Lap Band Surgery in Mexico - is it Worth the Risk ?

Lab band surgery is one of the safest and least invasive weight loss surgeries. In this surgery, an adjustable gastric band is placed at the top of the stomach so that the individual feels full with only a small amount of food. As the cost of this surgery is quite high in the USA, Canada & UK many prefer to undergo, Costa Rica or India where they can get the surgery done for about 50 to 70% less price. Some people find the idea of lap band surgery overseas quite scary. They have probably heard horror stories about lap band surgery abroad and are discouraged by the associated dangers and risks. This article addresses the important things to keep in mind when deciding whether to opt for lap band surgery at international locations especially Mexico, Costa Rica & India.

The perception of risk and danger associated with lap band surgery in Mexico is not entirely baseless. There are some horror stories of inexperienced surgeons, unhygienic hospitals, and post-operative complications that ended up costing more than the surgery itself. However, it is important to view these horror stories in the right perspective. It is not as if surgery in the United States is absolutely error free. According to the Institute of Medicine, at least 44,000 people die in hospitals each year in USA as a result of medical errors[Refer: To Err is Human: Medical Error Deaths in USA]. In addition, lap band surgery has been performed much longer in Mexico than in USA. While lap band surgery started in USA in 2001 after FDA approval, it has been successfully performed worldwide 1996.

When deciding whether or not to opt for lap band surgery in abroad, it is important to differentiate between the risks of the surgery itself and the risks of getting it done in Mexico. Like all other surgeries, lap band surgery too involves some risks and dangers. However, these risks are related to the surgical procedure and have nothing to do with where the surgery is done. The second type of risk occurs because the surgery was not performed correctly. This is directly related to where and by whom you get your surgery done. Most such risks can be avoided if you choose your surgeon and the hospital carefully.

There are cases of lap band surgery in some countries that were done for as low as $6,000. Avoid places that offer such a low price as it indicates that the facility does not do a quality job and may have an incompetent or inexperienced surgeon. A decent hospital in Mexico, Costa Rica or India with a well experienced surgeon is likely to charge between $8,000 and $10,000 for lap band surgery. When deciding on which doctor overseas for lap band surgery, it is important to do a lot of detailed research. Look at the surgeon’s qualifications, surgical experience, and proctoring experience. The surgeon should be certified by a medical board and should have experience of at least 100 Lap Band surgeries. Talk to existing patients of the surgeon and get their feedback on the surgeon and the surgery.

Another important factor to evaluate when considering lap band surgery in a foreign country is the hospital quality. It is better to go for a fully integrated hospital rather than a clinic so that any unexpected emergency or medical complications can be taken care of there itself. Verify the track record and reputation of a hospital before agreeing for the surgery. In addition, check that the hospital staff understands and speaks English. Try to go for an international quality, fully equipped hospital, such as Hospital Angeles in Tijuana, Mexico; or Wockhardt Hospital in India.

If you take the above precautions, your chances are that you will have a convenient & safe cost savings trip to Mexico for a lap band surgery.