Can a 90 kg person have gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve gastrectomy is an effective way for our patients who have been trying to lose weight for a long time with exercise and diet but have not succeeded, to cope with weight problems and health problems that arise with excess weight. However, of course, this surgery may not be suitable for everyone. As such, one of the questions that our patients are most curious about is whether they are suitable for this surgery.

For people who are not overweight but are not considered healthy and fit, taking action for a healthy life brings many questions. “Can a person who weighs 90 kilos have gastric sleeve surgery” is one of the most frequently asked questions by those who feel themselves between these two extremes… This article aims to be a guide for those who feel themselves between these two extremes.

What is Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy and Who is it Suitable For?

First of all, let’s start with what the surgery is and what is looked at for the eligibility criteria of patients. Sleeve gastrectomy is an effective surgical method in the treatment of obesity. This surgery aims to reduce the volume of the stomach by removing most of the stomach (approximately 75-80%). The reduction of the stomach volume, on the other hand, allows the person to consume less food and therefore to feel full faster with the domino effect. The surgery also reduces the level of the hormone ghrelin, which affects the feeling of hunger, making it easier to control the feeling of appetite. After all these factors come together, losing weight becomes much easier than before, both physically and hormonally.

Sleeve gastrectomy is generally recommended for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 and above. However, in some cases, surgery may also be considered appropriate for people with a BMI below 35. In particular, individuals who cannot achieve successful results with traditional weight loss methods such as diet and exercise and who have serious weight-related diseases may be considered suitable for this surgery. However, of course, in order for these people, that is, individuals with a BMI between 30-35, to undergo surgery, the doctor’s evaluation should be in this direction.

Can a 90 kg person have sleeve gastrectomy surgery?

In order to determine whether a 90 kg individual is suitable for sleeve gastrectomy surgery, it is necessary to calculate BMI. So how is the BMI value calculated?

BMI is obtained by dividing the weight by the square of the height. For example, an individual who is 1.60 meters tall and weighs 90 kilograms has a BMI of 35.1. Individuals in this situation are generally considered suitable candidates for surgery. However, if the BMI is between 30-35, as mentioned above, the doctor’s assessment is decisive in such cases. In such a case, the surgeon checks whether the patient has weight-related diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. If these diseases are in question, the surgeon may find the patient suitable for gastric sleeve surgery.

Individuals with a BMI below 30 are generally not considered suitable candidates for this surgery. However, individual circumstances and medical characteristics may influence the doctor’s decision. If your BMI value is below 30 and you want to have this surgery, you should definitely consult a surgeon specialized in bariatric surgery and get information about your situation.

Factors to Consider When Deciding on Surgery

Health History and Current Illnesses

Gastric sleeve surgery requires a detailed examination of the individual’s general health condition. Diseases such as heart conditions, liver problems or severe diabetes can increase the risks of surgery. Therefore, the surgeon will analyze your patient’s health history in detail before the decision to operate.

Weight-Related Health Problems such as Diabetes, Hypertension

If an individual’s current weight triggers diseases such as diabetes or hypertension, gastric sleeve surgery can alleviate these health problems. For example, weight loss after surgery can improve diabetes control and bring blood pressure levels back to more normal levels.

Psychological Evaluation and Patient Motivation

The surgery is not only a physical but also a psychological process. If you are going to have gastric sleeve surgery, you need to be ready to adopt a new lifestyle and completely change your eating habits after the operation. The surgeon and psychologists assess how much the patient has this motivation before surgery.

Preoperative and Postoperative Processes

Preoperative Preparation and the Need for Weight Loss

In some cases, the patient may be asked to lose a certain amount of weight before surgery. This is because the size of the liver will shrink after weight loss and the surgery will be performed more easily and safely. Dietitians determine the individual’s preoperative weight loss goal and create appropriate nutrition plans.

Postoperative Diet

Postoperative nutrition requires patients to adapt to the new stomach structure. In the first weeks following surgery, it is appropriate to feed patients with liquid foods. Afterwards, soft foods and gradual transition to solid foods are introduced. Portion control and low-calorie nutrition are the cornerstones of the postoperative period. Our dieticians at Aktif International Hospital will support you with the details of your nutrition program.

Physical Activity and Lifestyle Changes

After sleeve gastrectomy, patients need to completely change their lifestyle. Increasing physical activities is important for maintaining weight loss and supporting muscle mass. Especially walking and light exercises can be practiced from the first weeks.

Risks and Complications of Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy

Gastric sleeve surgery carries certain risks like any surgical procedure. Infection, bleeding and leakage at the incision line of the stomach are among the most common complications. Although these are rare complications, they can cause serious problems if they occur.

Nutritional problems such as B12 and iron deficiency can also occur after surgery. It is of great importance for patients to go to the postoperative controls of the surgeon who performed the surgery regularly and to be fed in line with the dietitian’s directions in solving these problems.

How to Determine the Best Candidate for Surgery?

As can be understood from what we have mentioned so far, there are multiple factors to be considered to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for sleeve gastrectomy surgery. BMI, health status of the individual, weight-related diseases and psychological readiness are the main ones.

Our surgeons at Aktif International Hospital assess how suitable you are for this process through pre-operative consultations. If necessary, this evaluation may also include a dietitian and psychologist evaluation. When the requirements of the pre- and post-operative process are carefully fulfilled, it is possible to improve your life standards with a successful surgery.

For more information, please contact Aktif International Hospital.

Prepared by Aktif International Hospital Editorial Board .

Publication Date: 02 January 2025 Thursday - Last Updated: 23 September 2025 Tuesday