The topic of health care continues to be a divisive subject in America. The harsh rhetoric popular with some politicians ignores the fact that high-quality weight-loss surgery in the United States is beyond the financial reach of many citizens, even those with medical insurance. Those afflicted with life-threatening weight gain often benefit greatly from these procedures, causing a growing number to select bariatric surgery in Mexico.
A weight-loss procedure is indicated when excess pounds cannot be dropped by a strict diet regimen and exercise, and becomes life-threatening. For those diagnosed as clinically obese, normal weight loss methods simply have not worked, no matter how great the motivation or reward. In a culture obsessed by physical appearance, these individuals pay the price both physically and psychologically.
Left untreated, this condition results in heart problems, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type-2 diabetes, gastroespohageal reflux, and other symptoms. Surgical weight loss procedures restrict the amount of food that can be eaten comfortably by restructuring the digestive tract, either temporarily or permanently. Some methods temporarily reduce stomach size using elastic bands, while others remove portions of the intestine to reduce absorption.
The majority of people in the United States today carry excess poundage, but never attain a body mass index registering 40, considered clinically obese. Those falling into that category may still not be good prospects for surgery. Even people with medical coverage are required to follow a verifiable diet and exercise program prior to approval. The process can take months, and after making that effort success is not a guaranteed result.
In addition to the standard risks, restricting the size of the stomach can lead to unpleasant side effects. Ingested food may pass too quickly into the small intestine, causing abdominal cramping, nausea, and other symptoms. The severity of this reaction may require corrective procedures, driving final costs much higher. For those reasons and others, insurance carriers often decline coverage.
Patients facing refusal may choose to travel south of the United States border, where costs for the initial surgery are about half as much. People considering this option must determine whether saving money trumps having a local physician. Pre-surgical testing is required, and may have to be completed prior to leaving. Travel must be coordinated, and more than one trip may be necessary.
Patients should perform a thorough background check on the prospective surgeon, and must also decide whether to seek post-operative care at home. Follow-up medical care is especially crucial after weight-loss procedures in order to maintain reasonable nutrition and health levels during the lengthy period of weigh loss. Any installed band must meet United States standards, or will not be treated.
People seriously considering this choice should be sure that benefits override possible concerns, and should speak with current care providers prior to making that decision. There are reports of excellent results, counterbalanced by anecdotal stories of serious, unanticipated complications far from home. Extreme discounts make this option attractive, but a complete understanding of the risks involved should influence the final decision.
A weight-loss procedure is indicated when excess pounds cannot be dropped by a strict diet regimen and exercise, and becomes life-threatening. For those diagnosed as clinically obese, normal weight loss methods simply have not worked, no matter how great the motivation or reward. In a culture obsessed by physical appearance, these individuals pay the price both physically and psychologically.
Left untreated, this condition results in heart problems, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type-2 diabetes, gastroespohageal reflux, and other symptoms. Surgical weight loss procedures restrict the amount of food that can be eaten comfortably by restructuring the digestive tract, either temporarily or permanently. Some methods temporarily reduce stomach size using elastic bands, while others remove portions of the intestine to reduce absorption.
The majority of people in the United States today carry excess poundage, but never attain a body mass index registering 40, considered clinically obese. Those falling into that category may still not be good prospects for surgery. Even people with medical coverage are required to follow a verifiable diet and exercise program prior to approval. The process can take months, and after making that effort success is not a guaranteed result.
In addition to the standard risks, restricting the size of the stomach can lead to unpleasant side effects. Ingested food may pass too quickly into the small intestine, causing abdominal cramping, nausea, and other symptoms. The severity of this reaction may require corrective procedures, driving final costs much higher. For those reasons and others, insurance carriers often decline coverage.
Patients facing refusal may choose to travel south of the United States border, where costs for the initial surgery are about half as much. People considering this option must determine whether saving money trumps having a local physician. Pre-surgical testing is required, and may have to be completed prior to leaving. Travel must be coordinated, and more than one trip may be necessary.
Patients should perform a thorough background check on the prospective surgeon, and must also decide whether to seek post-operative care at home. Follow-up medical care is especially crucial after weight-loss procedures in order to maintain reasonable nutrition and health levels during the lengthy period of weigh loss. Any installed band must meet United States standards, or will not be treated.
People seriously considering this choice should be sure that benefits override possible concerns, and should speak with current care providers prior to making that decision. There are reports of excellent results, counterbalanced by anecdotal stories of serious, unanticipated complications far from home. Extreme discounts make this option attractive, but a complete understanding of the risks involved should influence the final decision.
