More and more people are getting a gastric bypass in Mexico these days. People also get lap band surgery and other forms of weight loss surgery in Mexico. The primary reason for getting a gastric bypass in Mexico is that the cost is significantly less than in the U.S. While the cost of a gastric bypass can vary widely from surgeon to surgeon and from hospital to hospital, it often costs around $20,000 in the U.S. However, the same procedure may cost only about half that in Mexico, and that includes lodging and meals as well as medical care. Lap band surgery may cost around $14,000 in the U.S., but may cost only half that amount in Mexico. Now, some people have health insurance that covers weight loss surgery, but for those that don’t, affordable surgery in Mexico can look pretty good.
Many bariatric surgeons in Mexico are highly trained, highly skilled physicians. Many are board certified in the U.S. and perform surgery at accredited hospitals that meet or even exceed U.S. standards. The reason the surgery costs less in Mexico is not because the quality of care is lower than that available in the U.S. Medical care is very expensive in the U.S. for a number of reasons, including the high rate of malpractice suits and resulting high cost of malpractice insurance, the realities of dealing with our health insurance companies, and political factors. The exact same care is often much less expensive in a number of other countries, including Costa Rica, Venezuela, and Belgium, as well as Mexico. People often travel to these countries for a variety of medical procedures, including plastic surgery, eye surgery, and dental care, as well was weight loss surgery.
Although high quality care is available in Mexico, it is important to understand that not all doctors in Mexico are highly skilled. Of course, that is the case in the U.S. as well. Still, when traveling out of the country for surgery, it is important to do your research in order to make sure that you will be receiving the best care available. Find out where the surgeon trained and if he or she is board certified in the States. Ask how many procedures the surgeon has performed and what his or her mortality rate is (how many patients have died). Ask about his or her rate of complications.
Find out about the hospital where the surgeon performs procedures. Is it accredited, and if so, with what governing bodies? Does the hospital have physicians on duty around the clock? Does the hospital have an intensive care unit in case complications occur?
Of course, you’ll want to make sure the surgeon and his or her staff are fluent in English, unless you happen to speak Spanish. Find out if the hospital staff speak English, as well. You’ll want to be able to communicate easily with nurses and other staff who will be providing your care after your surgery.
When getting a gastric bypass in Mexico, you will probably spend two or three nights in the hospital. However, the surgeon will probably want you to stay in the country for a few more days. You should expect to spend about a week in Mexico altogether. Your surgeon’s office will probably be able to recommend a hotel, and in fact, the cost of your hotel stay is often included in the total price of the surgery. It’s often a package deal. Often a nurse will visit you at the hotel to monitor your progress after the surgery. You will see the surgeon one last time before leaving the country after your week or so is up.
It’s a very good idea to take a companion with you when getting a gastric bypass in Mexico. You’ll appreciate the support and companionship, and may need some assistance after being discharged from the hospital to your hotel. Most hospitals make arrangements for a companion to be with you during your hospital stay, and provide a cot, fold out bed, or couch for your companion to sleep in your hospital room with you.
There are a couple of concerns you face when having surgery in Mexico (or any other country). One is the possibility of complications. If complications occur (and there is always a risk of complications with any surgery), the cost of your surgery may increase dramatically. Some surgeons will offer a sort of “insurance plan” to guard against this. You pay a set fee up front, and it covers any complications that may occur during or immediately after your surgery. If such a plan is available, it’s a very good idea to take it. Otherwise, be sure you have the means to cover the costs of complications if they do occur.
Another concern is follow up care. After a gastric bypass, you’ll need lifetime follow up care. For the first several months, you should see a bariatric surgeon on a monthly basis. Then you’ll need to see the surgeon every three months or so. Then you can decrease the frequency of follow up visits to once or twice a year. At these follow up appointments, the surgeon should review your progress, discuss your diet, and perform blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies. Now, obviously you’re not going to fly back to Mexico for all of these follow up appointments. You’ll need to find a bariatric surgeon near you that can provide your follow up. Make sure you have that arranged before having your surgery.
Here are some popular bariatric surgeons in Mexico. Please don’t take this as a recommendation, though. This is just some info to get you started if you are interested in getting a gastric bypass in Mexico. Make sure you take the time to do your research and make sure you’ll be getting skilled care.
