Obesity affects everyone around the world with data suggesting that “the number of obese people in the world has tripled since 1975 to roughly 30% of the total population”[1], and this number continues to rise.
It is a complex disease that is not caused by one single issue. The American Psychological Association states that “the causes of obesity are rarely limited to genetic factors, overeating or leading a sedentary lifestyle. What we do and not do often is the result of how we think and how we feel”[2]. This disorder is one of the leading causes of death because it dramatically decreases a person’s life expectancy. Obesity puts people at higher risk for several diseases or illnesses, such as: diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, strokes, and high blood pressure.
The road to losing weight looks different for everyone, even though the final destination may be the same or similar. Everyone wants to be healthy and feel great about their body, but there’s not a single one size fits all method; for some, just following a healthy diet can be enough, while others include a physical activity routine. However, people who are struggling with obesity or other weight related problems may struggle to lose weight if they only stick to these kinds of programs. We’re not saying it’s completely impossible, but patients can grow impatient with the lack of results.
If you’re dealing with obesity, bariatric surgery may be the best choice for you. Of course, this can only be decided by a certified doctor that will determine if you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery and which procedure is best for you. Your needs and expectations, along with your medical history, also come into play.
Mexico has become one of the most visited countries when it comes to medical tourism. The reasons why people seek this external service vary, but one of the main ones is that the treatment they need is not available in their location and if it is, the cost is not accessible. At first, medical tourism was known as “those who traveled from less-developed countries to major medical centers in highly developed countries for treatment unavailable at home”[3]. The most popular available specialties in Mexico are plastic aesthetic surgery, lap band and bariatric surgery, oral care and eye care.
LIMARP® is an internationally recognized bariatric surgery center in Tijuana with a well-rounded medical and surgical team that’s led by Dr. Liza María Pompa González, whose experience, along with the state of the art technology available at the clinic, ensures that every patient who comes through our door gets the best attention possible. We offer integral treatment plans that are created based on the patient’s profile and some of them may include bariatric surgery.
This article will focus on bariatric surgery in Mexico, its cost, reviews, and the services offered in clinics all around the country.
The costs for the surgeries may vary depending on the type and insurance coverage the patient has, but one thing is almost certain: bariatric surgery in Mexico is significantly cheaper than in the United States.
Costs of Bariatric Surgery in Mexico
You may be wondering why bariatric surgery is cheaper in Mexico and that is because the healthcare system in the country is different than in the United States, as well as the money flow. The cost of bariatric surgery in Mexico is 3 to 4 times less than the cost of surgery in the United States and this is due to the following points[4]:
- Surgeons and hospitals in Mexico have less overhead. This does not mean a reduction in quality care, it means money flow operates differently in Mexico.
- Medical supplies, salaries, and administrative costs are less, meaning you pay less for your surgery.
- Malpractice insurance cost is significantly lower for surgeons in Mexico. Unlike in the United States, malpractice lawsuits are relatively uncommon. At best, lawsuits in Mexico conclude with patients receiving follow-up care at no charge, contrasting the large cash settlements we see stateside.
- In the United States, complex relationships between healthcare groups, patients, insurance companies, billing procedures, brokers, and hospitals ultimately increase patient cost. In Mexico, there is freedom to practice medicine with less regulation.
- The focus of the surgeon and hospital is shifted from tracking and collecting money to patient care. You will receive a straightforward, all-inclusive bill.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery in Mexico
We understand that the idea of traveling to Mexico may pose some challenges due to the transportation or uneasiness of being in a foreign country, but there are many hospitals and clinics, ours included, that provide a comfortable and safe space if you’re visiting us from abroad. Aside from the difference in pricing, other benefits of having bariatric surgery in Mexico are that many cities in the country offer a relaxing environment and some patients even travel to Mexico early to enjoy vacation prior to surgery.
It can also provide privacy and discretion. If you’re uncomfortable with people knowing you are having weight loss surgery, you might choose to tell them that you are going on vacation to Mexico instead.
When it comes to our clinic in Tijuana, our practice is one of very few in the country that offers a complete and established integrative bariatric program with the purpose of providing each patient with a variety of weight loss options. Along with her multidisciplinary team, Dr. Liza María Pompa González creates personalized treatment plans to help each patient achieve their individual weight loss goals. Our clinic is located at the most important medical tourism city in Mexico. Tijuana, the border city with San Diego, is located right next to the International Border between Mexico and the United States. Our clinic is just 15 minutes away from the border, right in the business district of Tijuana.
Our Tijuana clinic is certified as a COVID-19 safe space as it meets all protocols and prevention standards set by the Global Healthcare Accreditation Program for Medical Travel Services and the Secretary of Sustainable Economy and Tourism of Baja California. We take pride in being one of the first medical clinics in Tijuana to obtain these accreditations.
Bariatric Surgeries Offered in Mexico
To treat metabolic disease and obesity, there are several different bariatric surgeries options offered in Mexico, for example:
- Gastric sleeve: This is the most requested and practiced weight loss surgery worldwide. In this restrictive surgery, the stomach is given the shape of a tube that resembles a sleeve. This intervention allows the patient to control their food intake by consuming smaller portions. Patients with a BMI between 35 and 40 are eligible for this surgery.
- Gastric bypass: This is the second most popular weight loss surgery worldwide. A gastric bypass is meant for patients with a BMI higher than 40. During this procedure, the surgeon reduces the patient’s stomach to the size of a walnut and connects it to a distal part of the intestine. This technique not only limits the size of the stomach, but it also reduces the ability of the intestine to absorb calories. Therefore, this intervention changes the patient’s metabolism.
- Mini gastric bypass: This surgery is a less invasive alternative to the gastric bypass, especially for patients with a BMI higher than 35 that have two or more life threatening diseases associated with obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or high cholesterol. This procedure provides the same, if not superior benefits to the gastric bypass and it is a more affordable alternative.
- Duodenal Switch: This surgical intervention combines the gastric sleeve surgery with the gastric bypass, as it removes 85% of the stomach, giving the other 15% the shape of a tube, and then bypasses most of the small intestine. This method is intended for patients with a BMI higher than 50.
All surgeries are safe and highly effective. Patients that follow the dietary recommendations and maintain physically can see the most benefits out of their surgery. However, in very few cases, patients might regain the weight they lost in the long term if they return to old habits. In other cases, a patient that received a less invasive surgery might discover that they could have benefited more with a more invasive one. In these types of cases, a revision surgery might be necessary. This means that the surgeon modifies or enhances a surgical procedure that was done previously.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you’re interested in bariatric surgery in Mexico and want more information, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can help determine the right treatment for you. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (619) 373-0229.
References
[1] “Most Obese Countries 2022”. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-obese-countries. (Accessed November 6, 2022).
[2] “Mind/body health: Obesity”. https://www.apa.org/topics/obesity/mind-body-health. (Accessed November 6, 2022).
[3] Horowitz MD, Rosensweig JA, Jones CA. Medical tourism: globalization of the healthcare marketplace. MedGenMed. 2007 Nov 13;9(4):33. PMID: 18311383; PMCID: PMC2234298.
[4] “Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico – 9 Things You Should Know”. https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/weight-loss-surgery-mexico.html. (Accessed November 6, 2022).