Mexico has become a popular destination for medical tourism, particularly for individuals seeking bariatric surgery due to its lower costs. While affordability is a significant draw, it's crucial to consider the safety and potential risks associated with these procedures. This article provides an overview of the death rates, complication rates, and safety measures surrounding weight loss surgery in Mexico, aiming to provide a balanced perspective for those considering this option.
Bariatric Surgery in Mexico: An Overview
Bariatric surgery encompasses various procedures designed to help individuals with obesity lose weight. In Mexico, common non-invasive bariatric surgeries include gastric plication and gastric banding. Because bariatric surgery isn’t covered by many health plans, many individuals look to having this type of procedure done in Mexico, which is a prime destination for medical tourism. Getting bariatric procedures done in Mexico can save you approximately 40-65 percent, a substantial cost difference.
Common Myths About Bariatric Surgery
It's essential to dispel some common misconceptions about bariatric surgery:
- Myth: Anyone can lose weight with diet and exercise alone.
- Reality: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Expert Panel has stated that without surgery, long-term weight loss is nearly impossible for those affected by severe obesity. Studies show little long-term success with diet and exercise alone. When a person goes on a diet, their body produces more hormones that cause an increase in hunger and a decrease in calories burned.
- Myth: Most people regain the weight they lose after bariatric surgery.
- Reality: More than 95% of patients will successfully lose half of their extra body weight or more after surgery for weight loss.
Importance of Choosing a Qualified Surgeon and Accredited Facility
If you’re planning to visit a clinic or hospital, make sure it has received accreditation by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) and has employees who speak your language. It’s important, though, to select a trained and board-certified bariatric specialist. Also, be sure you know what the treatment you want entails, the benefits it offers and any corresponding risks. Be aware of any possible complications.
Gastric Plication
Also sometimes referred to as gastric imbrication and greater curvature plication, this minimally-invasive procedure and reversible procedure is a proven and effective measure for weight loss. The term plication refers to the rounded shape of the stomach made by folding it in layers. Gastric plication functions on the principle of folding the stomach into itself and using sutures, or stitches, to reduce the total volume. Gastric plication differs from other bariatric operations because it doesn’t involve gastric banding, stomach stapling or bypassing the stomach. The stomach folds achieved during the surgery reduce the size of your stomach to about 70 percent or three ounces. Patients who have the gastric plication weight loss procedure typically lose 15 to 20 percent of their starting total body weight. Initial research suggests weight loss is about 60 percent excess weight loss after 12 months.
Read also: Mexico Gastric Sleeve Options
Advantages of Gastric Plication
Gastric plication has numerous advantages, including no altering of a patient’s digestive tract and the ability to consume a larger range of foods than gastric bypass.
Ideal Candidates for Gastric Plication
- You have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, which means you are obese.
- You have tried less-invasive strategies but have not achieved adequate weight loss.
- You have demonstrated a commitment to losing weight, improving your health and making lifelong changes to your lifestyle habits. This includes making permanent diet, exercise and behavior changes.
Gastric Banding
During gastric banding bariatric surgery, the surgeon places the silicone “Lap Band” around the upper section of the stomach, thereby creating a smaller stomach pouch. This limits the amount of food you can eat. Over time, consuming smaller portions of food and fewer calories lead to weight loss. When it’s medically appropriate for the patient, most physicians employ the less invasive laparoscopic approach to gastric banding surgery. This procedure is similar to gastric plication in that it offers a faster recovery with fewer complications and allows you to eat a more varied diet. Gastric banding is beneficial for patients who want a bariatric procedure with a comparably rapid recovery and a smaller chance of wound infections and hernias after surgery. Plus, there is no loss of nutrient absorption with this surgery.
Ideal Candidates for Gastric Banding
- You have a BMI of 40 or greater, usually indicating 100 pounds of excess body weight for men and 80 pounds for women.
- You have tried less-invasive strategies but have not achieved adequate weight loss.
Statistical Overview of Bariatric Surgery in Mexico
Complication and Death Rates
Mexico Bariatric Center reported a 0.13% complication rate last year. Resulting in a 99.87% success rate.
To outline the overall efficacy of Mexico Bariatric Center’s medical team, they analyzed the short-term and long-term surgical after-effects throughout 2017-2024, including leakage, bleeding, infection, blockage, and mortality. They have gathered this data to showcase how their extensive safety measures and advanced clinical techniques correlate to the success and safety of bariatric patients.
