Sunday, August 3, 2014

Why People Choose Bariatric Surgery In Mexico

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.

Besides the usual risks of undergoing invasive procedures involving anesthesia, there are common side effects to be considered. Food may move too rapidly into the intestine, resulting in painful cramping and debilitating nausea. When severe, additional procedures may be needed, further increasing overall costs. Because of these possible additional expenses, insurance providers commonly reject coverage.

Facing that refusal, some patients opt for treatment in Mexico, where initial surgical expenses are about half those in the United States. Those considering this increasingly popular option must decide whether cost savings override the safety and convenience of a local medical group. Tests are required prior to these procedures, often before a scheduled departure. Travel plans must be carefully coordinated, and may require a stay of several weeks.

When choosing a surgeon a background check should be completed, and patients must decide whether to return to Mexico for required post-surgical checkups, or to seek that treatment at home. Follow-up care is always important, but becomes especially necessary when overall levels of health and nutrition must be closely monitored. Devices implanted for lap-band procedures must meet U. S. Standards, or will not be qualify for treatment.

Patients must be absolutely sure that they will benefit from surgery abroad, and often begin their investigation by speaking with current health-care providers. Many have reported excellent results, but there are also anecdotal accounts of unanticipated and serious problems. While it may be tempting to make cost the sole determining factor, understanding the risks and hidden expenses must be part of that decision.




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