Ultimately, the belief that having weight loss surgery, or any surgery in Mexico, is unsafe is simply untrue. Surgery in Mexico can be just as safe as in the United States. These centers must go through an International Center of Excellence to be reviewed and examined to be accredited for weight loss surgery. Very few facilities actually pass this strict testing to safely execute weight loss surgeries.
The Joint Commission International is a leading medical accreditation agency that tests hospitals aboard, making it safe for Americans to travel to Mexico for weight loss surgery. Accreditation is required for any facilities performing each of these surgeries:
A patient’s best success will begin with choosing quality practices that involve expertly trained and board-certified surgeons. These medical professionals have the proper experience to handle complex weight loss surgeries effectively and safely. They use the best and latest technologies to execute bariatric surgery.
Bariatric Hospitals in Mexico
Mexico also offers minimally invasive procedures when they are medically appropriate for a patient. Many hospitals and surgeons in Mexico work directly with United States-based organizations to create a more successful patient experience. By working directly with their home primary care physician, a surgeon can better learn of a patient’s current health and any other important information needed to execute their surgery successfully.
Find an accredited bariatric hospital and facility in Mexico
The Cost of Bariatric Surgery in Mexico
When traveling to Mexico for surgery, the overall cost often includes everything needed to have a successful surgery. This can often include airfare (not always included), a hotel stay after leaving the hospital, all pre-surgery tests, post-op follow-up visits, prescription medications, vitamins, anesthesia, facility fees, and the surgeon’s fee.
According to All Medical Tourism, the average cost for a gastric bypass surgery in Mexico is $5,500-$7,000 versus $21,000 in the United States. Lap band surgery costs about $7,233 in Mexico compared to $17,500.
Post-operative care programs are especially professional when traveling overseas. A professional team will work to ensure that your recovery process and travel back home are successful. Accredited facilities will track each patient’s progress at various time periods, usually one month, three months, six months, a year, and so on. This will help them detect any problems with their system or surgical processes for other patients.
Seeking Out a Surgeon in Mexico
Many individuals interested in having surgery in Mexico don’t know where to start. First, contact a medical tourism facilitator to help you find a professional and accredited facility. To pick a surgeon, you must consider these factors:
- Experience: While experience is the main criterion for a surgeon, it’s also important to consider the flip side—if a surgeon performs many surgeries, how many surgeries do they perform per day?
- Superior Experience is needed in case of a surgical complication or emergency. Look for surgeons who’ve undergone trauma surgery or who have extensive experience.
- Education: Consider all the education they have received, including hospitals and universities. Are they trained in the United States or Europe?
- Maximum Number of Surgeries per Day: Find out how many surgeries they perform daily.
- Reviews: Read reviews from previous patients to learn how much aftercare and support they offer.
After selecting a surgeon, they will review your medical history and suggest the surgery they feel you will benefit most from. Your local physician will communicate with this surgeon to ensure your best success. They will come to a consensus in terms of the treatment method pursued.
From this point, all the logistics of surgery are determined. Typically, patients are asked to remain in Mexico for at least two weeks after their surgery before traveling home. All follow-up visits are generally conducted by the patient’s local physician and are included in the initial cost of surgery.
Find an Affordable Weight Loss Surgeon in Mexico
Additional Information