Weight loss is one of the most frequently searched keywords in Google. It is also the most common issue that men and women of all age groups face. While some choose to live with it, others want to shed those extra pounds to be lighter, healthier, and fitter.
So, what is your reason to consider weight loss surgery in Mexico?
Mexico is a great country. Undoubtedly, it has cheaper medical facilities than the United States, which makes it a lucrative destination for surgeries like this. As most insurance companies do not cover weight loss treatments and procedures, choosing a cheaper option becomes an inevitable choice.
Mexico is also an option for people not having a healthcare insurance plan. If the surgery is to take place immediately and you are not covered, Mexico is the place to be.
But, before you begin, we would like to take you through a quick guide to help you choose:
Most people prefer to undergo weight loss surgery in their city and country, with a known surgeon.
Moreover, insurance companies exclude bariatric surgery from coverage, leaving people with no other option but to pay from their pocket. Indeed, that’s the irony. As a result, people are always looking out for cheaper and better alternatives.
Luckily, times are different now. The internet has introduced social media, emails, online forums, Zoom, MS Teams, and other tools to help us find good surgeons located in Mexico. Surgeons having a similar experience and expertise like that of your country are widely available.
However, the thought of traveling to another country for a weight loss surgery that involves some risks, an unfamiliar surgeon, foreign medical policies, and unknown hospital regulations are scary.
The best surgeons and most appropriate Mexico hospitals are patient-specific. Therefore, make sure you choose only an experienced surgeon and the best facility with proper access to advanced technology. Before undergoing the surgery, you should feel comfortable with their practice and the hospital.
Since you have to go through a lot of apprehension when you are traveling to Mexico for this surgery, it is best to find other patients who already underwent a similar surgery. You can find them on Facebook and other social networks. Connect with them, visit help groups, and try to learn more about the procedure.
You could also read stories about the surgical experience of people in Mexico from blogs and online forums. Do not shy away from asking personal questions or expressing your anxiety and fear. List all your questions before you start the conversation.
In addition, you could also initiate a forum discussion with some primary contacts from the surgeon’s office. It would help you to find out about the procedure and make sure you are comfortable with that process.
Eventually, cheap becomes expensive. Weight loss surgery is delicate. It demands experience, skills, and finesse. So, do not just focus on the price, which is either cheap or discounted. Though tempting, make your decision solely based on relevant factors like weight loss surgeon’s experience and skills. Generally, weight loss surgery in Mexico is cheap, under $9,000. So, eventually, you would save some cash when compared to a surgery done in Canada or America.
Just like dental surgery, most insurance companies do not cover bariatric surgery. That makes it more expensive. Nevertheless, the overall cost of a weight-loss procedure in Mexico is much lesser than in Canada or America.
Weight loss procedures in Mexico are popular amongst Americans living outside the USA. Both Canadians and Americans, for years, traveled to Mexico for a safe bariatric procedure and the number continues to rise.
Mexico is one of the chosen countries for this type of surgery because:
Compared to the cost of bariatric surgery in America, Mexico offers less expensive packages and optimum healthcare. However, it is less regulated too. Moreover, as wages are low, the cost of equipment is also low. All these features ensure lower surgery costs.
When the healthcare system is less regulated, it is scary. Nonetheless, skilled and experienced surgeons are unregulated, and thus, the surgeon is solely responsible for the well-being of the patient.
Procedure-wise, on average, bariatric surgery for weight loss in Mexico, costs something like this:
Most of the weight loss surgery packages include some costs. However, traveling cost to and from Mexico is not included. Transportation within the country, finding suitable accommodation, and the entire transport system for the surgery is included.
Most patients prefer to arrive at least two days before the scheduled day of surgery. This gives them some time to adjust to the new country and settle down, meet the doctors and the medical team, get the initial blood sample tests done, and relax.
Typically, the cost includes:
If you are short on capital, but you want to undergo a bariatric procedure, financing options can help. Even the most reputed hospitals in Mexico charge under $10,000 for a weight loss surgery, whereas the same procedure could cost as much as $50,000 in America. As a result, most people choose to travel outside and take optimum advantage of a vacation with additional medical treatments. As per data of the medical tourism index, more than 5 million Americans traveled abroad, in 2018, for weight loss and bariatric procedures, and approximately 30% of them were routed to Mexico.
While many of these patients can pay for the bariatric procedure all by themselves, some of them need financial help. The process of acquiring a personal loan for bariatric surgery in Mexico is simple, just like any other loan. However, the loan is much smaller and more affordable.
Firstly, you have to apply for financial help. Secondly, you must qualify for the loan. Thirdly, your loan is either accepted or rejected.
You can qualify for the loan easily if you have a good credit history.
There are several finance companies eager to help patients undergoing or planning a bariatric procedure. Some of the notable companies are:
Any surgery has a certain amount of risk associated with it. When it comes to a weight-loss procedure in a different country, you ought to be doubly careful and accompanied by caution and care.
