Bariatric Surgery In Mexico Is Becoming 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.

Is is unfortunately normal to carry excess weight today, but most people do not reach a body mass index of 40, considered extreme obesity. Even those people falling into that category may not be good surgical candidates. Pre-operative screening requires verifiable alterations in habits, including exercise and dietary changes, prior to approval. Achieving a weight goal takes time, and an operation is only the beginning of the journey.

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.

Patients facing refusal may choose to travel south of the United States border, where costs for the initial surgery are about half as much. People considering this option must determine whether saving money trumps having a local physician. Pre-surgical testing is required, and may have to be completed prior to leaving. Travel must be coordinated, and more than one trip may be necessary.

Prospective patients should conduct a background check of the chosen surgeon, and they also must decide whether to seek post-surgical treatment and monitoring at home, as opposed to frequent returns to Mexico. The nature of these procedures makes it important to closely monitor patients during the period of rapid weight loss. Any implanted devices for lap-band procedures must meet United States standards, or face disqualification.

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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