Bariatric Surgery In Mexico Is A Popular Choice

By Paulette Mason


In 21st century America, health care has become a divisive topic affecting nearly every citizen. The rhetoric of politicians obscures the reality that even the best medical care in the world may be too costly for those who need it the most. People suffering from extreme obesity may benefit from surgical procedures that are not covered by insurance, influencing some to choose bariatric surgery in Mexico.

When excess weight gain cannot be eliminated through exercise and restricted dietary habits, surgical weight loss procedures saves lives. Those diagnosed as being clinically obese have often tried and failed to shed pounds. Normal weight loss therapies have proven useless, no matter how great the personal incentive. Modern culture is obsessed with thin body images, and obese people pay a steep psychological as well as physical price.

Left untreated, this condition results in heart problems, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type-2 diabetes, gastroespohageal reflux, and other symptoms. Surgical weight loss procedures restrict the amount of food that can be eaten comfortably by restructuring the digestive tract, either temporarily or permanently. Some methods temporarily reduce stomach size using elastic bands, while others remove portions of the intestine to reduce absorption.

The majority of people in the United States today carry excess poundage, but never attain a body mass index registering 40, considered clinically obese. Those falling into that category may still not be good prospects for surgery. Even people with medical coverage are required to follow a verifiable diet and exercise program prior to approval. The process can take months, and after making that effort success is not a guaranteed result.

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.

Those seriously considering this course of treatment should speak with current providers before making a final decision. There are hundreds of positive accounts, but just as many anecdotal stories regarding serious, unanticipated complications occurring far from home. While cost is important, it should not be the only consideration, and prospective patients should thoroughly understand the potential physical and financial risks.




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