My name is Sheri Burke and I am the CEO of International Patient Facilitators and I would like to share a testimonial that I received for one of our patients who came to Cancun, Mexico for her Facelift and Blepharoplasty procedures with Fat Grafting to the Nasal Labial Folds with Plastic Surgeon Dr. Rafael Velasco at the Victoria Surgery Center: 1 800 210 5124

I am a 61 year old woman from the State of Washington.  I thought it was time I did something for myself at my age to feel better about myself.  After a very long search, I found Sheri Burke in Cancun, Mexico.  I had been corresponding with her for months and counting down the days until I met with her and her husband Erick.

The operation went well.  I had a Face and Neck Lift with Fat Grafting, Rhinoplasty, Blepharoplaasty and Tummy Tuck with liposuction. My surgeon was Dr. Velasco, he speaks english and from the information I found on him and also feed back from other clients there was excellent.  The Victoria Surgery Center is in the process of expanding their facility and the new suites are beautiful.  I also noted how gentle the nurses are when taking blood pressure, pulse and helping with showering.

Lastly, I have extremely high praise for Sheri Burke and her husband Erick for taking such good care of me since I came down there by mysself and was more than a bit scared but they supplied me with everything I needed and their offices are right across the court from the nice, roomy condo they provided for me.  I had the opportunity to have a room mate and for me, that was the best way to go.  The company was great.

Again, the customer service from Sheri and her husband Erick was top notch.

Thank you, Kathy M.  / Washington State.

Dr. Verboonen has been performing bariatric laparoscopic procedures for over 15 years.  He is one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in all of Mexico.  Here is a testimonial from a happy patient from New Zealand who flew to Tijuana, Mexico to have Dr. Verboonen perform his Gastric Plication Procedure.

This patient was scheduled through Sheri Burke and International Patient Facilitators.

JIM KING

I said if at age 60 I had jowels, saggy neck and mudflaps for eyelids I would get work done. Guess what. On March 14,2012 1 month before my 60th I had a facelift done. In Canada the cost would have been $25,00.00. I did research in depth and found an international clinic in Cancun Mexico that is highly recommended. I talked with ladies who had my procedure done and had high recommendations. So in 1 week I flew to cancun. My Doctor, Dr. Velasco, did a lot more. A brow lift, muscle released between the brows so the crease is not visible, upper lower eyelids, fat grafting under the eyes and in the nasal folds, lower face and neck lift. I am only 2.5 weeks and the results are amazing. In 6 months it will be better.  April /  alarkin101@gmail.com

For more information: 1 800 210 5124

I will be 46 on Feb. 27th. I am 4’10″ and weight around 130. I am muscular so the number on the scale doesn’t bother me, but I have always had an issue with my stomach. The first time I went to a plastic surgeon for lipo, I was 22. I have now had 2 kids.. both c-sections and I just carry all my weight in my mid-section. I am over it!

I researched the surgery here in Georgia and Alabama. I then started researching the surgery in Mexico and found that they offer such an amazing service, not to mention the price, I just had to schedule it. The surgery is on the 5th and I will spend 10 days in Mexico on a condo on the beach… included in the price. All medications, post op and pre-op stuff included as well as the meds and compression garment. also included is a maid at the condo. For those who may be leary about going overseas, just look at the reviews. Use a facilitator who will put everything together for you. I did extensive research regarding complaints and could not find a single one. I am scared.. and excited at the same time to finally be rid of this mid-section!  Dr. Velasco is my surgeon in Cancun

Updated on 26 Mar 2012:
Well, today I am 3 weeks post-op. I have to say that the surgery with Dr. Velasco and care I received in Cancun was better than any I received here in the states for the other surgeries I have had. The doctor is an expert at body contouring and he is even licensed in the U.S. to prescribe medications. He was fabulous and I would not hesitate to have somethng else done by him.

I have a defined waistline now. I am still swollen and still have to wear the compression garments for 3 weeks, but I can see the forest through the trees. The doctor did a lot more liposuction with the tummy tuck than I thought so the results are going to be fabulous!

I still walk a little hunched over. If I go out and walk a lot, I am almost completely upright, but once I sit and rest, I stiffen up.

