Finding Energy and Joy Again as a Librarian Through Gastric Balloon Surgery in Mexico

Hi everyone, I’m Shari, a librarian from Portland, Oregon. For years, my life was a quiet dedication to stories, information, and helping people find their next great read. But personally, my own story felt stuck on a particularly uninspiring chapter – one filled with low energy and a growing dissatisfaction with my weight. I loved the organized peace of the library, but my own body felt increasingly out of order.

The moment I truly acknowledged I needed a change wasn't a doctor's diagnosis, but a quiet, heartbreaking moment during story time. I was sitting on the floor, trying to engage with the kids, and I felt so incredibly uncomfortable and out of breath just from the effort of getting up and down. I saw a reflection of myself in the polished floor – someone tired, sluggish, and deeply unhappy with his physical appearance. My energy levels were constantly low, my knees ached after a few hours of walking the aisles, and I found myself declining invitations to do things I loved, like exploring Portland’s unique bookstores or even just a leisurely walk, because I was too self-conscious or too tired. The emotional toll was immense. I felt like I was losing myself, my spark, under the weight of it all.

I knew I needed to address my weight, but traditional diets always felt like a temporary fix, a cycle of losing and gaining that was emotionally exhausting. Surgery felt too extreme for me, too invasive. I was looking for something that could give me a jumpstart, a tool to help me regain control without going under the knife. I started researching different weight loss solutions, but the options in the US felt limited and incredibly expensive for what I was looking for, especially for something like a gastric balloon. I found myself thinking, "There has to be another way."

That’s when I stumbled upon the concept of medical tourism. It was something I’d vaguely heard about, but I'd never considered it for myself. I started doing a deep dive, reading everything I could find, cross-referencing information like I would for a research project. It was a lot to take in, but then I found PlacidWay. Their website was a godsend – so much clear information, organized in a way that resonated with my need for clarity and thoroughness.

They connected me with Dr. Marco Sariñana in Mexicali, Mexico. I was initially a bit apprehensive about going to Mexico, but PlacidWay provided me with all of Dr. Sariñana's credentials, information about his clinic, and patient testimonials that highlighted his expertise with the gastric balloon in Mexico. The estimated cost, around $3000, was a huge relief compared to the US prices, making it a truly viable option for me. It felt like I was finally finding a solution that fit my needs and my budget.

The travel day was surprisingly easy. Mexicali is a short drive from the border, and PlacidWay had arranged everything seamlessly, which really eased my nerves. When I arrived at Dr. Marco Sariñana's clinic, I was immediately struck by how welcoming and modern it was. The staff were fantastic, making me feel comfortable right away.

The gastric balloon insertion was a relatively quick and straightforward procedure. I was a bit anxious, but the team explained every step, and Dr. Sariñana himself was incredibly kind and professional. There was no surgery, just the placement of the balloon, and I was able to go back to my hotel the same day after a few hours of observation. The initial days were a little uncomfortable as my body adjusted to the balloon, but it was nothing severe, and I had clear instructions on how to manage it.

The recovery period was more about adjusting to a new way of eating and listening to my body. The balloon acted as a great tool, helping me feel full with smaller portions and truly understand what hunger felt like versus just habit. I spent a couple of days in Mexicali, and it was a pleasant, low-key experience. The clinic provided excellent follow-up support, and I felt well-prepared for managing the balloon once I returned home.

This experience hasn't just transformed my body; it's transformed my mindset. I'm more mindful about my choices, more appreciative of my health, and just generally more optimistic.