Some of the common risks include:
As weight loss procedures are not covered by insurance, you have to bear the cost separately. However, when in Mexico, insurance is much cheaper. Many travelers who come for this surgery usually get insurance as there are some uncertainties associated with any surgery.
Mexico is the top choice for bariatric surgery and weight loss procedures because:
There are a few risks of medical tourism in Mexico, especially for bariatric procedures. Although the increasing cost of these treatments in America compels people to find a solution in other countries, some disadvantages exist.
Since weight loss surgery is a life-altering decision, you have to consider the important factors besides cost to make sure your surgery is a success.
Some of the major disadvantages include:
Patients having bariatric surgery in Mexico should always take necessary measures for constant caution and care.
To reduce the risk of travel-related complications, follow these steps:
As with any other surgery, weight loss procedures also have certain complications. Albeit, the complications are rare. Nonetheless, it is only prudent to be aware and cautious.
Gastric Sleeve Procedure has fewer complications, which might trigger secondary effects, though rarely. If at all you develop any complications, the team of doctors shall handle your matter efficiently. Post-operative complications include:
Precisely, life-threatening complications generally occur within a week after the procedure. Such complications are leaks, infections, and much more.
Since a patient needs constant support, find a group to assist you with recovery. Support groups ensure that you are on track after the surgery and on your way to recovery. While you are still on group support, engage a dietitian to take care of your food habits. Making changes to your diet is an important part of your recovery. You may have to make several adjustments post-operation.
It is also critical to address other health concerns such as poor nutrient absorption like calcium and iron that can cause osteoporosis and anemia. Taking additional nutritional supplements can counter this. So, you must go for regular screening and blood sample tests.
It is crucial to follow a strict diet before and after bariatric surgery. There are some recommended guidelines carefully curated by healthcare providers, aiming to limit calorie consumption, and provide balanced meals to prevent nutrient deficiency and preserve your muscle tissues.
Immediately after the surgery, you would be given a liquid diet. Gradually, you can take thicker liquids after discharge from the hospital.
Two weeks post-surgery, you can have pureed and blended foods with over 20gms of protein and below 200 calories.
Tijuana
Guadalajara
Cancun
Mexicali
The American Joint Commission is responsible for accrediting Mexican hospitals through the international division, which is the Joint Commission International. It is one of the most demanding and respected hospital accreditation agencies in America.
To receive accreditation, a hospital has to pass JCI’s intricate testing for at least 300 standards with up to 1200 data points. Once passed, the hospital receives a certification. An overview of points reviewed includes:
Medical facilities that ace these accreditation standards are considered premium clinical/medicinal practices. Mexico has some of the best JCI accredited hospitals that conduct weight loss procedures. Since it takes a lot of time and involves a cost to get JCI accreditation, hospitals look for other options. Luckily, the CSG accreditation comes as a great relief from the Mexican Ministry of Health. CSG is a replica of JCI accreditation with certain standards related to the safety of international patients. If you find a hospital with CSG accreditation, it indicates that the facility is excellent.
Mexico has some of the best bariatric surgeons. However, the greatest concern is to find an experienced surgeon with a high success rate. You are most likely to meet the surgeon even before the surgery, as soon as you enter Mexico. Make sure to let your surgeon know if there are any underlying medical conditions or things to be worried about. They would guide you at every step of the process. Currently, more than 200 bariatric surgeons are practicing worldwide, mainly based in Canada and America. Patients only come to Mexico because it is affordable.
It would be tough to choose a bariatric surgeon as each one is distinguished in their field. However, some of the best names are as follows:
Some of the best bariatric practices based in Mexico include:
The choice of facility makes a difference to the procedure. In Mexico, bariatric surgery clinics are different from hospital settings and facilities. Moreover, clinics are equipped with everything needed to perform critical surgeries. Nonetheless, they are inefficient enough to handle post-surgical complications.
Likewise, hospitals are more equipped with situations arising after the surgery, besides emergency rooms, ICU, pharmacy, X-rays, and other specializations.
Although weight loss procedures conclude with a 100% rate of survival, complications may arise. Clinics and centers handle such situations by sending a patient to the hospital. So, make a wise choice. Which Surgery is Right for Mexico Bariatrics?
Bariatric surgeons in Mexico are capable of carrying out any of the following weight-loss procedures:
The choice of surgery depends on the patient’s health condition, existing complications, goal weight, and cost. Take your pick or allow the surgeon and his team to guide you.
Some questions that you should ask the bariatric surgeon to under his practice better are noted below:
Ultimately, the choice of facility and the doctor for bariatric surgery must be based on some common factors like experience, accomplishments, additional specialties, expenditure, surgery cost, etc. Believe in your gut feeling and choose a place that feels safe for the surgery. Regardless of the choice, what counts is your path to health improvement. Moreover, Mexico is a place that is cheaper for traveling.
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