between 18 and 65. However, these limits may be evaluated by the doctor depending on the patient’s overall health condition.

Who Is Not a Suitable Candidate?

Not every patient is suitable for gastric sleeve surgery.
The surgery may not be recommended in the following cases:

  • Uncontrolled psychiatric disorders

  • Alcohol or substance addiction

  • Serious hormonal causes of weight gain

  • Individuals unable to comply with post-operative rules

Preoperative Evaluation for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Before the surgery, evaluations are conducted by specialists in:

  • Internal medicine

  • Cardiology

  • Endocrinology

  • Psychology

This process is crucial to determine whether the patient is suitable for surgery.

Conclusion

When performed on the right candidates, gastric sleeve surgery is an effective and safe method in the treatment of obesity. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, the decision should always be made after a detailed evaluation by a specialist physician.

Body Mass index