Bariatric Surgery in Cancun
Obesity can hinder your day-to-day activities. Moreover, surgery in US and Canada can be expensive.
Bariatric surgery in Cancun, Mexico, provides you with relief without costing a fortune.
Read on to discover how traveling to Cancun, Mexico, helps you save up to 80% on weight loss surgery.
Bariatric Surgery: An Illustration
Surgery for weight loss lowers the risk of death related to many diseases including heart disease (40% lower), diabetes (92% lower), and cancer (60% lower).[1]American Society For Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
“Surgery for weight loss lowers the risk of death related to many diseases including heart disease (40% lower), diabetes (92% lower), and cancer (60% lower) are also significantly reduced.”
View in Article
Why Choose Cancun for Bariatric Surgery?
While US healthcare might be advanced, the healthcare cost is skyrocketing.
However, in Cancun, patients can receive prime healthcare at affordable costs without compromising on the quality of the procedures.
You should note that the reasons why more and more people are opting to get medical procedures done in Cancun are:
Internationally trained and board-certified doctors
Connectivity to many US and Canadian cities
High-quality healthcare at a reasonable cost
Tropical beach town with many tourist attractions
Cost of Bariatric Surgery in Cancun
Bariatric surgery cost in Cancun varies from one procedure to another. For example, the cost of gastric sleeve surgery is $14,900 in the US.
However, the same surgery will cost you around $4,995 in Cancun. This entails a saving of 67%.
Further, the cost of gastric bypass in Canun is $6,995 as compared to $23,000 in the US. In other words, you can save up to 70% on getting a gastric bypass in Cancun, Mexico.
WLS Cost Comparison – Cancun vs US and Canada
| Surgery | Cancun | USA | Canada | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric Sleeve | $4,995 | $14,900 | $15,425 | 67% |
| Gastric Bypass | $6,995 | $23,000 | $15,800 | 55%- 70% |
| Gastric Balloon | $3,650 | $8,150 | $11,500 | 55%- 68% |
| Gastric Balloon Removal | $2,100 | $6,385 | $8,000 | 67%- 80% |
| Mini Gastric Bypass | $6,995 | $15,000 | $15,000 | 53% |
The table above clearly shows that you can save 50% to 80% on getting bariatric surgery in Cancun, Mexico.
WLS can give you a new lease on life. Contact us to get a detailed quote.
However, only knowing the cost is not enough. To add on, you need to understand what exactly is included in the mentioned price for doing the cost-benefit analysis.
Package Inclusions for Weight Loss Surgery in Cancun
| WLS Cost Includes | |
|---|---|
| Surgical team fees | Accompanying guest stay |
| Hospital fee | Freephone calls and Wi-Fi |
| Hospital stay | Online support |
| US-registered nutritionist program | Hotel stay |
| Aftercare | Loans and financing |
| Medications (1 week) | Ground transfer |
| Pre- and post-op lab work | WLS-friendly hotel meals |
Further, you will be delighted to know that the hotel stay is also included in the package price. Details of the same are given below:
Free Hotel Stay
| Procedure | Hotel Night(s) |
|---|---|
| ?️ Gastric Sleeve | 1 |
| ?️ Gastric Sleeve Plication | 1 |
| ?️ Gastric Balloon | 1 |
| ?️ Gastric Bypass | 1 |
| ?️ Mini Gastric Bypass | 1 |
Additionally, let’s understand how you can pay for bariatric surgery in Cancun.
Payment Options
| ?Cash (US dollars) | ?Cashier’s check |
| ?Credit card | ?Debit card |
| ?PayPal | ?Wire transfers |
| ?Bank deposit | ?Bank transfers |
Best Bariatric Surgeon in Cancun
Dr. Hector Perez
Dr. Hector Perez
- 12+ years of experience with zero complications.
- Performed 3,000 weight-loss surgical procedures.
- A prominent member of the IFSO.
- Sought-after mentor for educating general surgeons.
- Did his medical internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, in 2001.
Best Bariatric Hospital in Cancun
Victoria Medical
- State-of-the-art hospital.
- In operation for 30+ years.
- Has well-appointed patient rooms.
- 20 minutes from an alluring beach in a safe neighborhood
- Latest equipment, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), emergency room, and has nurses available on a 24*7 basis.
Victoria Medical Hospital
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgeries are performed on patients that directly impact their weight and metabolism.[2]ASMBS
Bariatric Surgery Procedures
“… the impact of these operations on patients’ weight and the health of their metabolism…”
View in Article Further, they can be classified as:
- Restricting the gastric space or,
- Making anatomical changes to the gastrointestinal tract to affect the absorption of nutrients or,
- A combination of the above two aspects
Weight Loss After Gastric Sleeve
A study published in July 2018 showed sleeve gastrectomy results at 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years respectively.
