What is one of the top 3 causes of death after bariatric surgery?

According to reports, the main reason people died after bariatric surgery was because of sepsis, heart problems, and lung blood clots. You need to be aware of these risks and go through proper pre-operative assessments and post-op care to minimize them.

Is Mexico Safe for Bariatric Surgery? Discover the Truth & Save ~70%

Is Mexico safe for bariatric surgery? It is usually safe if due diligence is followed in selecting the bariatric surgery program. Keep reading about the dangers of bariatric surgery in Mexico and how to choose a safe option.

Is Mexico Safe for Bariatric Surgery?

Mexico has become a premier destination for medical tourism, offering high-quality care at lower costs. Moreover, Mexico offers a variety of bariatric procedures at a fraction of the price in the US.

Are you worried about the safety of these bariatric procedures in Mexico? Here’s what you should assess!

Assessing the Safety of Bariatric Surgery in Mexico

Bariatric surgery in Mexico has gained popularity, but safety remains a concern.

Understanding general safety measures and standards is crucial. Here’s what to consider in Mexico for weight loss surgery:

1. Verification of Credentials

Prioritize hospitals and surgeons with verified credentials.
Ensure surgeons are board-certified and have enough experience in performing bariatric procedures.

2. Accreditation of Medical Facilities

Look for hospitals that are accredited by organizations such as the Mexican Medical Board and IFSO.
Certified facilities adhere to standards of safety and quality.

3. Importance of Choosing the Right Hospitals

Choose hospitals that have a record of successful surgery and positive patient experiences.
Research reviews, testimonials, and success rates to find the right hospital.

These factors ensure the safety and success of your bariatric surgery in Mexico.

Are you looking for health insurance that provides complication coverage?

You can explore medical tourism insurance options, which provide complication coverage for medical procedures within 180 days.

Complications of Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico

Weight loss surgery offers transformative benefits. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential surgical complications and avoid inexperienced or unlicensed surgeons.

While risks exist in any country, making informed choices can greatly reduce them.

The following are the common complications of bariatric surgery:

Wound Infections: There is a risk of infections at the surgical site. It can cause fever, pain, and swelling.
Leaks: There is a possibility of leakage of digestive juices. It can lead to severe pain and infection.
Blood Clots: Weight loss surgery increases the risk of developing blood clots. Symptoms of blood clots may include swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in the affected area.
Anesthesia Reactions: You can have possible adverse reactions to anesthesia, from nausea to severe allergic reactions.

Source: NHS^[1]NHS
Complications of weight loss surgery
“Possible complications of weight loss surgery…blood clots…stomach leak…nausea…wound infection…”
View in Article

Regular follow-ups and adherence to medical advice can help manage and prevent such issues.

Choosing expert surgeons and accredited hospitals in Mexico influences the surgery results.

You should always look for experienced surgeons, accredited hospitals, and comprehensive post-op support to minimize risks. It ensures a smooth recovery journey for you.

Real Stories: The Good and the Bad

Bariatric surgery carries risks, whether it’s performed in the US or Mexico. Choosing the wrong option can result in unsafe procedures, as you may have heard from alarming stories.

A woman who traveled to Mexico for weight loss surgery ended up on a feeding tube for several years due to a failed procedure and malpractice.^[2]BUSINESS INSIDER
She went to Mexico for cheap weight-loss surgery
“A woman who went to Mexico to undergo weight loss surgery said that the botched procedure left her on a feeding tube for several years, according to reports.”
View in Article

However, you can make safer decisions by being wise about your weight loss journey.

Despite tragic stories about bariatric surgery in Mexico, a study with 500 patients who had the surgery there showed good results.

No deaths were reported, and there were fewer complications that could be managed with post-op care.^[3]PubMed
Safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in Mexico: A detailed analysis of 500 surgeries performed at a high-volume center
“Five hundred patients were included in the study…..with no deaths.”
View in Article

What is the mortality rate of bariatric surgery in Mexico?

According to the American Society for Metabolic Surgery, the chance of someone dying from bariatric surgery is really low, around 0.1%. And the chances of having problems post-surgery are about 4%.^[4]ASMBS
Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
“The risk of death associated with bariatric surgery is about 0.1%, and the overall likelihood of major complications is about 4%.”
View in Article

Make sure to research your options thoroughly. Pick a reliable surgical facility, and ensure your surgeons are qualified and certified.

Moreover, we have a track record of 0% mortality with less than 2% complications in the last 16 years.

We’re excited to share stories of our past patients, showing how expert surgeons in Mexico can really change lives with bariatric surgery.

Check out Stephanie Meyers from Florida, US, who lost 325 lbs with gastric sleeve in Cancun.

Stephanie Meyers Donn lost 325 lbs with gastric sleeve surgery in Cancun by Dr. Hector Perez

Just like her, many people have undergone life-changing weight loss surgery in Mexico!

Check out the incredible transformations of our satisfied patients in the before and after pictures below!

