Also known as bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery is a procedure that is sometimes used to achieve significant weight loss in obese and morbidly obese individuals. The goal of the surgery is to limit the number of calories that can be consumed and absorbed, leading to the rapid loss of body fat. There are many variations of bariatric surgery, most of which are available in both Missouri and Mexico.
Types
There are two basic types of weight loss surgery available: malabsorptive/restrictive surgeries and restrictive surgeries. Malabsorptive/restrictive surgeries, the more invasive type of the two, work by changing the way in which your body takes in food. These surgeries typically restrict the size of your stomach and physically remove parts of your digestive tract. Purely restrictive surgeries work by restricting the size of your stomach, allowing you to feel full faster and not consume as much food. There are many variations of weight loss surgery, but they all fall into one of these two categories.
Surgery in Missouri
There are several surgeons in Missouri who perform both types of weight loss surgery. Which surgeon you choose should be based both on your geography and the type of surgery that will be best for you. Speak with many different bariatric surgeons to be as educated as possible before making any decisions.
Surgery in Mexico
Mexico has become a popular destination for those seeking weight loss surgery for many reasons, the biggest of which is affordability. Bariatric surgery in Mexico often costs half of what it does in the United States, making it a very attractive option for those without medical insurance. However, affordability should not be the only deciding factor when choosing where to have your surgery performed. More important factors include qualifications of the surgeon, hospital accreditation and the availability of good follow-up care.
Eligibility
Whether you choose to have your weight loss surgery performed in Missouri or Mexico, you must first be sure that you meet the eligibility requirements for bariatric surgery. Most hospitals require that candidates for weight loss surgery have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more or that the prospective patient be more than 100 pounds overweight. Some insurance companies have their own eligibility requirements, so check with your provider.
Considerations
Weight loss surgery carries with it many risks and so should always be a last resort. The decision to have weight loss surgery should be made in consultation with your physician and only then after all other options have been exhausted. As with any surgery, there is some risk of malpractice, so you should consider the availability of malpractice protection before deciding where to have your surgery performed. Malpractice protection is much stronger in the United States than in Mexico, so while bariatric surgery is cheaper in Mexico, it may be safer in Missouri.
Member Comments