Aug 2, 2014

Why People Choose Bariatric Surgery In Mexico

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By Paulette Mason


Health care has become one of the most controversial and divisive political topics in America. Politicians spout inflammatory rhetoric, ignoring the fact that those needing high-quality medical procedures the most may not be able to afford them, even with insurance. Carriers are reluctant to cover weight-loss procedures for severely obese individuals, resulting in many choosing bariatric surgery in Mexico.

When excess weight gain cannot be eliminated through exercise and restricted dietary habits, surgical weight loss procedures saves lives. Those diagnosed as being clinically obese have often tried and failed to shed pounds. Normal weight loss therapies have proven useless, no matter how great the personal incentive. Modern culture is obsessed with thin body images, and obese people pay a steep psychological as well as physical price.

Left untreated, this condition results in heart problems, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type-2 diabetes, gastroespohageal reflux, and other symptoms. Surgical weight loss procedures restrict the amount of food that can be eaten comfortably by restructuring the digestive tract, either temporarily or permanently. Some methods temporarily reduce stomach size using elastic bands, while others remove portions of the intestine to reduce absorption.

The majority of people in the United States today carry excess poundage, but never attain a body mass index registering 40, considered clinically obese. Those falling into that category may still not be good prospects for surgery. Even people with medical coverage are required to follow a verifiable diet and exercise program prior to approval. The process can take months, and after making that effort success is not a guaranteed result.

In addition to the standard risks, restricting the size of the stomach can lead to unpleasant side effects. Ingested food may pass too quickly into the small intestine, causing abdominal cramping, nausea, and other symptoms. The severity of this reaction may require corrective procedures, driving final costs much higher. For those reasons and others, insurance carriers often decline coverage.

Faced with paying the entire amount personally, many people choose less expensive options in Mexico, where similar procedures cost half as much, but are still a significant amount. Those seriously considering taking this course of action must decide whether savings matter more than local care. Pre-surgical testing is a requirement, and may need to be completed prior to leaving. More than one trip may be necessary.

Patients should perform a thorough background check on the prospective surgeon, and must also decide whether to seek post-operative care at home. Follow-up medical care is especially crucial after weight-loss procedures in order to maintain reasonable nutrition and health levels during the lengthy period of weigh loss. Any installed band must meet United States standards, or will not be treated.

People seriously considering this choice should be sure that benefits override possible concerns, and should speak with current care providers prior to making that decision. There are reports of excellent results, counterbalanced by anecdotal stories of serious, unanticipated complications far from home. Extreme discounts make this option attractive, but a complete understanding of the risks involved should influence the final decision.




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