The DFW Bariatric Institute Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Risks of
Medical Tourism
Sometimes people considering a medical procedure feel it is cost prohibitive to have it done in the United States and will look elsewhere, such as Mexico, to have a cheaper surgery. The practice of traveling to another country to have a cheaper medical procedure is known as medical tourism. Unfortunately, surgery in another country isn’t always the safest option, or even cheaper in the long run, and we are here to explain what you need to know about the risks of medical tourism.
The Risks of Weight Loss Surgery Outside of the US
Regulation
The United States has many safety regulations in place to protect surgical patients. Our doctors are highly educated and regulated, with national and state licensing boards ensuring everyone on the medical team is qualified for practice. Other countries might not have as stringent educational standards or be as thorough with regulations. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors the quality of prescriptions and medicines used in surgeries. Patients in other countries may need to worry about counterfeit or expired medications. Also, if anything should go wrong in a foreign country it can be difficult or impossible to sue for malpractice.
Safety
Hospital and surgical centers in the United States have high standards of sanitation and safety guidelines, which may not be true in other countries. Antibiotic resistance is an international problem, and patients in other countries might have a greater risk of contracting antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Communication
If you, your doctor, or the staff don’t speak the same language, there is a greater chance of miscommunication for anything from details about the surgery to post surgical care.
Follow Up Care
Follow-up care is crucial with any surgical procedure. Patients who opt to have surgery in another country may have difficulty receiving proper follow-up care. Insurance may not cover complications that arise from having bariatric surgery outside the U.S. Bariatric surgery is just the beginning of a total lifestyle change towards a healthier life, and having the support you need is key to success. Our practice prides itself on having a support system in place for you as soon as you become our patient. One on one nutritional counseling and diet tips from our experienced dietitian, medical follow ups and support groups are all ways we help you stay on track and reach your goals.
Learn More About Weight Loss Surgery
in Dallas and Fort Worth
At DFW Bariatric Institute, we strive to make better health possible for everyone. We provide help navigating health insurance benefits to get weight loss surgeries such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass covered by insurance. We also offer special pricing and financing options for qualified self-pay patients. Our bariatric surgeons are board certified and highly experienced, and we offer comprehensive follow-up and support programs. Get a FREE insurance check today or contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Patient Testimonials
Janet S.
Lost 93 pounds*
"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."
Vivian P.
Lost 140 pounds*
“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”
Sherrie M.
Lost 110 pounds*
“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”
John E.
Lost 90 pounds*
“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”
Kathy D.
Lost 161 pounds*
“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”
Brian S.
Lost 130 pounds*
“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”
Lorna Q.
Lost 107 pounds*
"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”
Danielle L.
Lost 154 pounds*
“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”
Dennis H.
Lost 170 pounds*
“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."
