How Sleeve Revision Surgery in Mexico Helped Me, a University Administrator, Take Control of My Health Again

My name is Fara Sal, and I'm 49 years old, working as a university administrator in Halifax, Canada. Life in academia is dynamic, but my own body had become a static, frustrating burden. Years ago, I had a gastric sleeve surgery here in Canada, and for a while, it was a miracle. I lost significant weight, my health improved, and I felt great. But over time, slowly, insidiously, some of the weight crept back on. I found myself battling severe acid reflux again, and the mobility issues were returning. It was disheartening, to say the least, to feel like I was backsliding.

The thought of needing another procedure was terrifying. My doctor in Halifax suggested options, but the reality of the Canadian healthcare system for revisional bariatric surgery meant incredibly long wait times – sometimes years – and even then, it wasn't always covered if the initial surgery was considered successful, even with weight regain. The emotional toll of trying to navigate this within Canada was immense; it felt like a silent failure, and I was deeply anxious about falling back into old habits, knowing the health risks.

I remembered hearing about medical tourism from a colleague who had traveled for dental work. The idea of going abroad for something as complex as a sleeve reduction or sleeve folding felt daunting, but I was desperate for a faster, more affordable solution. I typed "sleeve revision surgery Mexico" into my search bar, and PlacidWay came up immediately.

I filled out PlacidWay's online form, explaining my history with the gastric sleeve and my interest in a sleeve reduction or sleeve folding procedure. Within a day, I received a call from Daniel at PlacidWay. He was incredibly empathetic and knowledgeable. He understood my concerns about weight regain and the complexity of revisional surgery. Daniel explained that Dr. Cristobal Garza in Piedras Negras, Mexico, specialized in revision gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico, often using techniques like Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), which is sometimes referred to as sleeve folding or a less invasive sleeve reduction. He provided me with a clear estimate, around $7,000, which was far more manageable than anything I could find at home. Daniel went over all the details – the pre-op requirements, the travel logistics from Halifax, the recovery process, and the post-operative support. He made me feel incredibly confident and supported, answering every single one of my questions with patience and expertise.

My journey to Piedras Negras was smooth and well-coordinated. PlacidWay arranged all the transfers, and I felt safe and comfortable every step of the way. Dr. Cristobal Garza's clinic was impressive – modern, clean, and the staff were incredibly welcoming and professional. Dr. Garza himself was exceptional. He reviewed my medical history thoroughly, including my previous surgery, and explained the sleeve reduction process to me in detail. He confirmed that in my case, an Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (often called sleeve folding) would be an excellent option to reduce the stomach's capacity non-surgically, by suturing the stomach to create a tighter sleeve. This felt like the perfect, less invasive solution I was hoping for.

The procedure was performed endoscopically, which meant no new incisions, a huge relief. I was under general anesthesia, and it was over before I knew it. The recovery was much quicker than my initial gastric sleeve. I had some mild discomfort and nausea for the first day or two, but it was easily managed. The nurses at the clinic were attentive, and the nutritionists provided clear guidelines for my liquid diet, gradually progressing to soft foods. PlacidWay's local support team also checked in regularly, ensuring I was comfortable and that my recovery was on track.

Coming back to Halifax, the change was almost immediate. The acid reflux, which had been a constant torment, significantly improved, and my appetite was dramatically reduced. I felt full on much smaller portions, just like after my original surgery. The scale started to move downwards again, and with each pound, my confidence and energy returned. I started enjoying long walks again, felt more active at the university, and the fear of backsliding began to fade, replaced by a renewed sense of control and optimism.

If you're in Canada, like me, and facing challenges with obesity or weight regain after previous bariatric surgery, and you're frustrated by wait times or costs, I cannot recommend PlacidWay enough. They are genuinely committed to helping you find the right solution. They connected me with a brilliant surgeon like Dr. Cristobal Garza and handled all the intricate details, making what could have been an overwhelming process feel incredibly smooth and secure. Thanks to them, I'm now confidently managing my health and looking forward to a vibrant, active future.