Worldwide attention has been focused on the long term effects of obesity, as well as the cost of treating obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, just to name a few.

Bariatric or obesity surgeries in the U.S. can cost between $17,000 and $30,000. Unfortunately, in the U.S., many if not most weight loss or bariatric surgical procedures or obesity treatments are not covered by normal medical insurance.

Nevertheless, those traveling to global destinations may enjoy savings of tens of thousands of dollars in such locations as Mexico, South America and India. Accredited, state-of-the-art equipment and technology are making global obesity surgeries popular, common, and affordable in the 21^st century.

Lap banding, also known as Laparoscopic Gastric Banding (LAGB), involves a silicone band placed around the entrance to the stomach. Patients might expect a 50 to 75% weight loss of 50 to 90 pounds in about 2 years.

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is also known as stomach stapling. Surgical staples section off a small portion of the upper part of the stomach. Many individuals who choose this type of procedure are generally able to lose roughly 50% of excess weight within about 2 years.

Sleeve Gastrectomy is performed for those with a body mass index over 50. A major portion of the stomach is removed in this procedure. A person may expect to lose between 30 and 35% of their initial body weight, or roughly 40 pounds in about a year.