I hardly took any pain medication even right after the surgery. The pain meds in Mexico are not quite as strong as we have here, but I didn’t really need them. I took 1 at bedtime just to make sure I slept. I would occassionaly take advil during the day for back pain caused by the hunching over.

My incision and belly button are hearing perfectly. No problems with either of those.

All in all… worth every penny!  Barbra /  bperkins_7@yahoo.com

For more information visit  this link   1 800 210 5124

watch?v=UWons_dzJjQ

Dr. Velasco is a top rate Plastic Surgeon in Cancun, Mexico.  He has been a Mexican Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for over 20 years.  He works together with many patients that come from Canada and the US for their cosmetic surgery.  It’s a great way to escape and have your surgery and recover before returning home.

The program that Dr. Velasco has in Cancun takes care of every detail for his patients from the flight arrangements to the airport pickups and all of the detailed scheduling that is involved.  His patients have their pre.op labwork performed on the same morning as their surgery.  All patients remain from 1 to 2 nights at the surgery center post op.  They are taken care of every step of the way.  They even have special beach front accommodations to recover in Cancun directly on the world famous hotel zone.  All these accommodations are privately owned condominiums with fully equipped kitchens and free wifi and comfortable recliner chairs to better their recovery.

For more information call 1 800 210 5124

Morbid Obesity and Bariatric Surgery VSG

Morbid obesity, also referred to as clinically severe obesity, is a chronic disease that afflicts approximately 9 million adult Americans. For comparison purposes, obesity affects twice as many patients as Alzheimer’s disease. If the entire morbidly obese population lived in one state, it would be the 12th largest state in the country. The health effects associated with morbid obesity are numerous and can be disabling. Often, individuals with morbid obesity suffer with more than one health effect, creating a situation that can shorten life span and negatively impact quality of life. Understand that you are not alone, and we are here to help you overcome this disease and put you on the track of a healthy life.

The many benefits of achieving appropriate weight and eating control are obvious. Everyone feels better physically and emotionally when his or her weight is under control. In addition, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, reflux, diabetes, cholesterol problems and other health problems have been demonstrated to be improved once weight loss is achieved. It is important to understand that weight loss should be gradual, sustained, and accompanied by careful attention to proper nutrition.

What is the Gastric Sleeve

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive form of weight loss surgery in which approximately 85% of the stomach is removed leaving a cylindrical or sleeve shaped stomach with a capacity ranging from about 60 to 150 cc, depending upon the surgeon performing the procedure. Unlike many other forms of bariatric surgery, the outlet valve and the nerves to the stomach remain intact and, while the stomach is drastically reduced in size, its function is preserved. The sleeve gastrectomy is not reversible.

Because the new stomach continues to function normally there are far fewer restrictions on the foods which patients can consume after surgery, albeit that the quantity of food eaten will be considerably reduced. This is seen by many patients as being one of the great advantages of the sleeve gastrectomy, as is the fact that the removal of the majority of the stomach also results in the virtual elimination of hormones produced within the stomach which stimulate hunger.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of the gastric sleeve lies in the fact that it does not involve any bypass of the intestinal tract and patients do not therefore suffer the complications of intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, anemia, osteoporosis, vitamin deficiency and protein deficiency. It also makes it a suitable form of surgery for patients who are already suffering from anemia, Crohn’s disease and a variety of other conditions that would place them at high risk for surgery involving intestinal bypass.

Below is a partial list of the complications patients must consider when thinking about proceeding with surgery. These complications will be listed on an operative consent form and will be reviewed prior to surgery.

Possible Complications:

• Cardiovascular Problems (especially with unidentified pre- existing heart disease): heart attack, stroke or death.

• Respiratory Problems: pneumonia, pulmonary embolus.

• Wound Problems: infection in wound (<5%), hernia development (1% for laparoscopic).

• Stomach/Intestinal Problems: leak from stomach or intestinal surgical sites requiring additional surgery, intestinal blockage (1-2%), stomal stenosis from scarring (1%), dumping syndrome (cramping bloating, diarrhea after eating).

• Nutritional Problems: excessive weight loss, vitamin and mineral deficiencies (may need ongoing medications or injections), hair loss, bone weakening, gallstones or kidney stones.