WLS in Tijuana Before and After by Dr. Luis Cazares

Gastric Bypass in Guadalajara Before and After

Before and After- Weight loss surgery in Tijuana, Mexico

Daniela's before and after with gastric sleeve in piedras negras

You can also read the reviews from our happy patients below!

Curious to know how bariatric surgery in Mexico changed lives? Listen to what people have to share about their experiences!

A New Life with Bariatric Surgery in Mexico

Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana with MBS

What made these people choose Mexico for bariatric surgery? Scroll down to find out!

Why Do People Choose Mexico for Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery has become popular due to its effectiveness in treating obesity-related health issues like diabetes and sleep apnea.

Mexico is now a leading destination for medical tourism for weight loss surgery. This is due to the following reasons:

Choosing Mexico for bariatric surgery saves time and costs, given Mexico’s proximity to the US and Canada.
The cost of weight loss surgery in Mexico is cheaper than in the US and Canada. You can save more than 70% in Mexico for all-inclusive weight loss procedures.
Mexico has highly qualified and experienced surgeons. These surgeons are bilingual and board-certified by IFSO, AMCE, FACS, and CMCOEM.
Your surgery will be set up quickly, with shorter or no waiting times, unlike in the US and Canada.
Mexico offers state-of-the-art healthcare facilities equipped with advanced technology and resources.
You will receive dedicated support and follow-up care. It includes nutritional counseling and monitoring post-surgery.
Post-op care enhances your recovery and helps in long-term success.

Bariatric Surgery in Mexico | IS Mexico Safe for Bariatric Surgery? — Why Choose Mexico for Bariatric Surgery?

Choosing the Safest Bariatric Surgery Options in Mexico

Understanding the safety factors and selecting the safest options for successful bariatric surgery in Mexico is essential.

Let’s read about some common bariatric procedures done in Mexico.

How Safe are Bariatric Procedures in Mexico?

Bariatric procedures in Mexico are generally safe when performed by board-certified surgeons. Explore the weight loss details and safety of these procedures in the table below!

Expected Weight Loss and Relative Safety of Bariatric Procedures

Procedure	Expected Weight Loss*	Relative Safety
Gastric Sleeve	50-70%^[5]IFSO SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY “The SG typically results in 25% to 35% body weight loss (50 to 70% excess weight loss)…” View in Article	Lower complication rates^[6]JAMA Network Comparative Safety of Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Up to 5 Years After Surgery in Patients With Severe Obesity “sleeve gastrectomy was associated with a lower risk of mortality, complications..” View in Article
Gastric Bypass	65-80%^[7]NIH Physical Activity and Physical Function in Individuals Post-bariatric Surgery “Individuals typically lose 65–80% of their excess body weight following RYGB…” View in Article	Higher potential for complications like leaks and nutritional deficiencies^[8]MedlinePlus Gastric bypass surgery “Gastric bypass is a major surgery, and it has many risks. Some of these risks are very serious…leaking…poor nutrition.” View in Article
Gastric Balloon	20-30%^[9]ScienceDirect Gastric Balloon “balloon resulted in significantly greater %EWL (25.1% intent-to-treat, 27.9% completed cases)…” View in Article	Minimally invasive, lower complications^[10]NIH Intragastric Balloon “minimally invasive intragastric balloon procedure…Approximately 7.2% of these patients had required treatment for dehydration, 2% required readmission, 1.1% needed re-operation, and 6.2% necessitated intervention within the first 30 days.” View in Article
Duodenal Switch	70-80%^[11]NIH Duodenal Switch Provides Superior Weight Loss in the Super-Obese “At 1 year after surgery, 83.9% of DS patients…” View in Article	The highest risk of complications^[12]PubMed Duodenal switch: long-term results “Survival rate was 92% after DS. The risk of death (Excess Hazard Ratio (EHR)) was 1.2, almost that of the general population…” View in Article

*% weight loss of your excess body weight

What are the factors that influence the safety of bariatric surgery in Mexico? Read about them below!

Factors Influencing the Safety of Bariatric Surgery in Mexico

Surgeon’s Experience: Choose a board-certified surgeon with experience in performing bariatric procedures. A skilled surgeon can minimize risks and improve results.
Hospital Accreditation: Select a hospital accredited by organizations like the ASMBS and IFSO. Accredited hospitals adhere to safety and quality standards.
Patient-centered Approach: Look for facilities that prioritize pre-op tests, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing post-op care. This supports you throughout your weight loss journey.

Pre and Post-Op Care in Mexico

Pre and post-op care is crucial in your weight loss journey. We make your weight loss journey in Mexico worry-free by taking care of your needs.

Pre Surgery Evaluation

Before your surgery, you will be required to make some lifestyle and diet changes. The pre-surgery evaluation contains the following things:

Your medical history will be evaluated carefully for any risks.
You will be given a proper diet plan according to your BMI.
You will undergo pre-op tests like complete blood count, urinalysis, ECG, and X-rays.

Post-op Evaluation and Care

After your surgery, you will be monitored for a day for any surgical complications. You will only be discharged if you clear post-op tests such as leak tests.

