Bariatric Surgery Abroad: Mexico, India, Belgium, Costa Rica, USA
Limited Time – Weight Loss Surgery Specials Abroad
Sleeve Gastrectomy Packages: USD 4,395 & Up
Gastric Bypass Packages: USD 5,495 & Up
Bariatric surgery refers to weight loss surgery performed on individuals who have not been able to lose weight through traditional forms like dieting, exercise, and other non-surgical weight loss efforts.
Bariatric Surgery Before and After
Common bariatric (weight loss or obesity) surgery procedures in the USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belgium, Jordan & India are:
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
This is the most popular weight loss surgery in the USA. If accompanied by ongoing behavior changes, it can provide long-term, consistent weight loss.
In lap gastric bypass, the surgeon staples the stomach across the top, sealing it off from the rest of the stomach’s part.
The resulting pouch can hold only about an ounce of food. Then the surgeon cuts the small intestine and sews part of it directly onto the pouch.
This connection redirects the food, bypassing most of the stomach and the first section of the small intestine. Food enters directly into the second section of the small intestine, limiting the individual’s ability to absorb calories.
Read more at cost of gastric bypass surgery abroad.
Laparoscopic Gastric Banding (Lap Band)
Lap-band is a very popular surgical procedure for weight loss. To date, approximately 300,000 lap Band procedures have been performed in the USA since its approval by the FDA in 2001.
The Lap Band operation results in the creation of a small about 15cc pouch in the upper part of the stomach, without stapling, thus limiting food intake.
This helps the patient gradually lose weight until they reach their goals. Mexico is a very popular destination for lap band obesity procedure for the people in Candana & the USA.
Read more at cost of lap band surgery abroad.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
In gastric sleeve surgery, the surgeon removes approximately 80 percent of the stomach with a laparoscope so that the stomach takes the shape of a tube (sleeve).
This procedure is usually performed on super obese or high-risk patients with the intention of performing another bariatric surgery at a later time.
Most patients can expect to lose 30 to 50% of their excess body weight over a 6 – 12 month period with gastric sleeve surgery.
Read more at cost of gastric sleeve surgery cost abroad.
India is a popular destination for weight loss surgery patients from all parts of the world. High rates of obesity in the Middle East have made Jordan a popular destination for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Dubai, Iraq, Yemen & other Middle & West Asian countries.
Belgium is popular with Europeans, especially the British. Mexico & Costa Rica are favorite destinations for people considering weight loss (bariatric) surgery in the USA & Canada.
More at Bariatric Surgery Links.
Medical Tourism for Weight Loss Surgery
Medical tourism in a foreign country has become a desirable option for individuals wanting weight loss surgery.
In recent years, many countries have come up as medical tourism destinations since superior medical facilities are offered at low prices.
For instance, the cost of weight loss surgery in the United States is around $20,000 whereas the price of bariatric surgery in Mexico begins from $4,395.
What is Medical Tourism?
Medical Tourism refers to people traveling abroad to get their medical treatment. Earlier, people from developing countries used to go to developed countries for their medical treatment because of the superior quality of facilities.
However, with the progress of the medical sector across the globe, the scenario has reversed. Now, people from developed countries travel to other countries for their medical treatment mainly because of low pricing.
Did you know?
In 2016, 1,400,000 Americans traveled abroad for medical reasons.[2]
Top Medical Tourism Destinations for Bariatric Surgery Abroad
Cost Comparison – Bariatric Surgery Across the World
Prices for bariatric surgery all over the globe vary from place to place. Compared to the US where a gastric sleeve will cost $20,000, its price is just $4,395 in Mexico.
Variations in prices are contingent upon the salaries paid to the support staff, office rent and other overheads, and the cost of living in general.
| Country | Gastric Sleeve | Gastric Bypass |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $20,000 | $23,000 |
| Canada | $19,000 | $21,000 |
| Mexico | $4,395 | $5,495 |
| India | $6,000 | $7,480 |
| Costa Rica | $12,650 | $14,900 |
| Australia | $11,500 | $13,000 |
*Prices are case-dependent.
The above table highlights that for Americans and Canadians, Mexico and Costa Rica are cheaper options. Australians can look into weight loss surgery in India, where prices are almost 50% lower.