• Injury to Nearby Organs: spleen-splenectomy (<1%), significant liver-bleeding (<1%), or potential for transfusions (<5%).

During your surgery, your surgeon will check to see if your new connection has an air leak.

• This is done by filling your new pouch with air and your belly with saline. If there are air bubbles present, the anastomosis will be reinforced.

Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a clot that has traveled from another part of your body, usually your legs that blocks air from going in and out of your lungs. This is the most common early complication of surgery.

This is an emergency! Go straight to your local Emergency Room!

• Chest pain o Under the breastbone or on one side o Especially sharp or stabbing; also may be a burning, aching, or dull, heavy sensation o May get worse with deep breathing, coughing, eating, bending, or stooping (person may bend

over or hold his or her chest in response to the pain)

• Cough o Begins suddenly and may have some blood or blood-streaked sputum

• Rapid breathing • Rapid heart rate • Shortness of breath

o May occur at rest or during activity or it may start suddenly What you can do to prevent a Pulmonary Embolism

WALK, WALK, WALK!!!

The day of surgery, the nurses will have you walking in the halls. This will help to decrease the chance of a blood clot in your legs. You will also be given a dose of a blood thinner prior to surgery and after surgery. You will also use a compression device on your legs while lying in bed in the hospital to decrease the risk.

At home… WALK, WALK, WALK. Choose the bathroom furthest from your room. Resume your activities as directed.

Vitamin Deficiency

After your surgery, it is extremely important that you continue to take your vitamins as directed by your provider.

Calcium is necessary for maintaining bone strength Vitamin B12Nourishes the nervous system IronCarries Oxygen throughout the body

Without these vitamins… Calcium: ↑ risk of fracture Vitamin B12: ↑ risk for memory loss, numbness, paralysis Iron: ↑ risk for a stroke, heart attack or anemia

Please call your surgeon if you experience: o Redness at incision site o Increased tenderness or warmth at incision site o Fever >101.0 o Yellow or green discharge at incision site o Excessive swelling at incision site o If bleeding saturates the 2nd dressing

Recommended Vitamins

1. Multivitamin or Juice Plus

200% (RDA) Recommended Daily Allowance: Juice Plus + 1 multivitamin or 2 Multivitamins

2. Calcium 1500-2000mg/day + Vitamin D

Divide this into 3 doses per day Choose a brand that contains calcium citrate and Vitamin D3

3. Optional: B Complex

B-50 dosage or B-100 dosage

Dehydration

• It is very important that you drink 8 8oz glasses of water a day. • Dehydration may lead to hospitalization.

To prevent this…

Sip, Sip, Sip all day long! Wound Infection

After surgery, you will have multiple small incisions on your abdomen and in your belly button. You will have steri strips on these incisions.

We recommend that you clean your incision sites, especially your belly button with hydrogen peroxide or Alcohol pads at least once a day to prevent infection.

• Drainage is normal from your belly button, but if it is yellow or tan please contact your surgeon.

What to Expect after VSG Surgery

It is very important to follow the eating and drinking instructions starting right after the operation to allow the new stomach structure to heal completely and in the right position.

You will notice a difference in the amount and type of food you can eat. You will receive nutritional counseling to help show you the dos and don’ts. Since the amount of food you can eat will be much less, it becomes very important to eat the right types of food to be sure your body gets enough nutrients.

Exercise is important. Most people find that as the weight comes off after surgery, it becomes easier to exercise. Then, as they exercise more the weight comes off even more. It’s like a reverse snowball effect: as a snowball rolls downhill it goes faster and grows bigger – but instead of a snowball getting bigger, it is you getting smaller and healthier! We recommend that our patients exercise at least 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week.

It is reasonable to expect to lose about half of your excess body weight after Gastric Sleeve surgery. Most patients lose about 1 – 2 pounds per week. Most patients stabilize at their new lower weight between 3 and 5 years after surgery.

Weight-related medical problems may be alleviated or eliminated after weight-loss surgery. Such conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and weight related depression. Significant weight loss may also decrease your risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.

Helpful Rules to Effective Weight Loss

Rule 1: Eat only when you are hungry, and no more than three small meals a day.