Data from Mexico Bariatric Center (2017-2024)
| Type of Complication | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leak | 0.00% | 0.03% | 0.02% | 0% | 0.05% | 0.20% | 0% | 0.10% |
| Obstruction/Blockage | 0.04% | 0.06% | 0% | 0% | 0.05% | 0.10% | 0% | 0.10% |
| Bleeding (Gastric Sleeve) | 0.04% | 0% | 0.05% | 0.10% | 0% | 0.10% | 0.02% | 0.33% |
| Bleeding (Gastric Bypass) | 0% | 0.06% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.10% |
| Blood Clots | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.02% | 0.09% | 0% | 0.06% | 0% |
| Infection | 0% | 0.06% | 0% | 0.02% | 0.05% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Perforation of stomach or intestines | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.04% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Overall | 0.08% | 0.22% | 0.07% | 0.14% | 0.28% | 0.40% | 0.08% | 0.63% |
Factors Influencing Safety
Several factors contribute to the safety of bariatric surgery in Mexico:
Read also: Complications of Weight Loss Surgery
- Surgeon Expertise: Many surgeons and doctors that will be treating you in Mexico have actually studied at American universities.
- Hospital Accreditation: An avant-garde hospital proposal, equipped with the latest technology, extensive experience in medical tourism and luxury care.
- Stringent Safety Measures: Extensive safety measures and advanced clinical techniques correlate to the success and safety of bariatric patients.
Comparison with the United States
A study published in 2018 found that the complication and death rates of patients pursuing gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico were similar to those in the United States. In the United States, a large study found a mortality rate (death rate) for any bariatric procedure to be 14%.
Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Patient Safety
Tijuana's Reputation and Scrutiny
Tijuana's reputation as a hub for medical tourism is under scrutiny following multiple fatalities linked to cosmetic and bariatric surgeries. With more than 2 million people traveling annually for medical procedures, Tijuana has emerged as a key destination for affordable care, particularly in plastic surgery. Health authorities in Mexico have flagged the region for its high rate of surgical fatalities, which account for about 20% of the country’s total incidents.
Recommendations for Potential Patients
The patient has the right to review a clinics' professional license and certifications.
- Verify Credentials: Ensure the surgeon is board-certified and experienced in bariatric surgery.
- Check Accreditation: Make sure the clinic or hospital is accredited by a reputable organization like the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua).
- Understand the Procedure: Be fully informed about the treatment, its benefits, and potential risks.
- Communicate Effectively: Choose a facility where the staff speaks your language to ensure clear communication.
Types of Bariatric Surgery Offered in Mexico
Gastric Sleeve
Restrictive procedure whose objective is to reduce the size of the stomach by 60% to 80%, eliminating two thirds of the stomach and the hormones it secretes. In addition, our patients feel less hungry and overcome the urge to eat. If your BMI is less than 45 and you do not suffer from type 1 diabetes, then this is traditionally the most common procedure to receive.
Benefits
Less of the hormone “ghrelin” is produced, which is responsible for hunger.
Read also: Discover Healthy Food in Mexico City
Gastric Bypass
Extremely effective weight loss procedure. Gastric Bypass patients lose between 60% and 80% of excess body weight during the first year. This procedure is usually recommended for patients with a BMI of 45 or higher and who also have type 1 diabetes.
The patient’s ability to move, physical endurance and respiratory capacity. Helps people suffering from asthma, high blood pressure, gastroesophageal reflux, hypercholesterolemia and obstructive sleep apnea.
Gastric Band Removal
Adjustable gastric band removal and conversion of the band to gastric sleeve is a procedure that is performed when, after undergoing gastric band surgery, the patient does not obtain the expected results. Causes for gastric band removal:Lack of weight loss, Gastric band erosion, Internal band infections, Having symptoms of gastric banding intolerance, When a person has difficulty swallowing his food.
Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery
Unfortunately, neither exercise nor diet help tighten sagging skin. The goal of post-bariatric surgery consists of cosmetic procedures that remove excess skin on the abdomen, arms, thighs and chest to give a better appearance to the body of a person who has undergone a weight loss procedure. At Blue Medical Tower our surgeons specialize in all areas of bariatric plastic and reconstructive surgery, and as part of our team we count with the more than 25 years of experience of Dr. Manuel Gutierrez, board-certified plastic surgeon and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Widely known and recommended.
Common Post-Bariatric Procedures
- Arm lift brachioplasty Helps remove excess fat between the armpit, elbow and skin.
- Back lift Removes excess fat and skin accumulated in the back over time.
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Removal of fat from selected areas of the body for buttock augmentation.
- Butt Gluteal Implants Increase in the shape and volume of the buttocks through silicone prosthesis.
- Calf Implants Shapes and corrects the legs providing a more aesthetic proportion.
- Liposuction (Liposculpture) Reduces the volume of body fat in places of natural fat accumulation.
- Thigh lift cruroplasty Eliminates flaccidity in specific parts of the thigh.
- Abdominoplasty Removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen.
- Post-weight loss surgery Removes excess skin and restores body contours.
Revision Procedures
Revisional bariatric surgery is performed to repair or modify a previous weight loss surgery. It may be appropriate for you if your weight loss has not been optimal, if you have regained weight, or if you have had complications from the original procedure. Unfortunately, some people regain weight after bariatric surgery, which can lead to a recurrence of conditions such as hypertension or high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and joint pain.
Objectives of Revision Surgery
- Correct the problem that brings the patient
- Make revisional surgery a definitive procedure
- Maintain weight within a favorable range