4 Factors That Drive Medical Tourism
The following are the four factors that drive Medical Tourism in Central and North America and Asia:
- Unexploited capacity in private hospitals
- Health insurance portability with international hospitals
- Internationally trained doctors/surgeons
- Promotion of medical tourism by the public sector entities1
Advantages of Getting WLS Abroad
- Cost-efficient
- Years of experience
- Highly qualified doctors
- Effective healthcare services
- High level of expertise in their respective fields
- Availing medical benefits not available in the home country
Medical Tourism for Bariatric Surgery in Mexico
In the past couple of years, Mexico has emerged as a leading medical tourism destination. Its proximity to the U.S. and Canada gives it an additional advantage of attracting patients from these countries.
Top destinations for weight loss surgery in Mexico include Tijuana, Mexicali, and Cancun.
Did you know?
By 2020, over 650,000 medical tourists will travel to Mexico from the U.S.[2]
About Us
Medical Tourism Corporation (MTC) is a leading US-based medical tourism company. It has been assisting individuals in medical and financial distress.
It has helped numerous individuals with expert services in the arrangement of almost every aspect of the surgery.
Why MTC for WLS Abroad?
- Financing options
- Concierge services
- 12+ years of track record
- Complete destination support
- Cost-effective medical services
- Multiple options for destinations
- Tie-ups with top surgeons and hospitals
- Ranked A+ by Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Online support groups run by a US-registered dietitian
Four Things to be Careful About Before Choosing Surgery Abroad
Before going for treatment overseas, it is essential that you indulge in detailed research of the following:
1. Quality: The most vital component that should be checked is the quality of medical care at the destination.
Examining the accreditations of the hospital/clinic and the doctors you are planning to pursue, the total experience and success rate of the surgeons, staff eminence of the chosen organization, and the pre and post-surgery services help.
2. Cost: An individual seeking medical treatment should compare the price of surgery in various countries. This helps choose the most cost-efficient option.
However, the quality of services should not be compromised by choosing a low-cost alternative. Inferior medical treatment can be detrimental. You can find 70% cheaper bariatric procedures in Mexico as compared to the U.S.[3]
3. Proximity: Destination closer to one’s home country should be chosen. This would save an individual the traveling It would also ensure a convenient return post-surgery for recovering.
Proximity is the reason why Mexico is a popular medical destination among Americans and Canadians.
4. Reviews: An analysis of the ratings and reviews of the medical tourism company, hospital, and surgeon before treatment is vital.
These days it is easy to connect with the old patients who have already undergone surgery on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram pages of the organization.
A conversation with the old patients can help one get rid of any apprehensions that they might have.
Real-Life Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
Medical Tourism Corporation has many feathers to its cap when it comes to the success of Weight Loss Surgeries.
One of MTC’s success stories is Amy from Nevada, who has lost almost 105 lbs since her surgery in July 2015. She is ecstatic with the transformation and says she is still so happy with her decision.
She is just one of the numerous clients who underwent their change from flab to fab with MTC!
See more bariatric surgery abroad before and after pics here.
MTC’s Reviews and Ratings
MTC has received a thumbs-up on various platforms. It has a 5-star rating on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. It also has A+ accreditation on BBB. To check out the feedback from our clients, click here.
Laura V.Weight Loss Surgery
I absolutely had the best experience. All of the Staff, every single one of them; went out of their way to make me feel comfortable.
Roxy A.Weight Loss Surgery
I had the best experience with them! From the driver to the liaison to the nurses and doctors! Everyone was very professional.
Amy F.Weight Loss Surgery, Mexico
I know some people would have some fear going to Mexico. I had weight loss surgery in Dec 2016, I had an amazing experience.
Conclusion
Medical Tourism is an excellent option for people desiring weight loss surgeries but dealing with a shortage of finances.
The cost-effectiveness of this option has increased its popularity manifold in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue in the future.
Besides, efficiency in the results of the surgeries has acted as a stimulant which is increasing the number of medical tourists every year.
References
- Taylor & Francis Online: Providers’ perspectives on inbound medical tourism in Central America and the Caribbean: factors driving and inhibiting sector development and their health equity implications
- The Fiscal Times: 1.4 Million Americans Will Go Abroad for Medical Care This Year. Should You?
- Pacific Standard: Medical Tourism is Booming in Mexico