Further, it was successfully concluded that this procedure ensured 61.0% of excess weight loss after 5 years.[3]PubMed
Five-Year Outcome of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Resolution of Comorbidities, and Risk for Cumulative Nutritional Deficiencies
“In conclusion, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy ensured long-term excess weight loss 61.0% at 5 years.”
View in Article
To add on, some of the popular weight-loss surgeries available in Cancun are:
- Gastric Sleeve
- Mini Gastric Bypass
- Gastric Sleeve Plication
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Gastric Balloon
- Revision Bariatric Surgery
Here is a video in which a renowned weight loss surgeon in Cancun explains various weight loss surgeries and demarcates between malabsorptive and restrictive bariatric surgeries.
3 Procedures of Weight Loss Surgery
There are 3 major categories of bariatric surgeries. The same is stated below :
Gastric Restrictive Surgery
“It limits the amount of food you can eat.”
View in Article Example: gastric sleeve and gastric balloon.
Bariatric surgery
“Malabsorptive operations in the small intestine limit the intake of calories.”
View in Article Example: Biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch (BPD-DS)
Bariatric Surgery
“…hybrid, a combination of restriction and malabsorption.”
View in Article
Examples include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and mini-gastric bypass.
Types of Weight Loss Surgery
Gastric Sleeve in Cancun
- Also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).[7]UCLA Health
Gastric Sleeve
“The Gastric Sleeve Surgery (or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy…”
View in Article - Involves the removal of nearly 80% of the stomach.[8]UCLA
Gastric Sleeve
“is a bariatric procedure that removes 75-80% of the stomach.”
View in Article - It eliminates the hunger-inducing hormone called ghrelin.
- It alters the gut hormones that have a direct bearing on hunger levels and how soon you feel stated, along with the impact on blood sugar levels.[9]American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery Procedures
“It decreases hunger, increases fullness, and allows the body to reach and maintain a healthy weight and blood sugar control.”
View in Article
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Procedure
Advantages
- Reduces the capacity of the stomach to hold food.
- One can expect to lose 40 to 70% of excess weight within 1 year of the surgery.[10]Cleveland Clinic
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
“Depending on their pre-operative weight, patients can expect to lose between 40% to 70% of their excess body weight in the first year after surgery.”
View in Article - It also helps with sleep apnea,[11]ScienceDirect
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy for obstructive sleep apnea:
“…there is a trend towards increased resolution of sleep apnea post-LSG.”
View in Article diabetes[12]NCBI
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for diabetics – 5-year outcomes
“…accompanied by longstanding resolution or improvement of diabetes.”
View in Article and hypertension.[13]American Journal of Hypertension
Bariatric Surgery and Hypertension
“…study found at 1 year, 58% of patients experience resolution of hypertension and 75% experienced an improvement in hypertension after undergoing sleeve gastrectomy technique.”
View in Article
Disadvantages
- Non-reversible.[14]ASMBS
Bariatric Surgery Procedures
“Disadvantage…1. Non-reversible procedure”
View in Article - Further, the likelihood of long-term vitamin deficiencies is more.[15]EMJ
Nutritional Deficiency After Sleeve Gastrectomy
“Several nutritional consequences of SG have been recorded, including fluid deficits, vitamin…”
View in Article - The complication rate is 2.4%.[16]NCBI
Perioperative complications of sleeve gastrectomy
“…SG (2.4%)…”
View in Article
Gastric Bypass in Cancun
- Firstly, a small pouch with a capacity of just an ounce or 30 millimeters is created out of the top portion of the stomach.[17]ASMBS
Bariatric Surgery Procedures
“First, the stomach is divided into a smaller top portion (pouch) which is about the size of an egg.”
View in Article - Then, the bottom portion of the small intestine is dragged up and joined with the new stomach pouch.
Gastric Bypass Surgery Procedure
- The other end of the divided small intestine is joined with the small intestine further down, thereby giving it a Y shape (hence the name Roux-en-Y).[18]ASMBS
Bariatric Surgery Procedures
“The small bowel segment which empties the bypassed or larger stomach is connected into the small bowel approximately 3-4 feet downstream.”
View in Article - Consequently, a segment of the small intestine that absorbs calories and nutrients is bypassed.
Advantages
- Firstly, patients can lose up to 100 pounds of excess weight.[19]Johns Hopkins Medicine
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Weight-Loss Surgery
“Gastric bypass can help a person lose about 100 pounds of excess weight.”
View in Article - You should note that average maintenance is more than 50% of excess weight loss.
Disadvantages
- It needs a longer hospital stay.
- Further, it causes long-term nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12, iron, folate, calcium).
- In addition, It is more complex than gastric sleeve and banding with higher complication rates.
