Weight Loss Surgery Abroad
Bariatric Surgery, aka Weight Loss Surgery (WLS), can help fight stubborn obesity. But, like any other operation, it can cost a lot if done in countries like the US, UK, or Australia.
Here are some transformation pictures of bariatric weight loss surgery in Mexico.
Before & After: Weight Loss Surgery Abroad
Thankfully, getting this surgery abroad can help you save thousands, despite the travel cost!
Intrigued? Let's explore the minutest details when planning to get WLS overseas!
Review of Bariatric Surgery, Tijuana, Mexico
Weight Loss Surgery Abroad: Is It a Good Idea?
Many people are on the fence when considering if they should do bariatric surgery abroad.
To help you make the decision a little easier, we've listed some common reasons why thousands chose it:
1. It's Easier to Qualify For
If you want to get weight loss surgery done in the US or Canada, you must have a body mass index or BMI of over 40.
You could also qualify if you have a BMI between 35 and 40 but suffer from an obesity-related condition like sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure.[1]
Whereas in the US and Canada, a few factors like previous drug addiction and a family history of lung disease can automatically disqualify you from surgery.
This leaves a large market of patients who'd like to lose weight through surgery but can't because they don't qualify.
This is where medical tourism saves the day!
Many famous medical tourist destinations have less restrictive qualifications. It allows you to bypass the requirements in the US or Canada.
2. Free Online Consultations
In the US and Canada, you'll have to pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars for a simple consultation. During these consultations, your surgeon creates a plan of action specifically for you.
However, in many medical tourism destinations, you can get a free consultation. This is super helpful because you'll save hundreds of dollars.
3. More Affordable
In addition to not paying for the first consultation, you'll pay far less on weight loss surgery in overseas countries compared to the US and Canada.
Some think this is because these hospitals have inadequate technologies and surgeons. However, this couldn't be further from the truth.
Countries like India, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Turkey offer some of the most highly trained surgeons in the world. Their governments also invest millions into medicine each year to ensure hospitals are the best.
The real reason these countries are affordable is that the cost of living is far less. For example, gastric bypass surgery costs around $23,000 in the US. In Mexico, you'll pay only $6,400 for the same procedure.
If you travel to popular medical tourism destinations like Turkey, you can expect to pay $5,000.
Now that we know why weight loss surgery abroad can be a practical option for you let's look at how much weight loss surgery costs overseas.
How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery Abroad Cost?
If you choose weight loss surgery abroad, you'll save up to 70% (or even more sometimes!).
For example, the average cost of a gastric sleeve in Mexico is around $5,000. In the US, you'll need to pay $10,000 to $27,000 for the same surgery.
Let's compare the price of weight loss surgery in other popular medical tourist destinations also.
| Country | Gastric Sleeve Surgery | Gastric Bypass Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| US | $20,000 | $23,000 |
| Spain | $12,500 | $16,600 |
| Costa Rica | $12,650 | $14,900 |
| India | $6,500 | $7,600 |
| Mexico | $5,000 | $6,400 |
| Turkey | $4,650 | $5,000 |
*Prices are subject to change.
So on average, Turkey charges the least for gastric sleeves and bypass surgery even though it's located in Europe, the most expensive continent.
This is because the government is partnering with the private sector[2] to give everyone access to quality services at an affordable price.
Mexico is the second cheapest country. If you live in the US or Canada, you can also save money on your plane ticket because it's so close.
India, Costa Rica, and Spain are also good options for surgery. They aren't as affordable as Mexico and Turkey because they offer some of the best surgeons in the world.
What Types of Weight Loss Surgeries Are Available?
You'll find multiple different types of weight loss surgeries online. Some involve a balloon or incisions, and every surgery is designed for different patients.
Fortunately, your surgeon will recommend which is best for you during your consultation.
Gastric sleeve surgery is mainly for people with a BMI of over 40. The operation takes an hour, and you'll be under anesthesia.
Your surgeon will create a little pouch that goes straight to your small intestine during a gastric sleeve. The pocket that contains around 80% of your stomach is removed.
Thus, leaving behind 20% of it, which will now function as the whole stomach. This makes you eat less & lose weight.
Like the gastric sleeve, bypass surgery is an effective option for long-term weight loss. It uses the same principles as the gastric sleeve.
The difference between a gastric sleeve and bypass surgery is which part of your stomach is retained.
As the name suggests, in a bypass, the intestine will connect to your stomach's top chamber.
This procedure takes a little longer than the gastric sleeve.
Gastric bypass surgery is a good option for those with a BMI of over 35.
The lap band constricts hunger and promotes weight loss by reducing the size of your stomach.
