Weight loss surgery patients are taking advantage of medical tourism. Many cross the border and seek operations in Mexico, since prices are lower. Bariatric surgeon Dr. Jaime Ricardo Ramos-Kelly sheds light on the growing trend. Read the full story

Insurance Troubles Send Weight Loss Surgery Patients Overseas

Here in the U.S., insurance nightmares, rising healthcare costs and a slumping economy are making it more difficult for many people to afford weight loss surgery. As a result, the medical tourism industry is taking off, as specialty companies help patients arrange for their surgery outside of our nation’s borders.

Of all the destinations favored by medical tourists, none is hotter right now than India, where patients can undergo a Lap-Band®, gastric bypass, duodenal switch or gastric sleeve procedure in a U.S.-accredited hospital for up to one-fourth the cost of the same operation back in the States, according to a company called WorldMedAssist, which bills itself as “medical tourism experts”. In fact, medical tourism is expected to be a global $2 billion dollar market by 2012. In addition to the cost savings, patients are attracted to the idea of medical travel because of shorter wait times for surgery, personalized help with the logistics, and in many cases luxury accommodations during recovery.

Of course, saving 75% on the cost of your weight loss surgery is definitely tempting – but money isn’t everything when your life is at stake! After all, medical tourists who travel to locations outside the U.S. for treatment – including Mexico, Brazil, Thailand and the Philippines – have little way of knowing whether their doctor’s experience or accreditation is comparable to a skilled bariatric surgeon here in the U.S., or whether the surgical facility is up to U.S. standards.

There is also virtually no pre-surgery care or post-op follow-up. And, because American doctors have no way of knowing the quality of medical treatment provided overseas, the majority of bariatric surgeons here in the U.S. simply refuse to provide post-operative care for patients who have had weight loss surgery done outside the country.

So, whether you are seeking weight loss surgery in India or elsewhere outside the U.S., the rule of caveat emptor – “let the buyer beware” – continues to apply. Be careful, and make sure you do your homework before you get on the plane.

In the March 6, 2009, edition of WLS News, we’ll look at how former President Clinton is leading the charge in the fight against childhood obesity. We’ll also show you a special kind of balloon that might help stop overeating; investigate the growing phenomenon of medical tourism for weight loss surgery; and unwrap a new global initiative to curb the growing rate of cancers related to obesity. And, of course, WLS Journeys host Yvonne McCarthy will pop in to highlight two outstanding websites for WLS information and support. Tune into this week’s newscast now!

Organizations mentioned in this week’s news:

• Alliance Healthcare Initiative
• American Heart Association
• William J. Clinton Foundation
• BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina
• BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts
• Aetna
• WellPoint
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Dietetic Association
• University of Cincinnati
• National Institutes of Health
• Circulation Research (medical journal)
• BioEnterics® (Makers of the BioEnterics® Intragastric Balloon System)
• Dr. Adam Smith (Head surgeon, Fort-Worth Lap-Band)
• American Cancer Society
• World Cancer Research Fund
• WorldMedAssist (medical tourism company)
• WLS Lifestyles (WLS support website and magazine)
• Duodenal Switch Information Zone (DS support and information)
• Bariatric Girl (Yvonne McCarthy’s WLS support site)
• Bariatric Advantage (nutritional supplements)