As the demand for weight loss solutions continues to rise, medical tourism is emerging as a practical option for those seeking affordable and high-quality bariatric surgery. Elias Ortiz & Company, based in Tijuana, Mexico, is setting the standard for all-inclusive weight loss surgery for individuals in the USA and Canada at a fraction of the cost of similar bariatric procedures in the USA.
What Is Bariatric Surgery and Why is it Better Than Weight Loss Medications?
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss or metabolic surgery, refers to different surgical procedures performed on people to promote weight loss by altering the digestive system so that it holds less food and reduces nutrient absorption. These types of surgeries are typically reserved for people who are obese and when diet and exercise haven’t worked for weight loss. It works by regulating calorie intake and absorption, either by shrinking or placing a band around the stomach, relocating the opening between the stomach and the small intestine, or shortening part of the small intestine.
Bariatric surgery is considered a highly effective treatment for obesity. Most patients lose weight rapidly after procedures, often losing between 40-70% of excess weight. It’s also more cost-effective than weight loss medications and offers long-term weight loss benefits.
Weight loss medications tend to be a less invasive alternative that can still contribute to weight loss, but it can be difficult to maintain long-term weight loss with drugs, so many patients turn to bariatric surgery instead. Not only does bariatric surgery offer immense weight loss, but it can also be used to help treat conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Types of Different Bariatric Surgery Procedures
- Gastric Sleeve (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy): A type of bariatric surgery where a portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a sleeve-shaped stomach that is about 25% of its original size. This reduces the amount of food that can be consumed and ultimately helps with weight loss.
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNY): This surgery involves dividing the stomach and connecting it to the small intestine. This not only limits the size of the stomach but also allows the food to bypass a portion of the stomach and reduce the intake of calories.
- Mini-Gastric Bypass (MGB): This is a much simpler, shorter, and overall less invasive variation of the traditional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Although the surgeon follows a similar process, the length of the connection to the intestine is shorter, and the ability to perform the less invasive procedure laparoscopically and shorter surgical time.
- Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): A minimally invasive non-surgical procedure where an endoscope is inserted through the mouth to reduce the size of the stomach without surgery by folding it rather than removing a portion of it.
- SADI-S: Combines the components of a gastric sleeve and duodenal switch surgery for better weight loss and metabolic movements.
The Benefits of Medical Tourism for Bariatric Surgery
Smart Financial and Health Investment
Bariatric surgery offers numerous benefits for people struggling with obesity and related health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. But, it can be a costly procedure that insurance might not cover, making it difficult for individuals to access this life-changing surgery.
It’s especially costly in the USA and Canada, so many individuals often turn to other countries instead, where they can pay less for the same procedures, usually with no compromise on safety and quality. This is where medical tourism becomes relevant because you get life-changing bariatric surgery for a fraction of the cost compared to the USA or Canada.
Medical tourism has a major positive impact on health access and is a smart financial and health investment for those who want a long-term weight loss solution that temporary fixes such as weight loss medications cannot achieve.
Tax Deductible Medical Expense
According to Elias Ortiz & Company, medical tourism often qualifies as a tax deductible medical expense. The IRS recognizes obesity as a disease, and bariatric surgery meets the criteria as costs incurred from diagnosis, cure, treatment, mitigation, or prevention of disease.
To claim the deduction, your total unreimbursed medical expenses, including the surgery and related costs such as travel and post-operative care, must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
Reduced Waiting Times
It’s common to have long waiting times for bariatric surgery in the USA and Canada, sometimes several months to years. The waiting times in other countries like Mexico are well-established, and the medical tourism industry has many hospitals and clinics specializing in bariatric surgery. These facilities can handle a high volume of patients efficiently and often have reduced waiting times.
No Compromise on Quality or Safety
Many facilities in other countries like Mexico adhere to high standards of care and safety, meaning your bariatric surgery will be done safely and professionally by qualified surgeons. Reputable facilities, such as Elias Ortiz & Company, follow strict infection control protocols, including proper sterilization of instruments and adherence to hygiene practices.
About Elias Ortiz & Company
Elias Ortiz & Company is a medical tourism facilitator based in Tijuana, Mexico, specializing in weight loss surgeries and other medical procedures such as dental and plastics. They offer a range of all-inclusive packages for procedures like gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass and are known for emphasizing patient care while offering other amenities such as a 5-star hotel stay, English-speaking staff, and airport pick-up and drop-off for a truly luxury experience.
The company is led by Dr. Elias Ortiz and industry veterans Janese Pitcher and Michele Riter. Dr. Ortiz is the chief bariatric surgeon who has performed over 26,000 bariatric surgeries and is an expert in his field with over 12 years of experience. He leads a team of several world-class bariatric surgeons at the Elias Ortiz & Company Surgical Center.
Kayla’s Success Story
Elias Ortiz and Company has numerous success stories that highlight the value of the company’s services, but Kayla Lavende’s story stands out the most. Kayla is a massive weight loss patient who lost 140 pounds through Elias Ortiz & Company. Her impressive transformation went viral on TikTok, achieving over 5 million views and inspiring millions of people around the world. Kayla’s transformation is an excellent example of the positive impact bariatric surgery can have on people struggling with obesity and weight loss.
Conclusion
Bariatric surgery is a life-changing surgery that provides immense weight loss with long-term benefits. If you are unable to afford the procedures in the USA or Canada or want to avoid long waiting times that can sometimes take several years, then trusting a medical tourism facility like Elias Ortiz & Company to expertly do your bariatric surgery is a smart financial and health investment.