Bariatric Surgery In Mexico Is A Popular Choice

By Paulette Mason


The topic of health care continues to be a divisive subject in America. The harsh rhetoric popular with some politicians ignores the fact that high-quality weight-loss surgery in the United States is beyond the financial reach of many citizens, even those with medical insurance. Those afflicted with life-threatening weight gain often benefit greatly from these procedures, causing a growing number to select bariatric surgery in Mexico.

A weight-loss procedure is indicated when excess pounds cannot be dropped by a strict diet regimen and exercise, and becomes life-threatening. For those diagnosed as clinically obese, normal weight loss methods simply have not worked, no matter how great the motivation or reward. In a culture obsessed by physical appearance, these individuals pay the price both physically and psychologically.

Clinical obesity can cause dangerously high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, heart problems, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux. Weight loss operations are designed to radically alter the digestive system, restricting the amount of food that can comfortably be eaten and absorbed. Some are designed to restrict the size of the stomach, while more invasive methods remove parts of the digestive tract to block caloric absorption.

Many people today carry extra weight, but do not reach a body mass index of 40, which corresponds to extreme obesity. Those who do fit the parameters still may not be good candidates for surgery. Medical screening requires people to make verifiable changes in their daily habits, including eating right and exercising daily, before approval. Reaching a desired weight is a long process, and an operation does not guarantee success.

In addition to the standard risks, restricting the size of the stomach can lead to unpleasant side effects. Ingested food may pass too quickly into the small intestine, causing abdominal cramping, nausea, and other symptoms. The severity of this reaction may require corrective procedures, driving final costs much higher. For those reasons and others, insurance carriers often decline coverage.

Facing that refusal, some patients opt for treatment in Mexico, where initial surgical expenses are about half those in the United States. Those considering this increasingly popular option must decide whether cost savings override the safety and convenience of a local medical group. Tests are required prior to these procedures, often before a scheduled departure. Travel plans must be carefully coordinated, and may require a stay of several weeks.

When choosing a surgeon a background check should be completed, and patients must decide whether to return to Mexico for required post-surgical checkups, or to seek that treatment at home. Follow-up care is always important, but becomes especially necessary when overall levels of health and nutrition must be closely monitored. Devices implanted for lap-band procedures must meet U. S. Standards, or will not be qualify for treatment.

Patients must be absolutely sure that they will benefit from surgery abroad, and often begin their investigation by speaking with current health-care providers. Many have reported excellent results, but there are also anecdotal accounts of unanticipated and serious problems. While it may be tempting to make cost the sole determining factor, understanding the risks and hidden expenses must be part of that decision.




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