Mini Gastric Bypass in Cancun
- Also known as One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB).[20]Springer
Mini Gastric Bypass-One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (MGB-OAGB)-IFSO Position Statement
“…mini-gastric bypass-one anastomosis gastric bypass (MGB-OAGB).”
View in Article - Then, it involves creating a smaller pouch out of the stomach and reconnecting it with the small intestine, bypassing 3 meters instead of 1.5 meters in the regular bypass.
Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery Procedure
- Further, while the traditional Roux-en-Y requires two connections, the mini bypass requires only one.
- Also, just like other procedures, the mini gastric bypass will be performed at state-of-the-art Victoria Hospital.
This surgery costs around $6,995 in Cancun, whereas the exact surgery costs around $15,000 in the USA and Canada. In other words, visiting Cancun would save more than 50% cost compared to the above places.
Further, if you are wondering if the mini gastric bypass is safe in Cancun, Mexico, the answer is yes!
Every year, many tourists flocking to Cancun have rendered it a safe destination for medical tourists. To add on, the quality of healthcare in Cancun is never compromised.
Excess Weight Loss Post-Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery
Difference Between Gastric Bypass and Mini Gastric Bypass
- The significant difference between gastric bypass and mini-gastric bypass is that latter is the ‘mini’ version of the surgery.
- In other words, it is quicker, simpler, cheaper, and gives the same results as its ‘big brother.’
Source: ScienceDirect
Advantages
- Safe & Effective.
- Also, it is easily revisable & reversible.
- Further, it is relatively simpler than RYGB.
- Above all, it results in permanent weight loss.
Source: IFSO
Disadvantages
You should note that severe acid reflux is caused by gastric juices traveling back from the intestine into the new stomach pouch.
Gastric Ballon in Cancun
- First of all, a saline-filled silicone balloon is placed in the gastric space.[21]Health Direct
Inserting a gastric balloon
“…400 to 700 milliliters of saline.”
View in Article - Next, it involves sliding a narrow tube loaded with the deflated gastric balloon down your throat while making its way into the stomach.
- Further, it is followed by an endoscopic insertion (a Flexi tube with a camera) down the throat and into the stomach.[22]HealthDirect
Inserting a gastric balloon
“they will use the endoscope to pass the deflated balloon into your stomach.”
View in Article
Gastric Balloon Surgery Procedure
- To add on, the camera relays the video stream of the balloon to the surgeon.
30-40
30 Minutes
10-15%[23]NCBI
Intragastric Balloons for Obesity Management
“In general, the evidence both from and outside of the United States indicates that intragastric balloons resulted in an approximately 10% to 15% total body weight loss.”
View in Article
Advantages
- First, reduced gastric emptying time.
- Second, it does not require a hospital stay.
- Third, Changes in gut hormones control appetite, thereby reducing hunger.
- Further, improvement or the resolution of comorbidities of obesity, including heart diseases, stroke, hypertension, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes.
Disadvantages
- Deflation of the balloon.
- Next is perforation of the stomach or ulceration, both of which require surgery.
- To add on, blockage of the digestive system is caused by the deflation and displacement of the gastric balloon.
- Lastly, pain and nausea post insertion of the balloon (reported by Mayo Clinic in about a third of the individuals).
What is Revision Weight Loss Surgery?
In some cases, the initial bariatric surgery failure may require a second or revision procedure.
Also, check out this video in which the surgeon explains revision procedures:
To add on, some of the popular revision weight loss surgeries are:
- Gastric re-sleeve
- Lap band to gastric sleeve
- Gastric bypass to banded gastric bypass
- Lap band to gastric bypass/mini gastric bypass
- Gastric sleeve to gastric bypass/mini gastric bypass
For low-cost bariatric surgery, Cancun, Mexico, can be considered. Contact us now for information!
Bariatric Surgery Trip to Cancun –Itinerary
Planning a trip to a foreign land can be intimidating. Read on for a complete day-wise itinerary.
Before The Trip
- Firstly, the nutritionist will contact you for a customized pre-op diet.
- Further, you’ll receive an email from the transportation service with details regarding when and where you’ll be picked up.
Day You Reach Cancun
After you reach the Cancun airport, you’ll be transferred to the hotel.
Day of Surgery
- You will be brought to the hospital for check-ups.
- After that, the team will do the required pre-op work.
- Further, you will be taken to the OT after getting clearance.
- To add on, the doctor will perform a leak test through endoscopy with blue dye.
- Lastly, you’ll stay at the hospital for two nights post the weight loss surgery.
Two Days After Surgery
- You should note that this is the day of hospital discharge.
- Firstly, the surgeon will perform a blue dye test and fluoroscopy.
- Secondly, live dynamic x-ray to ensure the stomach is working correctly.
