Ready 4 for a Change - Dr Zapata
Another great article written by World Medical Resources
Dr Zapata's listing on World Medical Resources:
http://www.worldmedicalresources.com/healthcare-providers/dr-miguel-angel-zapata-martinez-bariatric-surgery-lap-band-gastric-band-sleeve-gastrectomy-monterrey-mexico.html
The only thing more important than choosing which type of bariatric surgery is right for you is choosing the surgeon who will complete the procedure. If you’re considering having your bariatric procedure in Mexico, one surgeon of particular interest to Americans or other medical travelers may be Dr. Miguel Zapata.
The Staff Dr. Zapata is board-certified by the Mexican Council of General Surgery and is a member of the International Federation for Surgery of Obesity (www.ifso.com) and the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (www.asbs.org) where his credentials were verified prior to granting membership. (Potential medical tourists should always verify credentials independently, either by contacting the proper organizations or authorities or using an independent verification service).
However, his credentials aren’t the only reason to consider surgery with Zapata. Dr. Zapata and his team are committed to complete patient education and well-being. Patients who contact Dr. Zapata will immediately be assigned a qualified counselor who will work with them through the entire process, even before they’ve committed to surgery. They will receive complete information packets about the possible surgical procedures and even receive information about travel in Mexico.
In addition to patient counselors, the professional team includes an anesthesiologist, a plastic surgeon, and a psychologist, so all of a patient’s needs can be addressed. There are links on the facility’s website to online support groups, so each patient can receive peer support before and after surgery, which is vital to a successful procedure. These support groups are very important resources for potential patients. While you may have supportive friends and family, some people may not be as understanding and may even try to sabotage your efforts.
The Facilities The surgeries are performed at the Hospital CIMA Santa Engracia, which is affiliated with the Baylor Institute in Dallas, Texas, and is soon to be accredited by the Joint Commission International. It is important that patients receive care at a full-service hospital, rather than at a surgical center, as patients who qualify for bariatric procedures often have other medical conditions that could require the assistance of other medical professionals, such as a cardiologist.
Dr. Zapata is also affiliated with two exceptional hotel facilities to ensure that patients and travel companions are comfortable during their stay. Though the patient is welcome to choose their own hotel, packages include limited hotel accommodations at either the Four Points Sheraton Galerias Monterrey or Courtyard by Marriott Galerias Monterrey. Both hotels offer a multitude of guest conveniences, including free internet access. And because Mexico uses the same type of electrical outlets that are in use in the US, patients can bring electronic devices such as laptops and CD/DVD players to pass the time without the need of an adaptor. (Please note that patients are encouraged to pack as lightly as possible because there will be some discomfort when returning home that may make it difficult to carry heavy bags. Patients should become familiar with hotel amenities to avoid bringing unnecessary items, and may wish to bring books on CD, which are lighter than hardcopies.)
The Packages Potential patients can find detailed information on the packages available at www.ready4achange.com. Packages are inclusive of all medical costs and some amenities. They include standard required hospital stays, minimum hotel accommodations, post-operative nourishment and nutritional information, and all required ground transportation within Nuevo Leon. Each package also includes the individual procedure’s required pre-operative testing, the cost of the materials for surgery, anesthesiology, operating and recovery suites, all required medications and the post-operative X-ray.
Each patient will get 24-hour support from the US- and Mexico-based staff before and after surgery and the ongoing nutritional support required for success. There is also some accommodation provided for traveling companions. Patients should be prepared to pay for additional nights at the hotel and transportation for Monterey’s excellent sight-seeing and shopping.
The Facts Having surgical procedures, such as bariatric surgery, performed in Mexico is much cheaper than having procedures performed in the US. However, Alma Orozco, one of Dr. Zapata’s patient counselors, cautions against bargain shopping, whether in the US or abroad. Surgery of any kind is serious business, and reputable physicians may have to charge more because they aren’t cutting corners. You’re getting a better price in Mexico because surgery is commonly cheaper there – if a surgeon is significantly less expensive than others in the area, patients should be suspicious.
Patients can obtain a guide for choosing a reputable bariatric surgeon from their patient coordinator. Additionally, they will receive the contact information of past patients of Dr. Zapata, who they’re encouraged to contact for a reference. Choosing a surgeon in Mexico is no different than choosing one in the US - patients should do their research and should not commit to surgery until they’re satisfied with the doctor’s qualifications and credentials and have had all of their questions answered.
The Preparation Before leaving, patients should have a general exam performed by their US physician. Even though the pre-operative testing will be performed by Dr. Zapata and his staff, it is best if the patient finds out about any possible complicating factors before their trip. If something unexpected is discovered in Mexico, patients may have no choice but to return home without having the surgery performed.
Patients should also pay close attention to the information provided by their patient coordinator with regard to passports and travel in Mexico. Not having all the necessary travel documents could put a premature end to an otherwise successful procedure. While the cost isn’t included in your package, Dr. Zapata’s team is affiliated with a travel coordinator with significant experience with the area and some patients find that this reduces the stress they feel prior to leaving and may contribute to a smoother overall experience.
Dr Zapata's listing on World Medical Resources:
http://www.worldmedicalresources.com/healthcare-providers/dr-miguel-zapata-bariatrics-surgeon-lap-band-gastric-band-sleeve-gastrectomy-monterrey-mexico.html
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