Weight loss surgery in the United States can be expensive, so some Americans have gone to Mexico in search of cheaper options. However, cheaper doesn’t always mean better.
More and more reports are coming in from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that US citizens who have gone to Mexico for weight loss surgery are contracting a severe, drug-resistant bacteria known as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. This dangerous and easily spread bacteria can cause severe respiratory problems, blood infections, and even death in some cases. The CDC is urging anyone considering weight loss surgery in Mexico to be aware of the risks involved and to take precautions to avoid becoming infected.
Primary reasons that people seek out cheap weight loss surgeries in Mexico.
The idea of low-cost weight loss surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, may be appealing to those who are desperate to lose weight. The main reason people get these surgeries is that they are much less expensive than similar procedures in the United States. However, it is important to research any doctor or facility before undergoing any type of surgery, regardless of cost. Make sure you compare reviews and credentials to find a reputable surgeon who can give you the results you want and deserve.
Some clinics in Tijuana offer bariatric surgery for as little as $4,000, which includes anesthesia. People who are strapped for cash and who are desperate often settle for paying only a fraction of what they would pay in the United States. This is an appealing option for many people who are struggling to lose weight on their own.
However, the reduced cost of medical procedures in Tijuana clinics often blinds medical tourists to the possible dangers of undergoing treatment in such facilities. Medical tourism is a growing industry, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved in seeking medical care in a foreign country. There have been reports of substandard care and even patient deaths at some clinics in Tijuana. Before deciding to undergo any medical procedure, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable clinic.
There are a few regulatory factors that you should be aware of.
Cross-border medical care can be risky if proper research is not conducted beforehand. Going into a medical center without knowing what to expect can often lead to negative outcomes. A trustworthy medical facility will abide by many regulatory factors, including those set by the World Health Organization. However, many facilities in developing countries do not operate under these guidelines, which can put patients at risk for a variety of health complications.
There are a few key things to look for when choosing a medical clinic. For example, you should make sure that the clinic’s physicians are board certified. This is important because it means that they have received specialized training and are qualified to practice medicine. You should also check to see if the clinic offers laboratory services. This is important because it means that the clinic can provide you with diagnostic testing and other medical care. Finally, you should make sure that the clinic is HIPAA compliant. This is important because it means that the clinic will protect your privacy and keep your medical information confidential.
All of these factors, and many more, play a role in determining the quality control of a medical facility. More often than not, doctors in Mexico aren’t required to adhere to these guidelines.
In fact, it’s common for doctors south of the border to graduate from medical school and then open up a practice and cease their medical education from that point onward. Although they are to be credited for completing medical school, these doctors do not continue learning about new medical advancements and instead rely on their existing knowledge.
Some doctors even claim to have certification in a specialty field, such as bariatric surgery, despite not actually having the credentials to back up this claim. This is a dangerous situation for patients, who may receive sub-standard care from these doctors. It is important to always check a doctor’s credentials before agreeing to any treatment. Medical training in the United States is often different than in Mexico and this can be a factor that medical tourists don’t consider.
Leaving patients with serious health complications.
We won’t say that every medical facility in Tijuana, Mexico is bad for your health because that wouldn’t be accurate. However, we will focus on a particular case involving a woman from Utah who had bariatric surgery in Mexico and developed problems with Pseudomonas Aeruginosa afterward.
The woman thought she was saving money by crossing the border and getting weight loss surgery with three other women at the Grand View Hospital located in Tijuana. She didn’t have healthcare, and her options in the United States were limited. She was one of many people who choose to get surgery in Mexico because it is significantly cheaper than in the States.
After her surgery, she returned home. However, she wasn’t feeling well and was eventually seen at an American hospital. It was there that they determined that the incision made during her surgery had become infected. As a result, doctors were forced to put the patient on a new, yet toxic antibiotic in order to stabilize her.
Her illness was later confirmed by the Department of Health of Utah to be caused by the drug-resistant bacteria pseudomonas Aeruginosa. Pseudomonas Aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections and can be difficult to treat due to its resistance to many antibiotics.
This confirmation came after it was initially suspected that patient’s illness was caused by a different bacteria.
This woman is not the only individual to have had contact with the strain of pseudomonas Aeruginosa. There have been four other cases in Utah of individuals coming into contact with this strain, with investigations into others currently underway.
Weight loss surgery is expensive for many people, but it doesn’t have to be.
Although bariatric surgery can be expensive, there are insurance and financing options that make it affordable in the United States. Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that can help people who are struggling with obesity. If you are considering bariatric surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor about all of your options and whether or not it is the right choice for you. There are many things to take into consideration when making this decision, so you want to be sure that you are well-informed before moving forward.