- You should note that, after your discharge, you can spend a couple of days in Cancun for a vacation.
Pre-Op Work for Bariatric Surgery
Medical Tourism in Cancun
- Cancún is situated on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea.
- Further, the town has an expanded bus network wherein you will find a bus every five minutes.
- Moreover, some areas, including Hotel Zone or Boulevard Kukulcán, are explorable on foot.
Cancun is a Beautiful Tropical Town
- In addition, Cancun also has a vast taxi network.
- You should note that while most of the eateries in the Hotel Zone provide purified water, stick to bottled water.
- Above all, pay attention to the color of beach flags; while green signifies safe waters for swimming, red and yellow depict caution and danger.
Tourist Destinations in Cancun
Tropical beach resorts, including Caracol and Chac-moo
Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and El Rey Maya
Cancun underwater museum
Best Time to Visit Cancun
December to April is the best time to visit Cancun. It is because the weather is pleasant, and you can leverage cheaper flights and hotel tariffs.
Further, avoid traveling from June to October as these months witness heavy rainfall.
Is Bariatric Surgery Safe in Cancun, Mexico?
Bariatric surgery and its related counterparts, including Mini Gastric Surgery and others, are safe in Cancun, Mexico. You should note that World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has given a “Safe Travel” stamp to Mexico’s national destinations.[24]The Mazatlan Post
The WTTC grants safe travel seals to destinations in Mexico
“The states of Veracruz, Aguascalientes, and Hidalgo joined the list of 21 Mexican destinations that obtain the Safe Travels Stamp granted free of charge by the World Travel and Tourism Council.”
View in Article
To add on, the country adheres to global health and hygiene standards. These facts aid in a safer trip to Mexico.
Other reasons include :
- No. of tourists in Mexico were a whopping 97 million in 2019.[25]World Data
Tourism in Mexico
“Development of the tourism sector in Mexico from 1995 to 2020”
View in Article - To add on, out of the above, tourists coming specifically to Cancun amounted to 6 million.[26]World Data
Tourism in Mexico
“The most popular city in Mexico for international travelers is Cancun. In 2019 it reached the 44th place of the world’s most popular cities with 6.15 million tourists.”
View in Article - Further, Mexico’s quality of health care services is comparable to the States.
- Moreover, modern equipment is plentiful in major cities.[27]International Living
Healthcare in Mexico: Overview of Costs and Plans Available
“Modern equipment is plentiful in bigger cities.”
View in Article
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Why should I get weight loss surgery in Cancun, Mexico?
A. Cancun provides a start-of-the-art healthcare system with trained and skilled surgeons. Further, for citizens of the USA and Canada, it is relatively closer to the US and easy to reach.
Besides, Cancun is a hub for breathtaking beaches and other tourist attractions.
Q. Why is weight loss surgery so cheaper in Mexico?
A. In Mexico, the hospital and surgeon overhead costs are comparatively less than in the USA.
Consequently, salaries, administrative expenses, and medical supplies are inexpensive, making Mexico an affordable destination for weight loss surgery.
Q. How to reduce the risk of health-related problems while traveling for bariatric surgery to Mexico?
A.
1. As per the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Hepatitis A/ Hepatitis B and Typhoid shots are recommended for all travelers.[28]CDC
Mexico
“Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one-year-old or older going to Mexico.”
View in Article
2. Further, drink only bottled or distilled water while in Mexico to reduce the risk of digestion problems.
3. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) develops a blood clot in one of the veins after surgery due to immobility for a long period. You should note that to minimize the risk of DVT :
- Firstly, cut down on smoking as soon as possible.
- Secondly, avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Further, drink much water to avoid dehydration.
- To add on, walk briskly for around 30 minutes for flight take-off.
- Also, book your flight ticket with an airline that provides good leg space.
- Moreover, consult your surgeon about any other essential measures to be taken.
Q. How much can I save on getting weight loss surgery in Cancun, Mexico?
A. Any typical weight loss costs between $2,000-$7,000 in Cancun, Mexico. This implies that you can expect to save up to 60%-80% on the cost compared to the US or Canada.
Q. How many days should I expect to stay in hospital after my weight loss surgery in Cancun, Mexico?
A. Medical tourists should expect to stay two days/nights in the hospital due to surgery. For instance, they will remain at the hotel the night before the medical procedure.
Further, it is advisable to wait for at least two weeks before flying back to your home country.
Final Verdict
Cancun offers a perfect blend of prime healthcare and affordability. Above all, by traveling to Cancun, Mexico, you can get rid of obesity-related problems and also save 50% to 80% on costs.
Plus, the city offers a breathtaking bonus vacation!
Get fit & fine today by getting weight loss surgery done in Cancun. Contact us to receive a detailed quote.
