Weighing Your Options: Is Medical Tourism Safe?
Medical tourism is a hot commodity, and if you’ve decided that bariatric surgery is the next step in your weight-loss journey, chances are you’ve at least heard about it. Medical tourism is when patients choose to seek medical treatment outside of their home country because it is offered at a cheaper rate. Countries such as Mexico, Malaysia, and Brazil are common destinations for medical tourists—and none are without their risks. With fewer regulations governing sterilization procedures, medical licensing, and surgical facilities, medical practitioners in many international communities are free to make whatever claims they choose in order to attract business, regardless of the facts.
By comparison, here at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Wiljon Beltre, is a fellowship-trained Board certified surgeon. He and his staff offer the sleeve gastrectomy as part of a comprehensive self-pay program designed to ensure that this incredible weight loss procedure is available to everyone who needs it! Located in Altamonte Springs, Florida, next door to vacation hotspot Orlando, the fully-accredited Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery is both convenient to get to and significantly safer than unknown foreign clinics. By choosing the gastric sleeve with Dr. Beltre at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery, you are choosing the highest level of patient care and satisfaction as you pursue your weight loss and health-related goals.
Surgery at Home or Abroad?
Although international surgeries can be attractively priced, they are not always safe. If you’re considering having surgery abroad to save costs, here are some other factors you will want to consider before committing yourself:
- Can you verify the credentials of the surgeon and surgical support staff?
- Is the surgical center clean and sanitary? While you may be able to find “reviews” from prior patients online, be sure to verify that these are genuine reviews, and not paid-for “plants”, or fake reviews designed to make the organization look good.
- Will there be a significant language barrier? If you cannot speak the language in the host country where your surgery will be conducted, you may not be able to understand the instructions of the surgical staff, and it may be difficult for them to understand you if you have concerns or are experiencing discomfort.
- Beware of counterfeit medications! Without stringent regulations such as we have in the United States, it is difficult to be sure that all medications you receive while travelling internationally are in fact what they claim to be.
- Are you having surgery in an area of high antibiotic resistance? Although antibiotic resistance has become a global problem, there are many countries affected more heavily than the United States, making the risk of untreatable infection significantly higher in these regions.
- Is it safe to fly home after surgery? Air travel after surgery can increase the risk of blood clots, and will necessitate an extended stay in the host country following surgery. You’ll need to consider the expense and risks involved in planning this extra leg of your journey.
While the cost of international surgeries may appear lower at first glance, after weighing the risks and additional costs involved, they are not always a better value. Surgery in the United States is generally less risky, and frequently includes more long-term care and dedication to your future wellness. Be sure to weigh all costs and risks involved before making your final decision!
Contact the Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery
Board certified surgeon Dr. Wiljon Beltre at the Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery in Altamonte Springs, Florida (neighboring Orlando, FL) has made it his life’s passion to help individuals like you achieve their weight loss goals safely and successfully. Whether you have come from central Florida or traveled half-way—or even all the way—across the country, our goal is offer a weight loss surgery option that is as safe, as effective, and as affordable as we can possibly make it.
Significant, long-term, successful weight loss is not easy. Even with the help of metabolic surgery, losing the weight and keeping it off requires a life-long commitment to serious lifestyle changes and hard work. But with the help of Dr. Beltre and our dedicated team of caring, experienced specialists, success is possible!
If you believe a sleeve gastrectomy is right for you, or would like to learn more about other metabolic surgery options available at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery, we encourage you to contact our office to start the process today!
Call 407-634-4375 or Click Here to schedule a phone or video consultation with Dr. Beltre.
