Is Gastric Sleeve in Mexico Worth It?

June 05, 2023 Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Obesity, or having a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30, is linked to a number of life-threatening diseases, including stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. Furthermore, obesity can decrease a person’s quality of life, triggering depression and even leaving them immobile. 

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective and long-lasting treatments for obesity.  Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries can help people lose 30 to 40 percent or more of their body weight. These surgeries also help people keep the weight off. 

The Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery 

Bariatric surgeries, like the gastric sleeve, offer a much better outcome than diet and exercise alone when it comes to losing weight. Research shows that weight loss surgery is more effective at helping people who are obese lose weight compared to other non-surgical methods like diet, exercise, and behavioral modification. 

Gastric sleeve and other weight loss surgeries can improve type 2 diabetes within days of surgery, improve fertility in obese women, increase testosterone levels in obese men, improve high blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. As with any surgery, there is always a risk of complications, but for most people who are morbidly obese, bariatric surgery is definitely worth it given the benefits. 

People who have bariatric surgery have lower rates of diabetes, cancer, and other health-related diseases compared to people who are obese and don’t get the surgery. A recent 40-year study examined the impact of bariatric surgery on the health of 22,000 people in Utah. The study found that bariatric surgery reduces the risk of premature death from diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other obesity-related causes.

People who had bariatric surgery were 16 percent less likely to die prematurely from any cause

compared with those of similar weight. The reduction in deaths from diseases related to obesity, such as diabetes and heart disease, was even more significant. 

How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Cost? 

The problem is that the cost of bariatric surgery can be quite high in the United States. It can cost as much as $33,541 after insurance depending on the type of weight loss surgery a person undergoes. The more complicated the procedure, the higher the cost. This can cause people who desperately need bariatric surgery to not have it. The good news is that there is a solution for people who want gastric sleeve and other bariatric surgeries at an affordable price —medical tourism. 

More and more Americans are traveling to Mexico for medical care due to the high cost of these procedures back home. Millions of American residents travel internationally for medical care each year. A number of them travel to Tijuana and other areas in Mexico for gastric sleeve and other surgeries. 

Why Are People Going To Mexico For Gastric Sleeve?

Why have gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico? There are a number of reasons why Americans choose to have gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico. 

Most Patients Are Happy 

Bariatric surgery can be life-changing for people who are obese. Many patients who have traveled to Mexico for bariatric surgery report amazing results from surgery. Most, patients, have zero regrets. 

A recent research paper surveyed 427 Americans who crossed the US-Mexico border in California for medical care. Most of the respondents felt that the health care services that they received in Mexico were the same or better quality compared to those in the United States and at a much lower cost. 

Renew Bariatrics recently suggested that tens of thousands undergo bariatric surgery in Mexico.

The Cost is Affordable

The gastric sleeve starts at just $4,399 in Mexico compared to the cost of $33,000 or more in the United States. This fact is one of the biggest reasons why American residents have weight loss surgery in Mexico. 

Surgeons Are Highly-Trained 

Cost alone is not the only reason why people travel to Mexico for bariatric surgery. Mexico has a number of highly-trained surgeons who specialize in bariatric medicine, like Dr. Perez with Renew Bariatrics. Dr. Perez has trained at several world-class universities, including the University of Miami Health System. 

There Are Accredited Facilities

Mexico also boasts several world-class bariatric facilities, such as Hospital Guadalajara in Tijuana. This hospital is one of just three facilities in Mexico to receive the accreditation by the General Health Council of Mexico. This accreditation ensures the highest standards of patient care. 

It’s Close to the United States 

Tijuana is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico for medical tourism due to its proximity to the United States. This bustling city is just 20 miles from San Diego and even has a dedicated lane for medical tourism at the border. This provides a quick and stress-free crossing experience for patients. 

Where Is The Best Place In Mexico To Have Bariatric Surgery?

If you are considering gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico, you might be wondering where to have it done. Here are some of the top hospitals and clinics in Tijuana for gastric sleeve: 

• CER Hospital – This hospital specializes in medical tourism. It is located in downtown Tijuana and follows American hospital standards of care. 
• Hospital Guadalajara – A full-service facility, Hospital Guadalajara was founded in 1959. It provides bariatrics, cardiology, pediatrics, and more. 
• Hospital Azura – Located in Cancun, Hospital Azura is known for its state-of-the-art bariatric facilities and equipment. It has an emergency room, as well as an intensive care unit. 

When it comes to weight loss surgery in Mexico, it’s important to do your homework. It’s essential to choose a well-regarded weight loss center. Research the facilities and surgeons and make sure you understand the risks as well as the benefits of surgery. 

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