Choosing Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Tijuana Transformed My Health and My Future

Hola, I'm Faviola Vasquez, and I run a cozy little café here in Charleston, United States. For years, my life revolved around the aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries, but ironically, my own health was crumbling. At 32, I found myself weighing over 250 pounds. My days were a constant struggle with severe acid reflux that burned like fire, and nights were tormented by sleep apnea, making me wake up gasping for air. Even simple tasks at the café, like lifting sacks of coffee beans or standing for long hours, became incredibly difficult.

The moment my doctor told me I had morbid obesity and that my health was in serious danger, it was like a cold splash of water. He recommended sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, as the most effective path forward. The idea of such a major operation, where a significant part of my stomach would be removed, filled me with a mixture of terror and a desperate hope. I knew something had to change, but the thought of surgery was overwhelming. My biggest fear was not being there for my family, especially my two children, if my health continued to deteriorate.

In the U.S., while excellent bariatric surgery options exist, the costs are simply prohibitive for someone like me, a small business owner without a large corporate insurance plan. We're talking tens of thousands of dollars, easily over $20,000, and my personal insurance barely covered anything beyond emergency care. 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 a friend told me about medical tourism, specifically to Mexico, where she knew someone who had a successful weight loss surgery. I was hesitant at first, but decided to explore online. I stumbled upon PlacidWay and saw they specialized in connecting patients with bariatric surgery options abroad. I filled out their inquiry form, asking about sleeve gastrectomy and looking for clinics with excellent reputations.

Within a day, I received an email, followed by a call from a PlacidWay representative named Isabella. She spoke perfect Spanish, which instantly put me at ease. Isabella was an absolute godsend. She listened patiently to my fears, my medical history, and my concerns about traveling alone. She explained the entire sleeve gastrectomy procedure in detail, clarifying how it would address my acid reflux and sleep apnea. She then presented me with options, including Alice Beauty Clinic which is top gastric sleeve clinic in Tijuana, which came highly recommended for bariatric procedures and had an estimated cost of $7,500, a price that was within my reach. She walked me through everything: the pre-operative tests, the travel arrangements, the recovery period, and even how post-operative care would be handled back in Charleston. Her professionalism and warmth truly calmed my anxieties.

The journey to Tijuana was surprisingly smooth, thanks to PlacidWay's meticulous planning. A friendly driver met me at the airport and took me directly to a comfortable hotel near the clinic. Alice Beauty Clinic was incredibly modern and reassuringly sterile. The medical team was attentive and kind, and the surgeon had a very calming demeanor. He reviewed all my tests, answered my questions about the sleeve gastrectomy, and made sure I felt completely prepared.

The surgery itself went very well. I woke up feeling groggy but not in pain, just a strange sensation of internal change. The nurses were wonderful, constantly checking on me, ensuring I was comfortable and well-hydrated. I was up and taking small walks the very next day, which was encouraged to aid recovery. I spent several days at the clinic, carefully following the post-operative diet of liquids, and gradually progressing to pureed foods. The nutritionists at the clinic were amazing, giving me detailed instructions and advice for my return home.

During my recovery in Tijuana, PlacidWay even arranged for a short, gentle outing to a nearby market, allowing me to experience a bit of the local culture without overexerting myself. It was a nice break and helped keep my spirits up.

Coming back to Charleston, I felt like a different person. The first few weeks were an adjustment, learning new eating habits and listening to my body. But the results were almost immediate. My acid reflux, which had plagued me for years, disappeared! And for the first time in a long time, I was sleeping soundly, no more gasping for air. The weight started to melt off, and with each pound, I gained more energy and mobility. I could stand for longer at the café, play with my children without getting winded, and generally enjoy life again. My confidence soared.

If you are in Charleston, or anywhere in the U.S., and are struggling with obesity and considering bariatric surgery like a gastric sleeve, please, do not hesitate to contact PlacidWay. They are truly dedicated to their patients, making what seems like an impossible journey, perfectly achievable. They connect you with top-tier clinics like Alice Beauty Clinic and handle all the details, allowing you to focus on your health. My life has been transformed, and I am eternally grateful for their support.