When hearing the term “tourism,” our minds typically go to sightseeing and exotic beaches. However, tourism isn’t always about leisure, vacationing, or even business—it can be for medical reasons.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention speaks to millions of tourists traveling annually for medical procedures.
US patients often travel to Canada, Mexico, and numerous other Central/South American and Caribbean countries to receive medical procedures.
Bariatric surgery—a weight loss procedure for when exercise and diet aren’t working—will be our focus in this article.
While bariatric surgery can be pivotal for long-term health (and, in many cases, life-saving), it’s classified as elective for the bulk of under-65 patients. Most patients will travel far for elective surgeries if the risks are lower, according to a 2020 review.
Below, we’ll examine the pros of choosing an international bariatric surgeon, the potential risk factors to navigate, and how to determine the best international bariatric surgeon for your needs.
International Bariatric Surgery Benefits.
Here’s a list of benefits of opting for an international bariatric surgery:
- Medical costs in the US are steadily increasing, and it’s possible to receive a bariatric procedure for far less money in other countries. For instance, you can save 70% for such a procedure in Mexico versus what you’d pay in the US.
- Bariatric surgeons across the globe are typically rigorously regulated. Many regulatory organizations exist to monitor such practitioners, and you can find participating facilities to ensure quality care. Most internationally regulated practitioners must pass meticulous inspections every three years.
- Typically, doctors performing bariatric procedures work out of state-of-the-art facilities, offering optimal patient care. The equipment will be cutting-edge, and the staff will be highly trained and prepared to provide optimal care at a lower price than you’d pay in the US.
Risk Factors To Consider Before Choosing An International Bariatric Surgeon.
Yes—there are numerous advantages to medical tourism regarding bariatric surgery. Nevertheless, addressing the associated risks remains crucial.
First and foremost, travel presents many issues in and of itself. Flying in a plane is physically demanding, and hopping onto a flight immediately following surgery can have disastrous consequences.
Experts suggest waiting four weeks before flying following bariatric surgery. Getting four weeks off isn’t guaranteed if you have a job. Blocking off that time may require intricate, stress-inducing planning.
Also, having a friend or family at your side is expressly advised. That friend or family member would have to sacrifice four weeks of their life to be there for you, making planning for undergoing international bariatric surgery more complicated.
Criteria For Selecting An International Bariatric Surgeon.
International bariatric surgery isn’t something you should jump into head first. It necessitates caution in planning.
Your number one priority is research. Be painstaking during this process—your current and long-term health and well-being are paramount. Only put your safety in the hands of practitioners you trust.
For instance, investigate the best places to travel for bariatric surgeons. Some countries—like Thailand, Mexico, and South Korea—have distinguished themselves as the cream of the crop for such procedures, Medical Tourism Magazine claims.
Thailand, in particular, is revered for its top-tier facilities and skilled surgeons, with Phuket and Bangkok offering reasonable pricing for advanced bariatric procedures. This high-level medical care combines with an environment conducive to optimal recovery.
Also, seek certifications from boards like The International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) to verify possible surgeons’ accreditations. Consult with your general practitioner and other industry professionals about whether an international surgeon you’re looking into is reliable and up to the task.
Another component of traveling internationally for bariatric surgery is filling prescriptions at your local pharmacy before leaving. Finding specific meds or getting insurance coverage in different countries can be tricky and stressful. It’s best to manage this task before leaving.
Adhere to the travel advisory board, too. The US has a four-tier system. A three-rating means you probably shouldn’t go to a given country, and four means don’t travel there.
Coming To The US For Bariatric Surgery?
There’s another side of this coin where you might consider traveling from abroad to the US for a bariatric procedure. This approach could prove fruitful since the US has some of the world’s best bariatric surgeons.
If you choose this direction, apply similar criteria as already suggested. Research, traveling with a friend, etc., are all integral. Also, arrive a few days before your surgery to acclimate and eliminate the likelihood of arriving late for your surgery.
Questions To Ask International Bariatric Surgeons:
- Do you offer invasive and non-invasive bariatric procedures?
Bariatric surgeons should offer invasive and non-invasive procedures. The best doctors always have alternatives and an open mind.
- What are your success rates with this surgery?
Be sure the surgeon is experienced with bariatric procedures and has a history of success.
- What are the long-term impacts of bariatric surgery?
Your surgeon should offer straightforward, transparent answers about the pros and cons of bariatric procedures.
- How long should it take to recover?
You’ll need to plan your trip home, which necessitates knowing when you’ll be fit to travel. While there are general recovery times, each case is unique, and your specific procedure will have its own recovery time.
- Do you have international accreditations?
Get physical proof that your potential international bariatric surgeon is at the same level as the world’s most trusted surgeons. Seek certifications and research the organizations that dole them out.
Reach out to [Medical practice] today if you wish to learn more about international bariatric surgery and the steps you can take to find the best surgeon for your needs.