Your new small stomach pouch can hold only about one-fourth of a cup of food. If you try to eat more than this at one time, you may become nauseated or vomit. If you routinely eat too much, the small stomach pouch may stretch. Frequent vomiting will cancel the effect of the operation and can also cause certain complications. To avoid this, you need to learn to listen to your body and stick to your plan.

Rule 2: Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.

Food can pass through your new stomach only if it’s been chewed into very small pieces. Always remember to take more time for your meals and chew your food very well.

Rule 3: Stop eating as soon as you feel full.

Once your stomach is full, your body receives a signal that you have eaten enough. It takes time, though, for you to become aware of this signal. If you rush through your meal, you may eat more than you need. This can lead to nausea and vomiting. Take time to enjoy every bite of your meal. Try to recognize the feeling of fullness-then stop eating at once.

Rule 4: Do not drink while you are eating.

The Gastric Sleeve can work only if you eat solid food during your three meals. You should not drink anything for 30 minutes after a meal. This allows you to keep the feeling of fullness as long as possible

Rule 5: Eat only good quality, nutritious food.

With the Gastric Sleeve, you should be able to eat only a small amount so the food you eat should be as

nutritious as possible. Follow the nutrition guidelines in the previous section and specific instructions from your surgeon and/or dietitian. Also, ask your doctor or dietitian before you take any vitamin supplements.

Rule 6: Avoid fibrous food.

Food that contains many fibers, such as asparagus, can cause the food to become stuck. That’s because you can’t chew this food well enough to break it up into small pieces and your saliva can’t break it down. Fibrous food should be avoided. If you would like to eat asparagus or other fibrous foods once in a while, then be sure to cook them well, cut them into very small pieces first, and then chew thoroughly.

Rule 7: Drink enough fluids during the day.

Drinking enough fluids is essential for staying hydrated and for flushing waste products out of your body. Individual needs will vary, but you should drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid a day. Remember: Drink only non-carbonated/zero calorie liquids such as water, tea, or coffee (without milk, cream, or sugar). Also, keep your food and drinks completely separate during the day.

Rule 8: Drink only low-calorie liquids.

Drinks, including those containing calories (milkshakes, sodas), simply run through the narrow outlet created by the Gastric Sleeve. If you drink liquids high in calories, you will lose little weight, even if you follow all of the other dietary guidelines.

Rule 9: Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

Since physical exercise consumes energy and burns calories, it is a very important part of any successful weight-loss program. Obviously, exercise can also help improve your general health. In addition to adopting a routine exercise program, you can increase your activity level in your everyday life. For example, stand rather than sit, walk rather than stand, be outside rather than inside, walk rather than drive, climb the stairs rather than use the elevator. If it’s too hot outside to walk, go to the mall. It’s as easy as finding a parking space away from the entrance to the mall and using the stairs, not the escalator! If you don’t have time before or after work, take ten minutes out of your lunch break and walk then. Remember that you should always check with your doctor about the amount and type of exercise that is best for you.

Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery

Two Weeks before Surgery

Start on a High Protein Diet. You need to purchase a protein shake mixture from any of your local grocery stores or Retail stores such as GNC, Wal-Mart, and Target. The protein shakes must be low is sugars and carbohydrate. Drink the protein shake for breakfast and a lean meat and vegetable for lunch and dinner. This will help shrink the liver prior to surgery. You may drink other liquid drinks (sugar free) in between the meal.

Pre-Operative Preparation

Preparation for bariatric surgery includes several steps to optimize a patient’s health in anticipation of an operation.

• Stop all carbonated beverages • Stop all beverages which contain caffeine • Begin a routine exercise program (consult your physician first) • Begin cutting food into small pieces and practice chewing very well • Stop any over the counter Herbal Supplements • Join a monthly support group

Begin the practice of not drinking with your meals. Stop drinking 30 minutes before you eat and do not drink again until 30 minutes after your eat. This will be a requirement following your surgical procedure and needs to become a lifetime habit.

2 Day Clear Liquid Diet Prior to Gastric Sleeve

You will need to consume clear liquids only for the 2 (Two) days prior to surgery. This would include:

Apple or other clear juice (juice without pulp)

Clear Broth (Chicken, vegetable or beef) Jell-O (any color is fine)

Morning of Surgery

After Surgery

You will be taken to the Recovery Room following surgery where they will monitor your respiratory status and other vital signs to be sure you are stable before sending you to the nursing unit.

