Thinking About Weight Loss Surgery
- Thread starter Gell
- Start date
Because weight reduction surgery is less expensive and frequently provided as a package, many people choose to travel to countries like Mexico, Thailand, and Turkey for the procedure. 
Benefits: affordable, top-notch hospitals, comprehensive treatment. 
Risks: Traveling soon after surgery increases risk, quality varies, follow-up care at home can be more difficult, and language and legal barriers can arise.
Examine the clinic's accreditation, the credentials of the surgeon, reviews, long-term results, and the aftercare plan if you're thinking about it. If you choose a trustworthy centre and have help at home, it can work out nicely.
Benefits: affordable, top-notch hospitals, comprehensive treatment. Risks: Traveling soon after surgery increases risk, quality varies, follow-up care at home can be more difficult, and language and legal barriers can arise.Examine the clinic's accreditation, the credentials of the surgeon, reviews, long-term results, and the aftercare plan if you're thinking about it. If you choose a trustworthy centre and have help at home, it can work out nicely.
dianeseattle
Veteran Contributor
- Date
- Aug 20, 2007
- Start Weight
- 247 lbs
- Goal Weight
- 140 lbs
- Currently
- 140 lbs
- Progress
- 100%
There are members here who've had it but it's not something I'd do. As mentioned above, post-op care is so important and that should involve the same medical team you use for the surgery. I learned long ago very few doctors want to offer post-op care where another doctor did the surgery.
You're taking a big risk with your longterm health and I think people really need to look at their motivations for wanting the surgery. This is major surgery. The point shouldn't be cosmetic. It should be used holistically to improve all your systems to address your comobidities AND it's not cookie-cutter. One size does not fit all.
if money or lack of insurance is the problem, you should find a hospital that offers scholarships that might pay 80 percent of the cost so you can have 100 percent of the benefits to your health. That's what I did and part of the deal was that I enrolled in a university study for two years, which was a great thing for all doctors, interns, dieticians and researchers who were involved. My journey was documented as a case study and published in JAMA.
IMO going to Mexico or some other place you can get inexpensive surgery is like placing a bet and hoping you win the jackpot, without going all in. You'd be relying more on luck than on science. I'm sure there are fine doctors in Mexico but if you want continuity of care, you should really move to Mexico on a visa for as long as it takes to get safe and thorough care until you're healed and have been checked out nutritionally.
diane
You're taking a big risk with your longterm health and I think people really need to look at their motivations for wanting the surgery. This is major surgery. The point shouldn't be cosmetic. It should be used holistically to improve all your systems to address your comobidities AND it's not cookie-cutter. One size does not fit all.
if money or lack of insurance is the problem, you should find a hospital that offers scholarships that might pay 80 percent of the cost so you can have 100 percent of the benefits to your health. That's what I did and part of the deal was that I enrolled in a university study for two years, which was a great thing for all doctors, interns, dieticians and researchers who were involved. My journey was documented as a case study and published in JAMA.
IMO going to Mexico or some other place you can get inexpensive surgery is like placing a bet and hoping you win the jackpot, without going all in. You'd be relying more on luck than on science. I'm sure there are fine doctors in Mexico but if you want continuity of care, you should really move to Mexico on a visa for as long as it takes to get safe and thorough care until you're healed and have been checked out nutritionally.
diane
Surgery overseas can be more affordable (Mexico and Thailand are popular), but make sure to examine the credentials of the surgeon, the hospital's accreditation, and the long-term patient evaluations. Travel rehabilitation, hidden expenses, and follow-up treatment are the biggest hazards. Prior to making a decision, always enquire about the package's contents, complication rates, and aftercare after returning home.
drtoni-slbsp
Newbie
- Surgery
- Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Date
- 07/01/2013
- Start Weight
- 350 lbs
- Goal Weight
- 199 lbs
- Currently
- 190 lbs
- Progress
- 100%
Aftercare! Aftercare! AFTERCARE!...PLEASE take heed to @dianeseattle's message. There are way more variables when choosing to have surgery in one state to the next, let alone out of the country. Everyone's journey is unique to them and therefore cannot be predicted. Aftercare does not end in a month- bariatric surgery is a LIFE-LONG commitment. Please do explore all of your options within the states before making your decision.
Although I haven't had it myself, I know a few folks who underwent weight loss surgery overseas, mostly in Thailand and Mexico. Many had positive experiences, but aftercare and research are crucial.
Verify the hospital's accreditation, the surgeon's certification, and that you have a well-defined plan for after you return home. Some clinics appear fantastic on the internet, but they don't offer enough post-operative care.
You can find choices with the aid of PlacidWay and similar sites, but always double-check your credentials. Before you travel, take your time, ask thorough questions, and make plans for potential issues and recuperation.
