Gastric bypass surgery is a major surgery and should be considered very carefully. You want to be sure that you are making the best decision for your situation. If you and your physician come to the conclusion that you are a good candidate for the surgery, and are considering having the surgery in Tijuana, you will want to understand all of the details. Gastric bypass surgery in Tijuana is often selected because of the much lower cost.
Things to Know Before Undergoing Gastric Bypass Surgery
You should not expect to find less of a surgery simply because you are paying less. In fact, the Joint Commission International in the United States holds facilities in Tijuana to a high standard for such surgeries. They have approximately 300 standards that the facility must be tested on and require that these facilities and professionals have the highest level of patient safety, patient care, and quality of surgery. Make sure any facility that you are selecting is accredited by JCI.
What To Consider
Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate for gastric bypass and plan to have the surgery in Tijuana, there are several things to consider. You want to be sure that that surgeon you choose is affiliated with a qualified association such as the Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery or a member of the Mexican Association of Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Disorders. You also need to consider the cost of the surgery, your travel costs, and the time you will need to take for the trip. Being prepared is going to make the process run more smoothly.
Planning Your Trip
If you are headed to Tijuana for your gastric bypass surgery you want to make sure you are prepared. Plan to stay and bring someone to stay with you after the surgery. You won’t want to be doing any heavy lifting or swift-moving around. You also want to stop smoking well before the surgery. The presence of tobacco can hinder the healing process and create complications after the surgery. Be sure that you are prepared by losing as much weight as you can initially. This will allow you to have the very best results. Additionally, understanding the changes you will need to make to your lifestyle after the surgery is important. You need to be able to make smart choices regarding nutrition and exercise to maintain any weight loss.
Cost
Clearly, the cost of gastric bypass surgery in Tijuana is the attraction for many patients. The surgery is far cheaper in the area for many reasons including the low cost of insurance, low maintenance costs for facilities, and the generally lower cost of living in the area. In fact, the typical cost of bariatric surgery in Tijuana is $8,000. This number varies based on the surgery outcome, complications, and how the surgery is packaged. In most places in the area, the surgery is packaged for travelers so that it is inclusive of many necessities while there.
Some of the items included in the cost of the surgery are the surgeon’s fee, facility fees, hospital stay, medications, anesthesia fees, and fees for pre-tests including x-rays, blood work, and anything else needed before the surgery. In some cases, the cost of guest accommodations after the surgery, as well as meetings with nutritionists and other experts, are also included. In most cases, airfare and hotel are not included in the pricing. They also do not include the cost of additional surgery due to complications.
The Process
The first step in the process of your gastric bypass surgery in Tijuana is to talk to your primary care physician about the risks and your candidacy for such a surgery. The next step is to contact an agent or surgeon in the region regarding your plans. They will want to look at your medical history and discuss what you want to accomplish. The surgeon will also want to discuss your situation with your primary care physician and then talk to you about the process. He or she will work up a quote for the surgery which may include your travel and stay. After the surgery, you will likely stay for a day or so before leaving. You will have a follow-up with your primary care physician and you will likely meet with a nutritionist to make sure you stay on track throughout the weight loss process.