But unlike the gastric sleeve & bypass, where surgeons remove a part of your stomach, the lap band is a silicone band tied around your stomach to reduce its size.
Your surgeon places a silicone band around the top of your stomach and attaches a tube to it.
They'll inject a saline solution into this tube to restrict the band and reduce your food intake.
A bariatric balloon is a good option for lower BMI, preferably between 30 and 35.
When doing this surgery, your surgeon places a silicone balloon inside your stomach & fills it up with saline.
After putting you to sleep with anesthesia, your surgeon places a thin tube called a catheter loaded with a deflated balloon down your throat & into your stomach.
They'll then inject saline into the balloon to increase its size.
What are the Best Countries for Weight Loss Surgery?
When choosing which countries to do your surgery in, ask the following questions:
- Is it affordable for you?
- Is the location safe to go to?
- What is the quality of healthcare in that country?
Mexico is a famous medical tourist destination because the procedures are affordable, many doctors are trained within the US, and institutions invest millions of dollars each year into the medical industry to ensure it's up-to-date.
Mexico is also close to the US and Canada, making flights cheaper.
The cost of bypass surgery is also cheaper. In Mexico, you can expect to pay $6,400, while the same procedure costs $23,000 in the US.
Although India is located halfway across the world, it's still one of the most popular destinations for Americans and Canadians looking to do weight loss surgery.
This is because their surgeons are some of the best globally, and India has one of the lowest living costs,[3] meaning your dollar goes much farther.
When surgery in India, you'll pay around $6,000 to $7,000 for a gastric sleeve and $7,500 to $8,000 for gastric bypass surgery.
Spain's hospitals are famous because most patients feel like a spa. They offer some of the best hospitality in the world, so you know all your medical needs will be appropriately taken care of.
And although Spain is located in Europe, where costs are usually a bit higher, Spain charges similar prices to Costa Rica. This is because Spain has one of the lowest costs of living[4] and the government spends over 6% of its GDP on healthcare.[5]
If you're considering Spain for weight loss surgery, expect to pay $16,600 for bypass surgery and $12,500 for the sleeve.
Turkey ranks in the top 10 medical tourist destinations year after year.[6] This is because of the sheer number of patients visiting their beautiful country.
A big reason why Turkey is so famous is because of its location. Turkey is central to many European countries, making it a convenient option.
Turkey is another popular destination for Americans who need weight loss surgery.
A gastric sleeve will set you back around $4,650, while bypass surgery costs $5,000.
Like Mexico, Costa Rica is another destination that Americans and Canadians love visiting for surgery due to its proximity. Costa Rica's tourism minister even announced that around 6 - 8% of all tourists are there for medical reasons.[7]
If you don't feel like flying halfway across the world to do weight loss surgery, opt for Costa Rica.
A gastric sleeve costs only $12,650, while bypass surgery costs around $14,900.
Now that we know the best countries for weight loss surgery let's look at the best hospitals to do bariatric surgery.
Best Hospitals for Weight Loss Surgery Overseas
Established in 1929, ISO and JCI-certified, Hospital Clinica Biblica has built its legacy in healthcare in Costa Rica.
The hospital provides advanced medical care in 80+ specialties and partners with expert, board-certified doctors.
The hospital is also accredited by the Costa Rican Accreditation Entity (ECA).
- 90+ Years of Excellence
- 80+ Specialties
- JCI Accredited
Hospital Clinica Biblica is a private hospital based in San Jose, Costa Rica.
It specializes in several operations, including weight loss surgery like the gastric sleeve and bypass.
The hospital even won several awards from the Medical Tourism Association.
Max Hospitals
Max Hospitals is the leading healthcare provider in India. With their 16 networks, they employ over 3000 experienced doctors and have around 3400 beds. This ensures all your medical needs are met.
JCI-accredited, it is one of the largest private clinics in Delhi and ranks among the top 10 multi-specialty hospitals.
It serves local and international patients, specializing in cancer, bariatric surgery, and cardiology with advanced, European-standard equipment.
- 60+ Years of Experience
- JCI Accredited
- NABH Accredited
Max, Vaishali, a 370+ bed facility, offers advanced care across 28 specialties, including Oncology, Cardiac Sciences, Neuro Sciences, Orthopaedics, and Transplants.
With 259+ expert doctors, it provides integrated, multidisciplinary medical services.
- NABH Accreditation
- NABL Accreditation
- 28+ Specialities
Mumbai, India
Serving 20,000+ patients globally each year, Nanavati Max is a leading healthcare center in Mumbai.
The hospital includes an imaging center with a 3 Tesla MRI, PET-CT, and more. It also introduced the Apomorphine Pen & Pump for Parkinson's treatment in India.