Our surgeon stays in contact with you post-surgery. After your discharge, if you experience any minor complications, our surgeon will visit you in the hotel to evaluate them.
Post-op care is important for your long-term weight loss goals. We provide an exclusive Facebook group for support to connect with thousands of our past patients.

The Facebook group is managed by our nutritionist, Katelyn J Mock, a US-registered dietitian. She will help you with the following in your journey:

You will be given a post-op diet plan and will be guided for lifestyle changes.
She will help you create mindful nutritional changes with the best recipes.
She will help you in combating dumping syndrome.

Now, discover how to research and select the safest options for bariatric surgery in Mexico below.

Research and Selection Process

Choosing a bariatric surgeon and hospital is a crucial step in your weight loss journey.

Below are the things you should keep in mind:

Use Online Resources: Explore websites, forums, and social media platforms to gather information.
Read patient testimonials about surgeons and hospitals in Mexico.
Seek Referrals: You can ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have undergone bariatric surgery in Mexico.
Verify Credentials: Always ensure that the surgeon is board-certified and has specific training and experience in bariatric surgery.
Confirm the hospital’s accreditation and track record of successful surgery.

Red Flags to Avoid

When seeking medical treatment abroad, it’s important to be careful. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

Unrealistic Promises: Be cautious of the providers who make unrealistic claims about the surgery results.
Unqualified Surgeons: Stay away from surgeons who lack relevant certifications or experience.
Lack of Accreditation: Avoid facilities without proper accreditation or adherence to medical standards.
Poor Communication: Communication issues indicate a lack of professionalism.

Preparing for a Safe Weight Loss Surgery: Steps to Take

Before undergoing weight loss surgery in Mexico, make sure to take the following steps for safe and successful surgery.

Explore different bariatric procedures available in Mexico and research associated risks and benefits.
Seek guidance from medical professionals and individuals who have undergone similar weight loss procedures.
Schedule your consultations with experienced bariatric surgeons in Mexico and discuss your medical history, weight loss goals, and concerns.
Select the procedure that suits your needs and discuss all concerns with your surgeon carefully before making a decision.
You have to make necessary lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise adjustments.
Ensure there is enough support from your family or caregivers during your recovery.

Taking these steps can enhance the safety and success of your bariatric surgery in Mexico.

Tourist Safety in Mexico

You must be wondering about your safety in Mexico. Some of the crimes tourists encounter in Mexico are pickpocketing, robbery, scams, and fraud.

Meanwhile, nearly 150,000 US citizens safely visit Mexico every day without any incident.^[13]Tourist Card Mexico
Travel Safety and Security in Mexico
“Meanwhile, nearly 150,000 US citizens safely visit Mexico every day without incident..”
View in Article It’s important for you to remain vigilant and stay informed about local safety risks. Following are the things you should keep in mind:

Secure your belongings
Avoid displaying your jewelry or any sign of wealth
Always use a reputable and secure medium of transportation and accommodation
Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs to minimize the risk of becoming a victim

Further, the Mexican government has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of tourists. Some of them include:

Enhanced patrols and police visibility in tourist areas.
Invested in infrastructure improvements, such as better lighting and security cameras, to enhance safety in tourist areas.
Implemented emergency hotlines and services tailored to assist you in case of emergencies or incidents.

Conclusion

Is Mexico safe for bariatric surgery? The answer can be yes if you choose secure options by picking accredited hospitals and expert surgeons.
Doing thorough research helps you have the best results and a smooth weight loss journey in Mexico.

FAQs

According to reports, the main reason people died after bariatric surgery was because of sepsis, heart problems, and lung blood clots.^[14]NIH
30-day Mortality after Bariatric Surgery: Independently Adjudicated Causes of Death in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery
“The most common cause of death was sepsis (33% of deaths), followed by cardiac causes (28%) and pulmonary embolism (17%).”
View in Article

You need to be aware of these risks and go through proper pre-operative assessments and post-op care to minimize them.

Gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico can be safe if you conduct thorough research and choose licensed surgeons and accredited hospitals.

Your safety in Mexico depends on your preparation. Always prioritize safety and quality.

Still worried about your safety in Mexico?

References

NHS: Complications of weight loss surgery
BUSINESS INSIDER: She went to Mexico for cheap weight-loss surgery
PubMed: Safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in Mexico: A detailed analysis of 500 surgeries performed at a high-volume center
ASMBS: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
IFSO: SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY
JAMA Network: Comparative Safety of Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Up to 5 Years After Surgery in Patients With Severe Obesity
NIH: Physical Activity and Physical Function in Individuals Post-bariatric Surgery
MedlinePlus: Gastric bypass surgery
ScienceDirect: Gastric Balloon
NIH: Intragastric Balloon
NIH: Duodenal Switch Provides Superior Weight Loss in the Super-Obese
PubMed: Duodenal switch: long-term results
Tourist Card Mexico: Travel Safety and Security in Mexico
NIH: 30-day Mortality after Bariatric Surgery: Independently Adjudicated Causes of Death in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery