5 Tips for Researching Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico

September 7, 2016

Beth is happy and healthy. But that has not always been the case.

Beth was morbidly obese. She had tried and failed at many different diets and meal plans. Nothing she did could stop the yo-yo weight loss and eventual weight gain. She realized that to get her weight under control she needed help. She had seen the stunning weight loss results from a friend who had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) surgery. She began asking questions of her friend about the name of her doctor, the cost and how she would start the process for herself.

Six months in, after contacting a local surgeon, attending a seminar, following their process, Beth received a letter from her insurance company stating, “Your surgery is not approved. It is not covered under your policy.”  Beth was devastated as to what she could do and how she could pay the $27,000 to have weight loss surgery.  Beth decided she was determined to get the help she needed and began to research other options.”  While reading the forums on ObesityHelp.com, Beth found her answer - have weight loss surgery in Mexico!  Beth began the process of researching options to have WLS in Mexico.

How to Research Having Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico

1.  Gather Information on Your Options.  Obtain information and organize to make it easy for your review and consideration. Start making notes on every surgeon, hospital, hotel and medical tourism company. Split the page into Pro and Cons. This will help you make an easy decision on what is right for you.

2. Find a Surgeon. Finding the right surgeon for you is the most important step. Use the steps below to research surgeons in Mexico.

• Certified surgeon - A certified surgeon in Mexico will have a license to practice that has been issued by the Mexican Government. Look up the surgeons you are researching on the government website, www.cedulaprofesional.sep.gob.mx. You’ll need to know the full name of the surgeon.  Each surgeon you consider should have a C1 and an A1. The C1 certificate certifies to practice medicine. The A1 certifies the specialty of surgeons.
• Reviews - Check for reviews on each surgeon you are considering. You can utilize ObesityHelp.com to search a surgeon and read patient reviews on the surgeon's professional profile. Read the patient's review of the surgeon and their surgical experience as factors to consider in your decision for a surgeon for your WLS.
• Surgical team - Research the surgeon's surgical team. Most surgeons have a team of doctors, nurses and medical professionals assisting them during surgery. Check out their anesthesiologist, assistant surgeon, and any others who will have a role during your surgery.
• Support - What type of support system does the surgeon have? Do they employ medical professionals? Do they use a medical tourism company to handle support?
• Complication rates - Complication rates are very important. Find out the surgeon's protocol for serious complications. You can find average complication rates given by the ASMBS. Where does your surgeon fall in those averages? But remember that statistics are not always documented. It would be unreasonable to think that a surgeon who has performed thousands of bariatric procedures has never had to deal with complications.

3.  Research the Hospital.  Most surgical teams are associated with and operate, out of one specific hospital. Hospitals in Mexico are generally smaller than in other countries.

• Find out if the hospital is set up for emergency situations?
• Is the surgical facility in a strip mall or in a certified hospital?
• Look up the hospital address on a mapping site to view the facility. Make note of what you see on the street view.

4.  Check Out Their Aftercare Facility.  Many services in Mexico use a local 5-star hotel for your recovery. Some use private residences or other accommodations. Consider which type of facility you prefer.

• Find out if you will be staying in the hospital for several days after your procedure.
• Will you be discharged from the hospital to an aftercare facility to recover before traveling home?
• Is the aftercare facility staffed by qualified nurses?
• Make sure the facility is in a safe neighborhood.
• Do they provide 24-hour security?

5.  Research Their Medical Tourism Company.  Many surgeons in Mexico rely on a medical tourism company to provide pre-operative and post-operative support. Make sure to find out information on the company if the surgeon you are researching uses one.

• How long has the company been in business? Can it be verified?
• Is the company listed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and, if so, what is their rating?
• What do their past patients say about their experience with the company?
• Do they attend or sponsor conferences, and do their services appear to be consistent and dedicated to the weight loss surgery and obesity community?
• Have they published any written material?
• Do the representatives of the company post negative comments about their competitors or employ hard-sell tactics to get your business?  Note:  If they appear to be ethical in their marketing, it will be a good indicator of how they will treat you as a patient.

When comparing your options, you’ll be able to narrow down the surgeon, hospital, and medical tourism company that is the best fit for you. Don’t be pressured into making a decision that you’re not completely comfortable with.  Remember, this process is the beginning of your rewarding, life-changing experience of weight loss surgery.

Some people are ready and find a match quickly, others may take a year or more. Something as serious and life changing as this decision is very important to be done at the right time for you.

Good luck on finding a perfect match and a successful transformation for you and your health!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Zach Johnston is the General Manager of A Lighter Me Mexico Weight Loss Surgery. He became General Manager in 2014. He has been involved in the Medical Tourism industry for over 12 years working alongside Sandy Johnston. During that time he has developed a complete understanding of Medical Tourism in Mexico and strives to provide the best experience possible for those traveling to Mexico for surgery. Read more articles by Zach!

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