How a Gastric Balloon in Tijuana Helped Me Rediscover My Health and Run with My Granddaughter

My name is Faye Smyth, and I'm 52 years old, enjoying a quieter life after years crunching numbers as an accountant in Cleveland. Retirement was supposed to be about long walks in the park, maybe some light gardening, and enjoying my grandkids. Instead, my reality was increasingly limited by my weight. At 5'3" and struggling with every movement, my knees constantly ached, and even simple tasks like climbing stairs became monumental. My BMI was around 33, and while not morbidly obese, my quality of life was severely impacted.

The turning point came when my youngest grandchild, Lily, asked me why I couldn't run with her in the park. My heart just sank. I'd tried diet after diet, but nothing seemed to stick. The thought of bariatric surgery always felt too drastic, too invasive, and honestly, a bit scary. Plus, the cost in the U.S. for any kind of weight loss procedure was astronomical, and my insurance didn't cover "lifestyle" procedures. I felt stuck, caught between wanting to live a full life and feeling physically unable to. The fear of continuing down this path, becoming even more immobile and missing out on precious moments, was a constant gnawing anxiety.

I started doing some research online, cautiously, about non-surgical options. That's when I stumbled upon the concept of a gastric balloon. It sounded like a less aggressive approach, a tool to help me kickstart a healthier lifestyle without the permanence of surgery. As I dug deeper, I kept seeing references to medical tourism and the significantly lower costs of gastric balloon in Mexico. It felt like a long shot, but I was desperate for a solution that didn't involve emptying my retirement savings.

I found PlacidWay's website and was immediately impressed by the clear information and the emphasis on patient care. I decided to fill out their inquiry form, asking specifically about the gastric balloon procedure and Dr. Jorge Maytorena’s clinic in Tijuana, which had excellent reviews. Within a day, I received a call from David at PlacidWay. He was incredibly kind and patient, walking me through the entire process. He explained that a gastric balloon is a temporary device, usually in for six months, designed to help you feel full faster and manage portions. He clarified the all-inclusive package cost of $3,500, which was a fraction of what I'd been quoted at home. He also reassured me about Dr. Maytorena's experience and the clinic's high standards. He made me feel like I wasn't just another case, but a person they truly wanted to help.

The journey to Tijuana was surprisingly smooth. PlacidWay arranged all the transfers, and I felt safe and supported from the moment I landed. The clinic itself was top-notch – modern, clean, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. Dr. Maytorena was everything I'd hoped for. He had a wonderful bedside manner, listened attentively to my concerns, and explained the gastric balloon insertion process in detail. It's a non-surgical procedure, done endoscopically, which greatly eased my anxieties.

The procedure itself was quick, under light sedation, and I was back at my hotel room within a few hours. The first couple of days were a bit uncomfortable, with some nausea and cramping as my stomach adjusted to the balloon, but the clinic provided medication that really helped. I was on a liquid diet initially, gradually moving to soft foods. PlacidWay had arranged a local coordinator who checked in on me daily, making sure I had everything I needed. Their support was invaluable.

Over the next few months, with the gastric balloon in place, I found it so much easier to control my portions. I wasn't constantly battling hunger, and that allowed me to focus on healthier food choices and gradually increase my activity levels. I started with short walks around the block, then longer ones, and soon I was enjoying those walks in the park with Lily, even if I wasn't quite running yet! The weight started to come off steadily, about 30 pounds in total, which for me, was a massive achievement and changed my outlook entirely.

When it was time for the gastric balloon removal, the process was just as smooth as the insertion. I felt lighter, more agile, and truly empowered. I had learned so much about portion control and mindful eating, habits I knew I could maintain long-term. My knees felt better, my energy was up, and I no longer felt like my body was holding me captive.

If you're considering a gastric balloon or any form of weight loss treatment and are feeling overwhelmed by the costs or options at home, please, please reach out to PlacidWay. They are truly exceptional. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care made what could have been a stressful journey incredibly easy and positive. Thanks to them and Dr. Maytorena, I'm now running with Lily, and that, to me, is priceless.