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Overview
The Lap Band procedure is a minimally invasive surgery designed to help people lose weight. The procedure is reserved for severely obese individuals over the age of 18 who have a body mass index of 40 or more. The surgery has proved to be an excellent solution for those who suffer from life-threatening obesity. However, the high cost of the procedure has many people crossing the border to Mexico for the benefit of reduced medical fees.
Significance
Choosing to have your Lap-Band surgery performed in Mexico has the potential to save you thousands of dollars. After all related expenses have been factored in, the procedure typically starts at $13,000 in the United States. Compare that to a starting price tag of about $8,000 in Mexico, and it's easy to see why some people decide to have their procedure performed outside of the country.
Considerations
However, before contacting a Mexican medical facility it is important to factor in additional expenses. Chief among these are the costs related to travel, including airline tickets, hotel stay, car rental. You could roll the procedure into a family vacation and these expenses might become negligible. Otherwise, you'll be happy to know that the procedure typically only requires a one-night stay. Of course, this will mean that you'll lack the benefits associated with post-operative care that is routinely provided by Lap-Band surgeons.
Insurance
Another important consideration when weighing the cost of having a Lap-Band procedure performed in Mexico is insurance coverage. When deemed as a medical necessity, a growing number of Lap-Band surgeries are covered by health policies. However, most health policies do not cover procedures performed out of the country. Therefore, it is important to understand your medical coverage and how it may affect your out-of-pocket expenses.
Warning
Whether or not your insurance provider covers the Lap-Band procedure, it may be safer to have your procedure performed in the United States. This is because you have more legal rights as an American citizen when your medical procedure is performed within the country's borders. If the Mexican facility improperly implants the Lap-Band, you likely will have very limited courses for legal action.
Expert Insight
If you are considering having a Lap-Band procedure done in Mexico, it is important that you carefully weigh the pros and cons. Though likely to be less expensive, complications and other outcomes could not only negatively affect your bank account, but your health, as well. Take the time to discuss your options with knowledgeable professionals, seek advice from friends and family, and eventually you'll reach a decision that meets your needs.
