Bariatric Surgery Costa Rica
Bariatric surgery in Costa Rica is an attractive option for those from the USA and Canada thanks to the high quality and affordable cost of medical care in Costa Rica. People with a BMI of 35 and above may consider various low cost weight loss surgeries like gastric sleeve and gastric band in Costa Rica when they are unable to lose weight with diet and exercise alone.
Some people with BMI of less than 35 may also be eligible for bariatric surgery if they have co-morbidities like hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.
Weight loss surgery helps to reduce weight by reducing the capacity for food intake, lowering absorption of nutrients by the digestive system or using a combination of the first two methods.
How Weight Loss Surgery in Costa Rica can be Advantageous for You
- Weight loss surgery is quite costly in the USA, because medical insurance usually does not pay for bariatric surgeries. Hence, the cost of, say, gastric bypass in the US would be upwards of $35,000, whereas in Costa Rica gastric bypass is a third of that cost. Even after adding all other expenses like travel and accommodation, obesity surgery in Costa Rica is any day cheaper than that in the US.
- Costa Rica has one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world. Costa Rica bariatric surgeons have extensive experience in conducting various bariatric procedures like laparoscopic Roux-en-Y and others. They are well qualified and have specialist training in bariatric surgery from respected medical universities in Costa Rica and abroad.
- Costa Rica is part of central America. It is possible to reach Costa Rica in 3-7 hours from most US cities, which means it will not be a long flight.
- US and Canadian citizens do not require a visa for stay of up to 90 days. This cuts down on the bureaucratic hassle involved in planning a trip abroad.
- All major airlines like Delta, United, etc., have regular nonstop commercial Costa Rica flights.
- This beautiful tropical country is also a very safe place to travel to. Costa Rica has a stable democracy and is very tourist-friendly. The education level and standard of living are very high. Thus a visit Costa Rica also doubles up as a great holiday.
Disadvantages of Obesity Surgery in Costa Rica
- Spanish is the first language in Costa Rica. Bariatric surgeons and medical staff at the obesity center you choose in Costa Rica may not be fluent in English. But staff at top Costa Rica hospitals from Medical Tourism Corporation’s network speak fluent English, and present no communication issues.
- Although a short flight, it still requires leaving the comfort of one’s hometown and country.
Weight Loss Surgery in Costa Rica - What to Look for
Obesity and surgery to get rid of it have serious long-term effects on your health and they can burden you financially, too. It is important to evaluate all relevant aspects before a decision, whether you must undergo bariatric surgery, which surgery you should choose, where would you like to get it done, etc. While considering obesity surgery in Costa Rica, look into the following:
- Work out the costs of the particular weight loss surgery in Costa Rica and other expenses involved like travel, stay, and food while there.
- Verify the credentials of the weight loss surgeon and hospital you are considering.
- Ensure that you have planned all details of the overall arrangement like travel, hospital stay, pre- and post-op tests, counseling, aftercare and follow-up.
- Collect sufficient information on the benefits and risks of weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgery yields significant improvements in co-morbidities like diabetes and high cholesterol. But there are risks like infection, dumping syndrome, blood clots, etc. Some risks are particular to some forms of weight loss surgery like lap band risks.
- The Costa Rica hospital conducting your bariatric surgery should have all arrangements for pre- and post-op tests and care. Facilities like ICU, blood bank, MRI, X-Ray, pharmacy under one roof and availability of doctors round-the-clock are mandatory.
- After weight loss surgery, you will have to make huge changes in lifestyle in terms of food choice, eating habits, exercise and regular medical check-ups. This may be stressful initially, so good emotional health is important for the success of a bariatric surgery.
- If you are going for lap band surgery in Costa Rica, you may need lap band fills later on to adjust the band. Hence, find a lap band fill center in your home country and make arrangements before going for surgery. Similarly for other weight loss surgeries, make sure you can get follow-up care back home.
Success of bariatric surgery in Costa Rica is not the result of the surgeon’s expertise alone. A lot depends on how well-informed, mentally prepared and committed you are in the post-surgery phase.
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