How Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico Gave Me Back My Life and Confidence

Hi, I’m Estebania, and for most of my adult life, I've been a librarian, surrounded by stories and knowledge, yet feeling increasingly trapped in my own body. Life in Columbia, USA, was good, but my weight... it was like a shadow that just kept growing. I was 48, and every year, the numbers on the scale crept higher, bringing with them a host of unwanted guests: Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, and a constant ache in my knees that made even shelving books a struggle.

I remember the day my doctor looked at me with that gentle, concerned gaze and said, "Estebania, we need to talk about bariatric surgery." It wasn't a surprise, not really. I'd tried everything – every diet, every exercise fad, you name it. But hearing it out loud, that I was so far gone that surgery was the only real option, it hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart pounded, a mix of fear and a tiny, tiny spark of hope. Could this actually be it? A real solution?

My mind instantly went to the costs in the U.S. I knew weight loss surgery here was incredibly expensive, often well over $20,000, and my insurance only covered a fraction, if anything. The wait lists were also daunting. Friends had waited a year or more just for a consultation, let alone the surgery itself. I didn't have that kind of time, not with my health deteriorating so rapidly. The thought of continuing to struggle, to slowly lose my mobility and my zest for life, was truly terrifying.

That's when I started looking into medical tourism. I’d heard snippets on TV, read a few articles, but I always thought it was for other people. Desperate, I typed "affordable bariatric surgery abroad" into my search bar. PlacidWay popped up almost immediately. Their website was so clear, so detailed, and they had so many options for bariatric surgery in Mexico at prices that seemed… well, unbelievably low compared to the U.S. I found Dr. Cristobal Garza’s clinic in Cali, and the total estimated cost for a gastric sleeve was under $5,000. It felt like a miracle.

I filled out their online inquiry form, not really expecting much, but within hours, a PlacidWay representative, Requel, called me. She was just incredible. So patient, so understanding. She walked me through everything, from the different bariatric procedures like gastric bypass and gastric sleeve to the logistics of travel, accommodation, and post-operative care. She even helped me understand how my existing health conditions would be managed. It wasn't just a transaction; it felt like she genuinely cared about my well-being.

The travel day arrived, and honestly, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. It was my first time traveling alone for something so significant. But the minute I landed in Cali, the PlacidWay team had everything sorted. A friendly driver was waiting, whisking me away to a comfortable, pre-arranged hotel. The clinic itself, Dr. Garza's, was modern, clean, and felt incredibly safe. The medical staff spoke excellent English, and they were so warm and professional. My pre-op tests were thorough, and Dr. Garza himself was very reassuring, answering every single one of my questions, no matter how small. He explained the gastric sleeve procedure in detail, making sure I understood everything that would happen.

The surgery itself was a blur, but I remember waking up feeling… different. Not in pain, just a new sensation of lightness. The nurses were attentive, constantly checking on me. I was up and walking around the hospital halls the very next day. The recovery was surprisingly smooth. I spent about a week in Cali, slowly introducing liquids and soft foods, all while under the watchful eye of the clinic’s nutritionists and nurses. PlacidWay had even arranged for a short city tour, allowing me to see some of Cali's vibrant culture, which helped distract me from my recovery and lifted my spirits. It wasn't just about the surgery; it was about the whole experience.

Coming home was surreal. My clothes were already too big, and the feeling of fitting into old favorites was exhilarating. The most incredible part, though, was the energy I had. The joint pain was diminishing, and my blood sugar levels were starting to normalize. I was walking more, moving more, living more. My colleagues at the library noticed the change immediately. It wasn't just the weight loss; it was the newfound confidence, the sparkle in my eyes that had been missing for years.

If you're reading this, and you're struggling with your weight, feeling trapped and hopeless like I was, please consider medical tourism. And please, absolutely reach out to PlacidWay. They are more than just a facilitator; they are truly partners in your journey to health. From the very first phone call to guiding me through my recovery, they were there, every step of the way. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made, and I am forever grateful for the life-changing opportunity they provided.