Obesity is a major problem in many countries, which increases the risk of obese people suffering from other dangerous medical conditions in their life. According to the statistics shared by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one third of the United States population is obese. This makes it around 34.9% or an estimated 78.6 million people in the country who are at a high risk of suffering from chronic heart conditions, diabetes and even a stroke.
As per the statistical evidence collected by the CDC, the annual medical cost of obesity in the country was calculated to be around $147 billion in 2008. The overall medical cost incurred by the obese people was estimated to be around $1,429 higher than the amount spent on the medical treatment of normal people.
These troubling statistics offer a solid ground for debate, as obese people are more vulnerable to different diseases which are noted causes for preventable death. People who are overweight are directed by their doctors to exercise and control their diet to lose those extra pounds, but in some cases, weight loss surgery is the only viable option left for treatment.
Weight loss surgery in Mexico is a viable and affordable option for many, yet there are a few important things you need to know and ask your doctor about, before you agree to the weight loss surgical procedure.
Important Things to Keep In Mind
One of the most important things one needs to know when opting for a weight loss surgery in Mexico or anywhere else; is that the procedure is only performed on adults. Teenagers are not recommended to opt for weight loss surgery unless they are very obese and their weight cannot be controlled by diet or exercise. One other reason may be that their being highly overweight poses a serious risk to their overall health.
Another thing is that one needs to discuss all the possible benefits and risks of the surgery with the physician in Mexico, before agreeing to the surgery. One very critical point to note is that there are different surgical procedures which are performed for weight loss surgery in Mexico. It is important to discuss all possible pros and cons of the different procedures with the doctor and only choose one recommended by your physician, and one that you are comfortable with.
It is crucial for the patient to understand that there will be lifestyle changes and alterations in their eating habits which they will have to get used to, after the weight loss surgery. Each type of surgery involves a different procedure, and post surgery care is also very important.
Types of Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico
Medical treatment and surgery in Mexico is affordable and of high quality; this is why many people opt for medical travel packages that take them across the border for professional consultation. There are 4 types of surgery that a physician in Mexico might recommend to a patient, depending upon their individual condition and medical case.
A doctor might suggest any of these 4 surgery procedures for effective weight loss:
A gastric bypass, is also called as a RYGB, and involves a procedure in which the doctor only leaves a very small part of the stomach intact, called a pouch, for the consumed food. With such a small stomach cavity, one eats less and feels full. The pouch is connected directly to the small intestine. The surgery may be done by making certain small incisions and through a laparoscope.
A gastric sleeve involves the surgical removal of most of the stomach and only a very narrow section of the upper section of the stomach is left, which is referred to as the gastric sleeve. In this way, by reducing the stomach cavity, one eats less and the weight is controlled. This procedure may also curb or affect the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which reduces the hunger pangs experienced by an individual.
The adjustable gastric band surgical procedure, is one in which the surgeon places a band around the top section of the stomach. The small band has a very miniscule balloon in it. This is responsible for controlling how loose or tight the band is over the stomach. In this way, the band actually helps to limit the food that can go inside the stomach. This surgical procedure is also performed through a laparoscope.
The gastric banding procedure is performed in around 37% of all the bariatric surgery cases.
The duodenal switch is a very complicated surgical procedure, which involves the removal of most of the part of the stomach. Only a small gastric sleeve is left behind which is adjusted to bypass most of the section of the small intestine. This surgical procedure not only limits how much one eats but also means that the body does not get much chance to absorb the food nutrients properly. This could mean that the patient, who opts for a duodenal switch weight loss surgery procedure, does not get enough of the minerals and vitamins, as the small intestine does not get the chance to absorb the nutrients.
It is very crucial that you make an informed decision and prepare yourself mentally for the lifestyle changes which you will have to face after the surgery. Discuss all details and concerns with your physician in Mexico and get an affordable weight loss surgery treatment with high quality services.
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2923252/
http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
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