Ryan's Journey: Why He Chose Gastric Bypass Surgery in Mexico Over Canadian Healthcare

My name is Ryan, and for most of my adult life, I’ve been a software developer. But while I could solve complex problems at work, I couldn’t solve my own health struggles. At over 300 pounds with a BMI of 41, I faced knee pain, shortness of breath, and medications for high blood pressure and pre-diabetes.

At just 35, I felt decades older. I avoided social situations, worried about chairs that could hold me, and struggled to keep up on simple walks. After years of failed diets and exercise, I began seriously considering gastric bypass surgery.

My doctor in Toronto referred me to a bariatric program, but the waitlist was two to five years. Private surgery in Canada cost over $25,000—completely out of reach. My health was declining, and I knew I didn’t have time to wait.

My wife, Sarah, started researching alternatives, and that's how we discovered medical tourism. The idea of going abroad for a major surgery was initially intimidating. We had a million questions: Is it safe? Will the doctors be qualified? What about the aftercare? That’s when we found PlacidWay. Their website was a goldmine of information, with detailed profiles of clinics and surgeons, and genuine testimonials from other patients. I filled out their contact form, not really expecting much, but within a day, a PlacidWay representative named Maria called me back. Maria was incredible. She listened to my story with empathy and explained everything without making me feel rushed or judged. She walked me through the process of getting a gastric bypass in Mexico. She helped me compile my medical records and set up a virtual consultation with my doctor. The clinic was a top-tier facility. The cost estimate, including the surgery, hospital stay, and follow-up care, was around $12,000 USD. It was a fraction of the cost in Canada, and the wait time was virtually non-existent. The decision was a no-brainer.

The travel to Mexico was surprisingly smooth. PlacidWay had arranged everything, from the airport pickup to my stay. The clinic was immaculate, and the staff was professional and warm. The doctor spent a significant amount of time with me, explaining the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedure in detail. He made me feel completely at ease. The surgery itself was a success, and the recovery was managed with exceptional care. The nurses were attentive, and I was up and walking around the day after the procedure. It was a completely different experience than I had imagined. Now, six months post-surgery, my life has been completely transformed. I've lost over 90 pounds. I'm no longer on medication for blood pressure. My pre-diabetes is gone. I can go for walks without getting winded and play with my kids without pain. My relationship with food has changed for the better, and I've learned to make healthier choices. My confidence has skyrocketed, and I'm a more present father and husband. PlacidWay didn't just help me get a surgery; they gave me a second chance at life. They were the crucial link that connected me to the care I desperately needed but couldn't get at home. I’m so grateful I chose to trust them with my journey.