Bariatric Surgery and Global Medical Tourism: Exploring Benefits, Costs, and Procedures

Author : Soham Shinde | Published On : 22 Mar 2023

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a medical procedure designed to help people who are severely overweight lose weight and improve their overall health. The surgery involves altering the digestive system to limit the amount of food a patient can consume or absorb, resulting in significant weight loss. In recent years, there has been a rise in global medical tourism for weight loss surgery as patients seek affordable and high-quality medical care outside of their home countries. This trend has brought attention to the importance of understanding the various types of bariatric surgeries, their benefits, and their associated costs. This blog aims to comprehensively analyze bariatric surgery, its benefits, the surgical process, and the role of global medical tourism in accessing this type of medical care. It is essential to understand this topic as obesity, and its related health conditions continue to be a significant health concern worldwide. Benefits of Bariatric Surgery: Bariatric surgery has been shown to benefit patients struggling with obesity and related health problems. Some of the key benefits of bariatric surgery include the following:

1. Weight loss:
The most obvious benefit of bariatric surgery is weight loss. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery typically experience significant weight loss, which can improve their overall health and quality of life.
2. Improved overall health:
Bariatric surgery can help improve a wide range of health problems associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain.
3. Improved mental health:
Obesity can take a toll on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Bariatric surgery can improve mental health by boosting self-esteem, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving the overall quality of life.
4. Long-term weight loss:
Unlike other weight loss programs, bariatric surgery has been shown to provide long-term weight loss results. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery can expect to maintain their weight loss over the long term provided they follow a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Bariatric Surgery Process: The bariatric surgery process typically involves several steps, including:

1. Consultation:
The first step in the bariatric surgery process is a consultation with a bariatric surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's health and medical history, discuss the different types of bariatric surgery options, and help the patient decide which procedure best suits their needs.
2. Pre-operative preparation:
Once the patient has decided to undergo bariatric surgery, they will need to prepare for the procedure by making dietary and lifestyle changes, quitting smoking, and getting regular exercise.
3. Surgery:
Bariatric surgery typically takes several hours and is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon will make several small incisions in the abdomen and use laparoscopic instruments to perform the surgery.
4. Post-operative recovery:
After the surgery, the patient must spend several days in the hospital to recover. During this time, medical staff will closely monitor them to ensure they are healing properly and have no complications.
5. Follow-up care:
Once the patient has been discharged from the hospital, they must attend regular follow-up appointments with their bariatric surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure they continue to lose weight and maintain their health.

Bariatric Surgery Cost: The cost of weight loss surgery can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the type of surgery, the location, and the surgeon performing the procedure. In the United States, the cost of weight loss surgery can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more, making it prohibitively expensive for many individuals. However, bariatric surgery is often significantly less expensive in other countries, including India. At IndiCure, for example, the cost of bariatric surgery can be up to 70% less than that of the same procedure in the United States, making it an affordable option for individuals seeking high-quality medical care at a lower cost. Indicure is a medical tourism company based in India specializing in bariatric surgery and other medical procedures. The company works with top hospitals and medical professionals in India to provide high-quality care to international patients. Indicure offers a range of services to its patients, including travel arrangements, visa assistance, and post-operative care. Best Weight Loss Surgery: Each patient’s best weight loss surgery will depend on his or her health needs and goals. Some of the most common weight loss surgeries include:

1. Gastric bypass surgery:
involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to the pouch, limiting the amount of food a patient can eat and reducing nutrient absorption.
2. Sleeve gastrectomy:
This procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch, restricting the amount of food a patient can eat.
3. Adjustable gastric band surgery:
involves placing a silicone band around the top of the stomach to create a small pouch, limiting the amount of food a patient can eat.

Global Medical Tourism Bariatric surgery is a popular form of medical tourism, with many patients traveling to other countries for surgery at a lower cost. This has led to the growth of global medical tourism, with many countries offering bariatric surgery to foreign patients. Some of the top destinations for bariatric surgery include Mexico, India, and Thailand. Conclusion Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that can help patients lose long-term weight and improve their health. While the cost of bariatric surgery can be high in some countries, medical tourism offers an affordable option for patients seeking the procedure. Indicure is a reputable medical tourism company that provides high-quality care to international patients seeking bariatric surgery in India. Patients should carefully consider their options and work with a qualified medical team to determine if bariatric surgery suits them. Here are some resources related to bariatric surgery and medical tourism:

1. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery:
A professional organization focused on advancing the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery through research, education, and advocacy.
2. International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders:
A global organization that promotes research, education, and collaboration in obesity and metabolic disorders.
3. Medical Tourism Association:
A global organization that promotes medical tourism and provides resources for patients seeking treatment abroad.
4. IndiCure:
A medical tourism company that provides affordable and high-quality bariatric surgery and other medical treatments in India.
5. Obesity Action Coalition:
A non-profit organization advocating for those affected by obesity and promoting access to evidence-based treatment options.
6. National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases:
A research-focused organization that provides information on the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity and related conditions.