In the United States and Canada, a growing trend of individuals seeking Bariatric Surgery in Mexico is booming. Simply because the weight loss surgery cost in Mexico is just about half of what it is in their countries.
Many individuals cannot afford the high cost of medical care in the United States and Canada. As a result, they have decided to travel outside their countries and have their bariatric surgeries performed elsewhere.
For many individuals who either do not have health insurance or whose health plan will not pay for bariatric surgery, traveling to Mexico for bariatric surgery is a very attractive option. For others, it may be the only way they will be able to afford a weight loss procedure.
While the cost of surgery is a big factor, it is important for individuals to consider other aspects as well. When traveling away from home for a major medical procedure such as weight loss surgery, the long distance travel only adds to the list of things to consider.
Bariatric Surgery Cost in Mexico
Traveling to Mexico is a very attractive proposition to individuals seeking to have weight loss surgery because the cost of bariatric surgery in Mexico is a portion of what it costs in the United States of America or Canada. However, is important to consider other expenses, such as the traveling cost for you and your companion.
It is not recommended to travel alone because going through the recovery period alone can be trying. Bringing a friend or family member along for the surgery is the best way to make sure you have a support system during your recovery.
Many bariatric surgeons in Mexico provide an all-inclusive surgery package, but this can vary so it is important to find out exactly what services are included in the cost and which ones are not. An all-inclusive surgery packages generally include transportation to hotel and/or hospital, hotel, lab tests, surgery costs, surgeon fees, and hospital expenses, as well as scheduling tests and coordinating travel arrangements.
Is Bariatric Surgery in Mexico Safe?
There are two considerations to make when considering bariatric surgery in Mexico in terms of safety. The first is whether or not the weight loss operation itself is safe. The second is whether or not having surgery abroad is safe. The best way to eliminate safety risks is to do your research.
Choose the safest bariatric surgery option for your own personal health and well-being, and then make sure that you are selecting a medical facility in Mexico that is accredited, certified and backed by healthcare organizations such as The National Health Council in Mexico.
Additionally, many hospitals and healthcare providers in Mexico actually create partnerships with hospitals and healthcare organizations in the United States, which adds to their reliability because it means that other organizations are holding them to high standards for healthcare excellence.
Important Factors to Consider
- Training, experience, and reputation of bariatric surgeon.
- Hospital or clinic setting.
- Pre-Surgery testing (complete blood count, chemistry panel, urine test, EKG, chest X-ray).
- Post-Op testing and nutritional check-ups.
- Follow-up care and medical exams.
- Travel arrangements (airfare, transportation, hotel, passport to re-enter United States).
- Bringing a support companion.
- For adjustable gastric band surgery, what type of band?
- Finding a fill doctor for adjustable gastric band surgery.
The Final Decision
Having bariatric surgery in Mexico is not less safe because of cleanliness or quality of care. The only difference in safety is that travel anywhere during your recovery period can lead to the potential for complications. Surgery closer to home may generally be easier due to travel risks and the potential difficulty for obtaining follow-up care, but the cost differences can make having surgery abroad worth a small amount of additional risk.