You may experience pressure in your abdomen during your stay in the recovery room. This is a normal occurrence; however, you should notify your nurse of any discomfort that you may be experiencing.

When  you are stable and doing well (48 hours post op), you will be evaluated for discharge and given your post op tests.

BATHING:

Discharge Instructions

You may shower 48 hours after surgery. No tubs baths, swimming or hot tub use for 4 weeks following surgery.

DRESSINGS:

Keep the dressing dry for 48 hours after surgery. After 48 hours you may remove the top dressing and leave the steri-strips (thin white pieces of tape). These may get wet and will eventually fall off voluntarily. Your incisions should be cleaned once a day with Hydrogen Peroxide and a cotton ball or gauze. Clean the belly button (umbilicus) area with Hydrogen Peroxide or alcohol as long as it is draining. Do not put any Q-Tips into your umbilicus!

ACTIVITY:

You may resume usual self-care. You may drive when you feel you are able. No lifting, pushing, pulling or tugging over 25 lbs. for 4 weeks. Walking every day and using incentive spirometry at least 4 times a day (for 2 weeks) is very important.

MEDICATIONS:

Gas-X as needed up to 7 times per day. Liquid Imodium if needed or as directed for diarrhea. Tylenol Rapid Blast for mild pain. Follow package directions.

NO ASPIRIN, NO NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUG,

NO TIME RELEASED DRUGS

(Arthritis medication, Aleve, Motrin, Advil)

REMEMBER TO STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICATION FOR DIABETES THE DAY OF SURGERY.

HOWEVER CONTINUE TO CHECK YOUR SUGAR AT HOME. IF YOUR SUGAR INCREASES

ABOVE 150 CALL YOUR PRIMARY PHYSICIAN SO HE CAN MANAGE YOUR SUGAR.

REMEMBER TO CONTINUE TO TAKE ALL OF YOUR OTHER MEDICATIONS AND LET YOUR

PCP OR CARDIOLOGIST DECREASE THEM AS NEEDED.

SHERI BURKE/ INTERNATIONAL PATIENT FACILITATORS / 1 800 210 5124

Severe obesity damages the body by its mechanical, metabolic and physiological adverse effects on normal bodily function. These “co-morbidities” affect nearly every organ in the body in some way, and produce serious secondary illnesses, which may also be life-threatening. The cumulative effect of these co-morbidities can interfere with a normal and productive life, cause endless frustration and can seriously shorten life, as well.

• Shortened Life SpanThe cumulative effect of these co-morbidities can interfere with a normal and productive life, cause endless frustration and can seriously shorten life, as well.

• Dysmetabolic Syndrome XThis recently recognized syndrome, involving abdominal obesity, abnormal blood fat levels, changes in insulin sensitivity, and inflammation of the arteries, is associated with a markedly increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease.  It is also a precursor to the onset of Diabetes in adults.

• Heart DiseaseSeverely obese persons are approximately 6 times as likely to develop heart disease as those who are normal-weighted. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States today, and obese persons tend to develop it earlier in life, and it shortens their lives.  Coronary disease is pre-disposed by increased levels of blood fats, and the metabolic effects of obesity. Increased load on the heart leads to early development of congestive heart failure. Severely obese persons are 40 times as likely to suffer sudden death, in many cases due to cardiac rhythm disturbances.

• High Blood PressureEssential hypertension, the progressive elevation of blood pressure, is much more common in obese persons, and leads to development of heart disease, and damage to the blood vessels throughout the body, causing susceptibility to strokes, kidney damage, and hardening of the arteries.  If your doctor finds you have high blood pressure, the first thing he or she will recommend to you is weight loss…(but doctors have never been able to tell us how).

• High Blood CholesterolCholesterol levels are commonly elevated in the severely obese — another factor predisposing to development of heart and blood vessel disease.  This abnormality is not just related to diet, but is an effect of the massive imbalance in body chemistry which obesity causes.

