Mexico has the highest obesity rates in the world, with 32.8% of the population being obese. This has led to higher obesity-related diseases, with government trying new experiments to somehow curb sugar consumption. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases and some forms of cancers are all related to obesity.
A bariatric surgery sometimes can be a medical necessity, and can also prove to be quite expensive. It is no doubt a great investment one can do for their health, but how good is it on the wallet?
A Bariatric Surgery is much cheaper in Mexico than anywhere else in the World. The prices start as low as $4,500 for a gastric balloon, and just $6,900 for a gastric bypass. This is quite low compared to other countries, where prices generally start from $10,000.
So is a bariatric surgery worth it? Let’s look at the return on investment.
Return on Investment
It will be quite difficult to calculate the return on investment for a bariatric surgery, as the results aren’t immediate. But usually the cost of a bariatric surgery out-weighs the benefits.
Since bariatric surgery helps in controlling diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure, patients are able to save on their regular medical bills.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information conducted a study, in which they found out that patients who pay $17,000 to $26,000 for a bariatric procedure are able to recoup their cost on the surgery in 2 years by saving onlaparoscopic procedures.
Another study by Bloomberg found out that patients who have bariatric surgery spend around $200 less every year than those who did not have a surgery, for at least 20 years. The difference was due to decreased spending on heart disease and diabetes drugs. It is also quite possible to completely eliminate drug costs if the patients do not have any major complications.
A cheaper bariatric surgery will have a better return on investment, but it is important not to compromise the safety of money.
Safety
Only an effective surgery will ensure that it achieves the desired results and guarantees you safety. So it important for patients to make sure that whenever they get a surgery, they check these aspects:
- The surgeon is board certified
- The surgeon has extensive experience with the chosen procedure
- The surgeon understands the needs and lifestyle of the patient
- The hospital is committed to continuous education related to bariatric surgery
It is also important to know who has recommended the hospital and doctor to you. Look for credible sources, like Dr. Sergio Verboonen. It is a reliable platform where you can connect with doctors in Mexico, as well as previous patients to get first-hand knowledge about bariatric surgery.
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About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Nutritionist and Bariatric Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery patients for 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric patients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teens.
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