Patient Demographics

• Patient Name: Nicole Alberts
• Age: 42 Residence: United States
• Profession: High School Teacher
• Diagnose: Morbid Obesity
• Treatment: Weight Loss Surgery (Gastric Sleeve)
• Treatment Destination: Mexico
• Cost: $7,000
• Medical Tourism Facilitator: PlacidWay

My name is Nicole, and for as long as I can remember, my life has been a silent struggle with my weight. I?m a high school English teacher, and I love my job more than words can say. I get to spend my days with teenagers, watching them discover the power of a good story. But for years, I felt like my own story was getting shorter, more limited. My world started shrinking. Simple things like walking up the stairs at school became a monumental effort. My joints ached constantly, and my blood pressure was through the roof.

The diagnosis wasn?t a surprise, but it still hit me like a ton of bricks. My doctor sat me down and, with a gentle but firm tone, told me I was pre-diabetic and at a high risk for heart disease. He used the term ?morbidly obese.? It felt so cold, so clinical, but it was the truth. My body was failing me, and my weight was the reason. The fear was overwhelming. I had always been the strong one for my students, but I felt so weak and vulnerable. My biggest fear wasn't about the number on the scale; it was the thought of not being there for my family or seeing my students grow up.

I knew I needed to take drastic action. I looked into weight loss surgery in the U.S., but the reality was a punch to the gut. The cost was astronomical, even with insurance, and the wait times were months, even a year or more. I didn?t have that kind of time. My health was getting worse, and every day felt like a countdown. I felt trapped and hopeless. It was a dark, frustrating time.

My research started with a simple Google search: weight loss surgery abroad. I was skeptical at first, but the more I looked, the more I saw stories of people just like me who had found success through medical tourism. I came across PlacidWay. Their website was so easy to navigate, and the patient stories felt real and personal. I took a deep breath and filled out their online inquiry form.

The next day, I got a call from a PlacidWay representative. Her name was Maria, and she was an angel. She didn?t just talk about clinics and costs; she listened to my fears and concerns. She made me feel like I wasn't just another case file. She explained everything about the gastric sleeve procedure and what to expect. She helped me compare clinics in Mexico, showing me detailed information about the surgeons' qualifications and patient reviews. The transparency was what sold me. I wasn?t flying blind; I was making an informed, confident decision.

"When Maria from PlacidWay spoke to me, I didn?t feel like a statistic. I felt like a person. She understood my fears and was so patient. That human connection was everything."

The travel part was nerve-wracking, but PlacidWay made it so smooth. They handled all the logistics?the airport transfers, the clinic appointments, everything. I flew into San Diego and was met by a driver who took me across the border to Tijuana. I was a little nervous at first, but the medical facility was beautiful. It was state-of-the-art, and the staff was so warm and professional. It felt just as safe, if not safer, as any hospital I had been to in the U.S.

The procedure itself was a whirlwind. I went in for the gastric sleeve surgery, and the team was amazing. The surgeon had a calming presence and walked me through every step. The recovery was surprisingly manageable. I stayed in the hospital for a few nights, and the nurses were so attentive. They were always there to check on me, bring me water, and make sure I was comfortable. I felt cared for and supported the entire time.

"I'll never forget the kindness of the nurses in Mexico. They held my hand and talked me through the post-op pain. I wasn?t just a patient; I was a person they genuinely wanted to help heal."

My recovery continued for a few days in a nearby hotel, and I was able to take short, gentle walks. I saw the city a little and realized how much more there was to the world than my fear. When I returned home, I was down 15 pounds already. Over the next year, with the help of a new diet and exercise plan, the weight just melted away. My blood pressure is normal, I?m no longer pre-diabetic, and my energy is through the roof. I can walk up the school stairs without getting winded and even play tag with my nieces and nephews. My story is no longer shrinking; it?s expanding.

Choosing to have bariatric surgery in Mexico was the best decision I've ever made. PlacidWay didn't just connect me with a clinic; they guided me through a life-changing journey. They were a bridge to a healthier future, making the impossible seem possible. For anyone out there who feels like I did?trapped and out of options?I want you to know that there's a different path. PlacidWay is more than a service; they?re a partner in your transformation.

Disclaimer: The narratives presented here reflect the true experiences of individuals, though names have been altered to ensure privacy. These stories are intended to offer information and inspiration but should not replace professional medical guidance. Outcomes and experiences can differ widely from person to person. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare professionals before making any medical choices, as they can provide tailored advice and support for your unique health needs.

Hey everyone,

I never thought I'd be writing something like this, but I guess I just need to put it out there. My whole life, I've struggled with my weight. It wasn't just about appearance--it was about feeling trapped in a body that didn't feel like my own. I've tried everything: diets, exercise plans, even those expensive weight-loss programs that promise results but never seem to work for me. Every time I'd lose a little, I'd gain it all back, sometimes even more.

The worst part? The way people look at me. The judgment, the stares, the unsolicited advice from strangers who think they know what's best for me. I've avoided mirrors, skipped social events, and even turned down opportunities because I was too ashamed of how I looked. I tried so hard to love myself, but it's been an uphill battle.

I know surgery isn't an easy way out, but after years of failed attempts, I think it's my best shot at finally living the life I want. I've been researching bariatric surgery in Mexico, especially in Tijuana since I've heard the cost is way more affordable than in the U.S. and that there are some really reputable clinics. I came across places like Renew Bariatrics. Does anyone here have experience with them or other weight loss clinics in Tijuana? I'm nervous but also hopeful.

If you've been through something similar, I'd love to hear your experience. How did you choose the right clinic? Was it safe? And most importantly - how did you feel after? I just want to know that there's light at the end of this tunnel.

Thanks in advance for any advice. It means the world to me.

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I sent my information to a bariatric surgeon in Mexico for a revision of my RNY/Gastric bypass. I have some medical problems, but a revision will help with my kidney functions and help me lose weight to qualify for a kidney transplant. They said they wouldn't do it. They didn't explain why, however, after going to the California Department of Managed Health Care Independent Medical Review. It was determined that the revision was medically necessary and forced Kaiser to do the revision within 90 days. I guess that Mexico is only for the straightforward type run run-of-the-mill revisions. Not equipped to deal with other type of cases. Beware!

I have just returned from Dr Hidalgo Bariatrics in Tijuana. I had a RNY in 2011(Mexico Puerto Vallarta) and due to stricture development my US surgeon wanted to revise to DS. My insurance only paid for the sleeve part of it. So under dr advice did revision with hopes of doing in 2 part(commonly done) so we went ahead with sleeve and gall bladder removed. Long story short only lost about 17 pounds(2018) of over 100 regain and insurance would not pay for part 2 to the full DS. Found out my old surgeon from PV partner had opened own practice in Tijuana: Dr Hidalgo Bariatrics. Contacted him and just completed the SADI -S revision. 2/10/23. Feel great, fantastic care. If you want a trusted surgeon contact him for revision. You can message me if want further details. He is on Facebook.