While gastric plication surgery in Tijuana is a less invasive surgery than some of the other bariatric surgeries, it is still important that the surgery be conducted by qualified individuals in a qualified facility. You want to select a facility that is accredited by a professional association such as Joint Commission International. In order for a facility to be accredited by this organization, it must pass several tests that compile over 300 standards. These requirements hold the facility to the highest of standards when it comes to patient care, surgical success, facility maintenance, family care, and more. When selecting a facility for your surgery you want to be sure that you select one that is certified by JCI for quality care.
What To Consider
There are several things that you will need to consider when trying to decide if gastric plication surgery in Tijuana is right for you. You need to consider the facility as well as the surgeon. The surgeon should be a member of an association such as the Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery or even the Mexican Association of Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Disorders in order to ensure that they are qualified and held accountable. You also need to consider whether you are healthy enough for this type of surgery. This is a discussion you should have with your primary care physician.
There is some recovery time required after the surgery and you need to be ready for this type of recovery. Additionally, you need to be sure that you are prepared for the life changes that you need to make after the surgery. This can be challenging and you want to be ready for this part of the process. You will also want to consider the travel involved in gastric plication surgery in Tijuana.
Planning Your Trip
Before you start on your journey to Tijuana for surgery you will need to be prepared. Make sure that you talk to your doctor about what you are facing and what you can do to prepare for the surgery. He or she will likely ask you to stop smoking immediately if you are a smoker. Tobacco can hinder healing and slow the process down. It can also cause complications during and after surgery. You might also be asked to stop taking some of the over-the-counter and prescription medications that can thicken your blood. You should be prepared to be away for several days in order to give yourself some recovery time. Additionally, you may want to lose as much weight as you can before the surgery to ensure you have a smooth surgical procedure.
Cost
Bariatric surgery in Tijuana and other parts of Mexico is far less expensive than in the United States. The average cost of a surgical procedure of this nature in Tijuana is $8,000. Some of the reasons for this lower rate are the lower cost of living, lower overhead, lower malpractice insurance, and lower cost of education for the medical staff.
Typically included in the cost of surgery are facility fees, surgeon fees, anesthesiologist fees, medications, travel, nutritionist, and even a counseling fee.
You may not find things like hotel costs, additional medications, additional surgeries, and follow-up appointments. If there are any complications during the surgery there may be more costs.
The Process
The process for getting gastric plication surgery in Tijuana starts by talking to your own doctor. You need to know if you are a good candidate for the surgery and if you are healthy enough to withstand the surgery. You then need to contact an agent that specializes in this type of travel and surgery or a surgeon in the area. He or she will need to learn more about your current medical condition, your medical history, and what you want to accomplish with the surgery. He or she will set up a call between you and your physician to discuss the possibilities. If they believe that you are a good candidate the surgeon will give you a price for the surgery that may include travel costs. They will also go over what you can expect before, during, and after the surgery. Travel arrangements will be made, possibly with the assistance of the surgical facility.