Life-Changing Weight Loss Surgery in the Bahamas

March 26, 2013 - PRLog -- NASSAU, Bahamas– According to the World Health Organization, worldwide there are over 1 billion overweight people.  Of those, 34% are significantly, and even morbidly obese and would qualify for weight loss surgery.

Pricing on medical procedures in the United States continues to skyrocket. The average bariatric surgery today costs $18,000 to $35,000, depending on the procedure.  This pricing includes the surgery alone and does not include the pre- and post-operative appointments, doctor visits and follow-ups.

Finding an insurance company willing to cover the costs of bariatric procedures is a difficult task for most Americans. However, some insurance companies have recognized the benefit of bariatric and gastric bypass surgeries as a preventive measure against conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, knee and joint damage and more. All of these conditions can be directly related to, or aggravated by obesity. Gastric bypass surgery is a viable option for those that suffer from these chronic, often life-threatening issues. Yet there are still many insurance companies that will not cover gastric bypass surgery, or will only cover a small percentage of the total costs.

If your insurance company is one of the carriers that cover the costs of gastric bypass surgery, you may still need to pay your deductible portion of the expense. Since there are various forms of gastric bypass, from the Roux-en-Y to Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, the expense will vary according to the procedure. Insurance policy deductibles often amount to 20% of the total price for care.  For a $35,000 bariatric procedure, a standard 20% deductible could result in $7,000 in patient fees.

At the Bahamas Medical Center in Nassau, Bahamas affordable bariatric surgery is available and easily accessible. The Bahamas Medical Center offers four successful weight loss surgeries for obese patients: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass, Laparoscopic Gastric Banding, Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve and Laparoscopic Gastric Plication Surgery. Using state of the art equipment and advanced laparoscopic techniques, bariatric patients at the Bahamas Medical Center will find the best in weight loss surgical care at prices that reflect deep savings over most U.S. bariatric surgery prices.

Dr. Charles Diggiss, Chief Medical Officer and lead surgeon of the bariatric surgical program at the Bahamas Medical Center, is a leader in laparoscopic advanced applications including bariatrics, in the Bahamas. “We are proud of our advanced bariatric surgery program. We offer patients their choice of surgeon and procedure as well as participation in our comprehensive weight loss solutions program.  We provide world class care for patients seeking a more affordable permanent weight loss option,” explains Diggiss. “We are confident that our bariatric surgery program is a strong option for North Americans seeking a customized approach to sustained weight loss at affordable prices.”  

At the Bahamas Medical Center, bariatric surgery candidates will find an affordable alternative to the high-priced bariatric surgery options available in the U.S. Price comparisons show 50% savings and more when compared to the same surgical procedures available in the U.S.  For patients who satisfy the selection criteria for surgery and travel but whose health insurance is inadequate or will not cover bariatric procedures, these tremendous savings offer almost immediate hope.  Patients with health insurance may be comfortably surprised to find a comparable quality of medical care and outstanding personal service at the Bahamas Medical Center.  Many patients and their families choose to enjoy a relaxing vacation in the Bahamas before or after the procedure.

“We receive many calls from potential patients asking if their insurance carrier will cover their surgery ‘outside the U.S.’,” says Sakina Sands, the International Patient Coordinator at BMC. “Many patients are surprised to learn that the Bahamas Medical Center accepts many different U.S insurance carriers.  The only way to find out is to give us a call.  Many patients are happy to learn that our facilities are only a 30-minute flight from Miami.  In addition to our proximity, we’ll pick patients up at the airport and will also arrange for all of their local appointments and transfers between the hotel and the medical center.  This high level of personal service is always a pleasant surprise for our patients.”

The Bahamas Medical Center also offers the service of a Medical Concierge, who provides patients with written quotations for medical services, and assists with flights, hotels and things to do and see in the Bahamas, which is consistently listed by U.S. News Travel as one of the “World’s Best Places to Visit,”.

“This is our wonderful opportunity to provide life-changing surgery for obesity in an environment that promotes retreat, rest and reflection,” offers Dr. Diggiss. “Our patients love to say how their ‘new healthy life’ began in the Bahamas. We look forward to working with more local and international patients who decide in earnest to begin this journey from obesity to health in the Bahamas.”

About Bahamas Medical Center:

The Bahamas Medical Center is a division of Doctors Hospital Health System in Nassau, Bahamas. Doctors Hospital Health System also operates Doctors Hospital which is the only hospital in the English-speaking Caribbean to be accredited by the Joint Commission International, representing the highest standards in international medical care. The Bahamas Medical Center is a full-service hospital which caters to the needs of international patients by offering the high-quality medical services of world-renowned specialists. Located on the western side of Nassau, the Bahamas Medical Center is conveniently located near the international airport, popular tourist hotels and the beach. For more information or to speak with a concierge regarding a medical vacation, please call toll-free at (866) 277-5054 or visit www.BahamasMedicalCenter.com.

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