• Diabetes MellitusOverweight persons are 40 times as likely to develop Type II, Adult-Onset, Diabetes. Elevation of the blood sugar, the essential feature of Diabetes, leads to damage to tissues throughout the body: Diabetes is the leading cause of adult-onset blindness, a major cause of kidney failure, and the cause of over one half of all amputations. It is the #4 cause of death in the United States.  Diabetics suffer severely from their disease, and once Diabetes occurs, it becomes even much harder to lose weight, because of hormone changes which cause the body to store fat even more than before.

• Sleep Apnea SyndromeSleep apnea — the stoppage of breathing during sleep — is commonly caused in the obese, by compression of the neck, closing the air passage to the lungs.  It leads to loud snoring, interspersed with periods of complete obstruction, during which no air gets in at all. The sleeping person sounds to an observer like he is holding his breath, but the sleeper is, himself, usually unaware that the problem is occurring at all, or only notices that he sleeps poorly, and awakens repeatedly during the night. The health effects of this condition may be severe, high blood pressure, cardiac rhythm disturbances, and sudden death. Affected persons awaken exhausted and often fall asleep during the day — sometimes even at the wheel of their car, and complain of being tired all the time. This condition really has a high mortality rate, and is a life-threatening problem.

• Obesity Hypoventilation SyndromeThis condition occurs primarily in the very severely obese — over 350 lbs. It is characterized by episodes of drowsiness, or narcosis, occurring during awake hours, and is caused by abnormalities of breathing and accumulation of toxic levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. It is often associated with sleep apnea, and may be hard to distinguish from it.

• Respiratory InsufficiencyObese persons find that exercise causes them to be out of breath very quickly, during ordinary activities. The lungs are decreased in size, and the chest wall is very heavy and difficult to lift. At the same time, the demand for oxygen is greater, with any physical activity. This condition prevents normal physical activities and exercise, often interferes with usual daily activities, such as shopping, yard-work or stair climbing, making even ordinary living difficult or miserable, and it can become completely disabling.

• Heartburn – Reflux Disease and Reflux Nocturnal AspirationAcid belongs in the stomach, which makes it to help digest your food, and it seldom causes any problem when it stays there. When it escapes into the esophagus, through a weak or overloaded valve at the top of the stomach, the result is called “heartburn”, or “acid indigestion”. The real problem is not with digestion, but with the burning of the esophagus by the powerful stomach acid, getting to where it doesn’t belong.. When one belches, the acid may bubble up into the back of the throat, causing a fiery feeling there as well. Often this occurs at night, especially after a large or late meal, and if one is asleep when the acid regurgitates, it may actually be inhaled, causing a searing of the airway, and violent coughing and gasping.

  This condition is dangerous, because of the possibility of pneumonia or lung injury. The esophagus may become strictured, or scarred and constricted, causing trouble with swallowing. Approximately 10 – 15% of patients with even mild sporadic symptoms of heartburn will develop a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which is a pre-malignant change in the lining membrane of the esophagus, a cause of esophageal cancer.  The incidence of this type of cancer is increasing in the United States, in parallel with the increase in obesity.

• Asthma and BronchitisObesity is associated with a higher rate of asthma, about 3 times normal.  Much of this effect is probably due to acid reflux (described above), which can irritate a sensitive airway and provoke an asthmatic attack.  The improvement of asthma after surgery is often very dramatic, even before much weight loss has occurred.

• Gallbladder DiseaseGallbladder disease occurs several times as frequently in the obese, in part due to repeated efforts at dieting, which predispose to this problem. When stones form in the gallbladder, and cause abdominal pain or jaundice, the gallbladder must be removed. 

• Stress Urinary IncontinenceA large heavy abdomen, and relaxation of the pelvic muscles, especially associated with the effects of childbirth, may cause the valve on the urinary bladder to be weakened, leading to leakage of urine with coughing, sneezing, or laughing. This condition is strongly associated with being overweight, and is usually relieved by weight loss.

• Degenerative Disease of Lumbo-Sacral SpineThe entire weight of the upper body falls on the base of the spine, and overweight causes it to wear out, or to fail. The consequence may be accelerated arthritis of the spine, or “slipped disk”, when the cartilage between the vertebrae squeezes out. Either of these conditions can cause irritation or compression of the nerve roots, and lead to sciatica — a dull, intense pain down the outside of the leg. We do not recommend or endorse any specific tools, products, or procedures for resolving your back pain but we do recommend you educate your self and explore your options for treating your back pain.

