Low Cost Weight Loss Surgery Abroad

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery reports that around 220,000 bariatric surgeries are carried out every year in the US. If you have been thinking about getting bariatric surgery, but are unable to bear the cost, then you should consider joining the thousands of other Americans who get gastric sleeve in Mexico or elsewhere abroad each year.

Why Get Weight Loss Surgery Abroad?

The number one reason that people travel to get surgeries like gastric sleeve in Puerto Vallarta or gastric bypass in Costa Rica is to save money. On average, by going abroad patients save between 40%-70% over the price quoted by American doctors. Great savings even happen after adding in all of the travel expenses! However, while saving money is a huge driving factor influencing people to visit Mexico and other destinations for weight loss surgery, there are other benefits as well. Some of them include:

·        You will be treated by a great staff of medical professionals. Many facilities in Mexico and elsewhere are staffed with hospitable, knowledgeable individuals, which will ensure you have a great experience.

·        Facilities are clean and modern. Those getting weight loss surgeries in Mexico can easily find hospitals and clinics that are on par or better than their American counterparts.

·        There are many other Americans receiving medical treatment. Particularly true of Mexico and Latin America, if you go abroad it is unlikely that you will be the only American. There will be other people going through similar treatments that you can relate to and with whom you can share the experience.

·        You can recover while taking a holiday. Rather than being cooped up in your house in front of the television, you can recover from bariatric surgery in Mexico by sitting on the beach, taking in the relaxed environment. Then, you can go back home fully recovered!

These are a few reasons why more people are opting for weight loss surgery abroad.

How Can I Have a Successful Weight Loss Surgery Abroad?

It is important to realize that getting any major surgery anywhere in the world comes with risks.  In order to have a safe and low cost surgery abroad, you should:

·        Research your potential doctor. You should know as much about him/her as possible including, but not limited to:

o   Where he/she went to medical school

o   The general opinion of previous clients

o   Whether or not he/she has ever been accused of malpractice

o   What he/she specializes in

·        Communicate with your doctor at least once prior to your procedure. This will help you to get a feel for him/her.

·        Research your potential clinic/hospital. You should know as much about your clinic/hospital as possible, including:

o   Doctor-patient ratio

o   Nurse-patient ratio

o   If the facility is accredited

o   If the facility has ever had a lawsuit against them

o   If any of the doctors/staff members have been accused of malpractice

·        Do NOT find a clinic by simply hopping the US-Mexico Border. There are many “agents” waiting at the border looking to pick up gullible medical tourists wanting to get low cost gastric sleeve and bypass. This is not a reliable way to find a doctor.

These are just a few tips to help you have the best low cost weight loss surgery abroad as possible!

Why Go For Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico

For the majority of the population a balanced diet and a good exercise regime will get the smooth, slim body necessary for optimum health.  Others however, are not so lucky.  For those, weight loss surgery may be the only option they have. For people unable or unwilling to pay the high costs of weight loss surgery in the U.S., Mexico is a good alternative.  Weight loss surgery in Mexico can cost as much as 75% less than costs in the U.S. and the quality of surgery and care is exactly the same.

Obesity surgeries such as lap banding, gastric sleeve surgery, gastric plication in Mexico are popular with those looking for low cost bariatric surgery abroad. Those from California can opt for gastric bypass surgery in Tijuana, Mexico due to geographical propinquity.

The Obesity Action Coalition estimates 93 million Americans are currently obese and the number is rising.  Almost 112,000 deaths are attributable to obesity.  Diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, pulmonary problems, digestive disorders, obstetric, orthopedic and dermatologic problems are some serious consequences of it.  All that is very expensive to treat.

Advantages of Bariatric Surgery in Mexico

Weight loss surgery cost in Mexico is quite low compared to the first world countries. Mexico has highly qualified bariatric surgeons and state-of-the-art hospitals.  In the reputable clinics the surgeons are as good as American surgeons.  Many have been trained in the United States and even practice back and forth across the border.  Mexico has invested a great deal of resources into building modern, high quality medical facilities precisely to attract tourists who are not able to afford such services at home.  Because the cost of living in Mexico is so much lower than it is in industrialized countries, prices can be lower while quality of medical care remains high.

Mexico’s bariatric surgeons offer the same weight loss surgery options available in the United States.  Patients have a choice of laparoscopic gastric bypass (stapling), laparoscopic gastric band (banding) or gastric sleeve surgery (creating a sleeve).  These 3 procedures make the stomach artificially smaller by dividing it and making only one part useful for digestion.  Depending on circumstances, a part of the stomach may need to be surgically removed in a 4^th option, a malabsorptive/restrictive surgery, but this is rare. The equipment and technology are on par with the best hospitals anywhere.

Making a Weight Loss Surgery Trip to Mexico Simpler

Often the best thing to do is hire a medical tourism agency for a smooth weight loss surgery trip to Mexico.  The agency will refer reputable surgeons and hospitals, negotiate a fee that is tailored to each individual patient and make sure of all the travel and recreation arrangements.

If the patient would like to spend some quality time relaxing in Mexico either before or after the surgery, the agency can also find the best hotels, resorts and beaches.  Weight loss surgery in Mexico can bring peace of mind not only to the body, but to the wallet as well.