The medical tourism industry in Mexico has been expanding by leaps and bounds and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. High-quality health care, safety and affordability continue to be a few of the main reasons people travel to Mexico for surgical procedures. Gastric sleeve surgery is arguably one of the most popular procedures Americans schedule in Mexico. Following are several reasons you should consider having gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico and essential information regarding how safe Mexico’s medical industry is.
Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Safe in Mexico?
A study published in 2018 found that the complication and death rates of patients pursuing gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico were similar to those in the United States. In fact, this study found a 0% death rate among the five hundred patients who received surgery in Mexico, with the complication rate mirroring procedures done in the United States.
How High Risk Is Gastric Sleeve?
Multiple studies in the United States have shown gastric sleeve surgery is a safe surgical procedure. One study examined the outcome of several thousand patients who underwent gastric sleeve surgery. Out of 6,118 patients, only .3% resulted in deaths within a month of the procedure. These deaths occurred most often due to sepsis or other complications associated with the surgery. Additional studies find that the benefits of bariatric surgery far outweigh potential costs or complications.
A study regarding gastric sleeve death in the United States found only a .08% rate in 3.6 million people who have had the procedure. The most common complications that might arise from gastric sleeve surgery are leakage, bleeding, wound infection, pouch migration and nutritional deficiencies, all of which are addressable during aftercare appointments.
The Benefits of Having Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico
Why have bariatric surgery in Mexico? Here are just a few reasons why patients choose Mexico for gastric sleeve and other bariatric surgeries.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Is Much More Affordable in Mexico
Bariatric surgery is much less expensive in Mexico than in other countries, including the United States. There are several factors contributing to the low cost of healthcare. One of these reasons is that the equipment necessary to perform these procedures is generally less expensive. Although gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico costs significantly less than in the United States, physicians use the same surgical techniques. Due to affordability, this life-changing procedure is much more accessible for those who cannot pay for it in the United States.
Aftercare for Bariatric Surgery in Mexico Is High Quality
Regarding health care for bariatric surgery, the quality of aftercare and follow-up appointments is comparable to the United States. Many bariatric surgeons even offer all-inclusive packages, including a luxury stay in a five-star resort while recovering from your procedure. Many bariatric surgeons in the United States do not provide that level of care, leaving patients to secure hotel stays and transportation to and from the hospital. Mexico is well known for its high-quality tourism industry, and surgeons want to make your stay in Mexico as comfortable as possible so you are likelier to return for other surgical procedures.
Surgeons in Mexico Are Among the Most Qualified in Latin America
Many people across Latin America and the United States visit Mexico for health care. This country is known for having some of the area’s most talented surgeons. In addition, most surgeons are bilingual and can discuss every step of the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Healthcare providers in Mexico have undergone extensive training and possess several degrees and certifications in their specialized fields of study. When you schedule weight loss surgery in Mexico, you are in the hands of competent, well-trained medical practitioners.
Wait Times Are Minimal for Doctor Visits in Mexico
A common frustration for Americans is how often they must wait to obtain an appointment with their healthcare providers. In Mexico, wait times are much lower. Within the private system, most people are able to schedule an appointment with their doctor within a couple of days. Even for specialty appointments, patients rarely wait more than a few days. You can easily schedule a consultation appointment with a bariatric surgeon before arriving in Mexico that will work with your schedule.
Mexico’s Proximity to the United States Makes Surgery and Travel Convenient
Mexico is known across the world for its bariatric weight loss surgeries. Some people fly from as far away as Europe to obtain gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico. However, being in the United States, you can easily take a short flight or even drive to the surgical center yourself. While recovery from gastric sleeve can be a bit uncomfortable, you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of an intercontinental flight or a long, arduous journey.
Final Thoughts
If you find it difficult to lose weight on your own, you aren’t alone. Thousands of Americans visit Mexico every year and enjoy successful gastric sleeve surgery. By booking a consultation with a bariatric care specialist in Mexico, you will be taking the first step towards better health and a higher quality of life.