• Degenerative Arthritis of Weight-Bearing JointsThe hips, knees, ankles and feet have to bear most of the weight of the body. These joints tend to wear out more quickly, or to develop degenerative arthritis much earlier and more frequently, than in the normal-weighted person. Eventually, joint replacement surgery may be needed, to relieve the severe pain. Unfortunately, the obese person faces a disadvantage there too — joint replacement has much poorer results in the obese, and complications are more likely. Many orthopedic surgeons refuse to perform the surgery in severely overweight patients

• Venous Stasis DiseaseThe veins of the lower legs carry blood back to the heart, and they are equipped with an elaborate system of delicate one-way valves, to allow them to carry blood “uphill”. The pressure of a large abdomen may increase the load on these valves, eventually causing damage or destruction. The blood pressure in the lower legs then increases, causing swelling, thickening of the skin, and sometimes ulceration of the skin.  Blood clots also can form in the legs, further damaging the veins, and can also break free and float into the lungs — called a Pulmonary Embolism — a serious or even fatal event.

• Emotional/Psychological IllnessSeriously overweight persons face constant challenges to their emotions: repeated failure with dieting, disapproval from family and friends, sneers and remarks from strangers. They often experience discrimination at work, and cannot enjoy theatre seats, or a ride in a bus or airliner. There is no wonder, that anxiety and depression might accompany years of suffering from the effects of a genetic condition — one which skinny people all believe should be controlled easily by will power.

• Social EffectsSeriously obese persons suffer inability to qualify for many types of employment, and discrimination in employment opportunities, as well. They tend to have higher rates of unemployment, and a lower socioeconomic status. Ignorant persons often make rude and disparaging comments, and there is a general societal belief that obesity is a consequence of a lack of self-discipline, or moral weakness. Many severely obese persons find it preferable to avoid social interactions or public places, choosing to limit their own freedom, rather than suffer embarrassment.

  Sheri Burke/ International Patient Facilitators / 1 800 210 5124

Cancun, Mexico has become one of the leading destinations for fertility tourism. Many countries have laws prohibiting some Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures, however in Mexico legality is not an issue. Many English-speaking doctors and fertility specialists in Mexico have either been trained or educated in the United States and have experience with medical tourists. For many patients, combining IVF treatment with a vacation in Mexico can help them relax during the IVF process.

Benefits of infertility treatment in Mexico

Cost: Financing fertility treatment is usually the biggest obstacle for Americans and Canadians seeking IVF or other methods of assisted reproductive technology. Health insurance plans rarely cover the costs of infertility treatments – only about 15 health insurance companies include the costs of fertility clinics in their policies.  In the US, costs of traditional IVF can rise as high as $20,000 and this price increases if additional treatment methods, such as ICSI or PGD are combined with in vitro fertilization. Fertility clinics in Mexico uphold the same treatment standards as the US but treatment costs are much lower. Including flights, costing between $200-400 USD and accommodation, many couples find that having fertility treatment in Mexico can save them up to 50% on prices at home.

Convenience: Traveling to Mexico is relatively easy for Americans and Canadians. Crossing the border does not require a visa, only a passport ,  and travel time between the furthest point, NYC and Mexico no more than 4 hours. Couples may be able to start the IVF procedure at home before traveling and limit the time needed to stay in Mexico as induction of ovulation and stimulation of the ovaries can be started using fertility drugs before the patient arrives in Mexico.

Sheri Burke / International Patient Facilitators / 1 800 210 5124

Medical tourism facilitators are professionals who match consumers and patients with the best medical providers available –  and do the case management necessary to insure the best possible customer experience.  This is the experience you will have when choosing to organize your medical procedures through International Patient Facilitators in Cancun and Tijuana, Mexico.

Medical tourism facilitators should add to the value chain of a consumer’s experience.

And the truth is some very reputable medical tourism companies don’t charge you a dime over what the hospital or physician charges you; they make their money off the entire tourism package or off of commissions that the facilities pay out of their advertising budgets.

The end result is consumers should actually save money, over all, by working with a medical tourism company.  They should also have a better organized and well rounded experience.

Sheri Burke / International Patient Facilitators / 1 800 210 5124