15 Practical Questions for Your Bariatric Surgeon in Mexico
Medically Reviewed by Katelyn J. Mock, US-Registered Dietician (R.D.)
Questions to Ask Before Weight Loss Surgery
It’s not uncommon to have a lot of reservations and questions before a surgery. Here is what MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) and WebMD recommend you ask your doctor before bariatric sleeve surgery.
1. Which bariatric surgery is best for me?
A qualified doctor can assess your case and suggest the surgery that’s best for you. You can ask about every step of the procedures, get informed on the pros and cons of each one, and even talk to the doctor about the staff who assists him during surgery.
2. How will it impact my comorbid conditions?
Obesity brings many comorbidities that may get cured when you shed excess weight. Discuss your case and healthcare in detail with your doctor and don’t be afraid to ask additional questions.
3. What are the lifestyle changes that I need to incorporate?
Your diet and exercise plan will change before and after the surgery. Ask your PCP (Primary Care Physician) and doctor about the changes you’d need to incorporate, both pre and post-op. You can also discuss this with your peers in the MBS support group & bariatric professional team.
4. What are my options for financing the WLS in Mexico?
Consult your doctor about the various financing plans and whether or not they accept your insurance. You may have a lot of options, but if you need further assistance, Medical Bariatric Services has great connections for financing weight loss surgery in Mexico.
5. Will you accept my insurance for bariatric surgery in Mexico?
US medical insurance companies do not pay for procedures abroad. Do keep in mind that you would need future appointments for aftercare, dieticians, and counselors. You may use your US insurance for such purposes. It’s important to know how many of these services are covered under insurance.
6. What will the aftercare after returning from Mexico comprise of?
Post-surgery, you will need aftercare to see the healing through. Don’t forget to ask your doctor all about it. Also, MBS has a robust support system, helping through both, the pre & post-surgery time. Contact to know more.
7. How much weight can I expect to lose after bariatric surgery?
The amount of weight you lose after surgery depends on a number of factors like the kind of surgery done and lifestyle changes followed. Ask your doctor about things that may work best for you.
8. How much time will I take to recover?
The time taken to recover is different for different people. Discuss your case with your doctor and ask for his assessment. You can even ask your doctor to narrate his experiences with his past patients and the time it took them to recover. Still, stay aware of how your situation may be different.
9. What complications do I risk after gastric sleeve or gastric bypass?
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the risk of serious complications after bariatric surgery is about 4 %. However, it is good to be aware of the potential complications beforehand. Some of the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery risks could be:
- Acid reflux
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Leakage of stomach fluid
- Stomach ulcers
- Stomach obstruction
10. Will I require cosmetic surgery after weight loss surgery?
If you’re interested in cosmetic surgery, discuss your options with your doctor. Sometimes, it may not even be required and your skin may spring back into shape. Usually, people wait up to 12 months after their bariatric surgery to assess whether or not they need it. Consider asking your doctor about this in detail.
11.If there is an emergency, what can I expect to happen?
Emergencies are rare but can occur with any major surgery. You want to discuss this with your bariatric surgeon or coordinator. Find out if the hospital is adequately equipped with the expertise to handle emergencies. If it is a clinic, check on their plan for transport to the hospital.
12.Is the surgery performed at a hospital or clinic?
Hospitals have the facility or the expertise for emergencies. Clinics may not be prepared for most catastrophic incidents and therefore require transportation to a local hospital. Check how long it will take to transport you. You can decide on your preference.
13. What pre-operative tests are required for bariatric surgery, before coming to Mexico?
Depending on your medical history, you may need specific tests before traveling to Mexico. Make sure to ask your surgeon about the necessary tests. Check if they are included in your surgery package.
14. Should I consult my primary care physician (PCP) before I leave for Mexico?
It is a good idea to consult your PCP before you leave so that they are kept in the loop. After the surgery, they will be able to help you with a custom post-op diet.
15. Will I be safe from hospital infection in Mexico?
When choosing a hospital for bariatric surgery, look for the sterilization protocol followed. MBS network clinics follow international or equivalent national standards of sterilization.
We provide our patients with the best medical attention in facilities specially designed for overweight or obese patients, by highly trained personnel. Patients can also have the peace of mind of not being exposed to other diseases and infections, such as might happen in hospitals that do not specialize exclusively in bariatric surgery.
References:
- “Before weight-loss surgery – what to ask your doctor.” MedlinePlus
- “Questions for Your Doctor About Weight Loss Surgery.” WebMD
- “Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.” ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery)
- “Plastic Surgery after Massive Weight Loss.” Missouri Medicine
This Page Addresses:
- Gastric sleeve questions for surgeons
- Things to know before weight loss surgery
- Questions you must ask before gastric bypass
- How to prepare for a bariatric consultation?
- Before bariatric surgery – what to ask?