- 70+ Years
- 350+ Patient Beds
- 55 Specialties
With advanced diagnostic units, Max, Saket is a renowned 250-bed hospital in South Delhi.
It has emergency care, Tesla MRI and Cath Labs, and 50 critical beds. It offers Cardiac Sciences, Orthopaedics, Urology, Neurology, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology.
- NABH Accredited
- 300+ Doctors
- 22+ Departments
NABL and NABH accredited, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj offers advanced medical care in Cardiac Sciences, Oncology, Neurosciences, and more.
With 116 ICU beds, 11 high-end Operation Theatres, and over 510 doctors and 770 nurses, it delivers holistic healthcare.
The hospital excels in complex procedures like neurovascular interventions and cancer treatments.
- AACI Accredited
- JCI Certified
- NABH Accredited
NABH-accredited Max, Gurugram, staffed by 290 doctors and 201 nurses, has treated 5+ lakh patients across 36 specialties.
It features 104+ beds, 16 ICUs, 6 PICUs, and 7 NICUs, with advanced endoscopy and radiology.
- NABH Accredited
- NABL Accredited
- 36+ Specialties
Offering extensive medical services, Max Hospital in Mohali, is a premier hospital with state-of-the-art technology.
One can avail various medical services including Neurosciences, Cardiac Sciences, Cancer Care, and Orthopaedics.
With 200+ beds, advanced facilities like MICU, SICU, CCU, and 8 high-end OTs, it provides top-notch care.
Guided by 80+ doctors and 350 nurses, it's NABH-accredited with NABL-labs, ensuring high standards in healthcare across 26 specialties.
- NABL Accredited
- NABH Accredited
- JCI Certified
Max Bathinda, with 200+ beds and 30 specialties, excels in Neurosciences, Orthopaedics, Cardiac Care, Cancer, Bariatrics, and Obstetrics.
It features SICU, NICU, PICU, MICU, a Cath Lab, 31 ICU beds, 4 OTs, and a skilled team of 52+ doctors and 140+ nurses.
- JCI Accredited
- ISO Certified
- NABH Accredited
Top Bariatric Surgeons Abroad
Dr. Guillermo Lopez
Trained from IFSO, Dr. Lopez has performed 5,000+ bariatric surgeries.
He's mentored various Mexican bariatric surgeons. Moreover, he is ACLS-certified by the American Heart Association.
Education
- Autonomous National University of Mexico
Memberships
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Mexican Association of General Surgery
- Spanish Surgery Association
Dr. Hector Perez
Certified by the CMCOEM and the Mexican Council of General Surgery, Dr. Perez has performed 10,000+ surgeries.
He currently leads the Scientific Committee and CMCOEM programs.
Education
- Mexican Faculty of Medicine, La Salle University
Memberships
- International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
- Mexican College of Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Diseases
- Mexican Association of General Surgery
Dr. Galileo Villareal
Dr. Villarreal has performed over 4,000 weight loss surgeries with a complication rate of < 1%.
He is certified by the CMCG and recognized as a Master Surgeon in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery by SRC.
Education
- Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
Memberships
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery
- Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases
Dr. Luis Cazares
Certified by the Mexican Council of General Surgery, Dr. Cazares has performed 3000+ bariatric surgeries.
With IFCO certification, he specializes in advanced laparoscopic surgery techniques.
Education
- University of Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Memberships
- International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
How Do I Follow Up after Surgery from Back Home
Following up with your doctor is recommended after a bariatric procedure. To do so with your international surgeon, you can rely on digital modes — through video calls!
You can schedule follow-ups easily and do it from the comfort of your home.
The following details will help you visualize the expected number of calls post-surgery.
- After you're discharged, your doctor will give you two-week and four-week follow-up consultations.
- After your four-week check-up, you can fly back home if you choose.
- When you're home, feel free to phone or video call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
- The subsequent follow-up will be in three months. Typically, your doctor books an appointment after your last visit, and during this three-month follow-up session, general assessments are done.
- After six to nine months, your doctor takes body measurements like BMI, body weight, body fat, and lean body mass. You'll also visit a dietitian to ensure you're eating the right foods.
Conclusion
Doing weight loss surgery abroad can help you save thousands of dollars. In the meanwhile, it will also buy you an affordable trip to remember.
However, it is essential that you research the best hospitals in advance for good results.
References
- ASMBS: Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
- The World Bank: Turkey: Transforming Health Care for All
- World Population Review: Cheapest Countries To Live in 2021
- Expatica: The cost of living in Spain
- Countryeconomy.com: Spain - Government Health expenditure
- Tourism Review News: Turkey – The Rising Star of Medical Tourism
- Costa Rica Vacations: Medical Tourism
