Lycette’s Sleeve Gastrectomy Journey in Mexico

Lycette Oosterwolde's Journey for Sleeve Gastrectomy in Mexico

Name: Lycette Oosterwolde
Residence: Paramaribo, Suriname
Diagnosis: Obesity
Treatment: Sleeve Gastrectomy, Obesity/Bariatric Surgery
Treatment Country: Mexico
City: Tijuana
Clinic: PlacidWay Medical Tourism
Facilitator: PlacidWay

"I Just Wanted to Live a Normal Life" – A Life Slowly Slipping Away

Lycette Oosterwolde had always led an active life before the struggles of obesity took over. A mother and a dedicated worker, she balanced her career and family life with a sense of pride and accomplishment. However, over the years, her weight started to slowly creep up, and with it came feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and health concerns. Despite trying numerous diets and exercise routines, the weight continued to impact her quality of life. Simple tasks like climbing stairs or walking for long periods left her breathless. She felt trapped in her own body, and with every failed attempt at losing weight, the hope of ever feeling "normal" again seemed to fade.

"Before everything changed, I just wanted to feel healthy again, to live the life I had before without struggling with my weight every single day."

The Pain of Finding Treatment at Home – "I Felt Hopeless"

In Suriname, the options for effective obesity treatment were limited. Lycette’s frustration grew as she faced challenges finding a solution that could help her regain control over her health. The medical options available were either too expensive or didn’t offer the expertise she needed. The waiting times were long, and the treatments were not as advanced as what she read about in other countries. After months of research, it became clear that she would have to look beyond Suriname to find a solution.

"I had so many unanswered questions. It felt like no one in my country could offer a real solution. I was so frustrated, and the longer I waited, the more hopeless I became."

Searching for Hope – "There Had to Be Another Way"

Lycette reached a breaking point. She realized that in order to reclaim her health, she would have to seek treatment abroad. She spent hours researching her options, scanning forums, reading about other people’s experiences, and contemplating her fears. Traveling to another country for surgery seemed daunting. There were so many uncertainties—What if something went wrong? What about the language barrier? The distance from her family was another worry, and she wasn’t sure if she could afford the cost.

"I was terrified to leave everything behind and travel so far for surgery. But I knew I had to try. I couldn’t live like this anymore."

Finding PlacidWay – "A Light in the Darkness"

Lycette stumbled upon PlacidWay during her search for a reliable medical tourism provider. After speaking with a PlacidWay consultant, she felt a sense of relief. They guided her through the entire process, helping her find a reputable clinic in Tijuana, Mexico that specialized in sleeve gastrectomy. The reassurance and detailed information provided by PlacidWay made her feel supported. For the first time in a long while, she felt hopeful that she had made the right decision.

"When I spoke to PlacidWay, everything felt so much clearer. They helped me understand what to expect and reassured me that I wasn’t alone in this journey. I could finally see a path forward."

The Struggles of Preparing for the Journey – "Every Step Felt Like a Battle"

The decision to travel for surgery was not easy, but it was necessary. Lycette had to carefully plan everything: securing the funds, dealing with the logistics, and making arrangements to leave her family behind. It was a challenge to find the right financial solution—she had to tap into her savings and rely on family support to make the trip possible. The thought of traveling alone, to a foreign country, filled her with anxiety. The language barrier was another fear she had to overcome.

"I was overwhelmed. From getting the money together to booking flights, it felt like I was constantly facing an uphill battle. But deep down, I knew this was my only chance."

First Impressions at the Clinic – "I Finally Felt Safe"

Arriving in Tijuana, Mexico, was both nerve-wracking and relieving. Upon entering the clinic, Lycette immediately felt a sense of calm. The staff were professional, attentive, and spoke English fluently. She was greeted warmly, and the entire medical team made her feel at ease. The clinic was clean, modern, and well-equipped. It was clear that she had made the right choice. The medical team was kind and took the time to explain the procedure, easing her fears.

"When I stepped into the clinic, I knew I was in good hands. Everything was so organized, and the doctors were amazing. I felt like I was finally in the right place."

The Treatment Process – "A Rollercoaster of Emotions"

The day of the surgery arrived, and Lycette was filled with a mix of emotions—nervousness, excitement, and a sense of relief. The procedure itself was smooth, and the medical team was incredibly supportive throughout. After the surgery, she experienced some discomfort, but the care she received made the recovery process more manageable. She was monitored closely, and the medical staff were always there when she needed them.

"I won’t lie, the surgery was tough, and recovery wasn’t easy. But I felt surrounded by people who genuinely cared for me. That made all the difference."

Recovery – "A New Beginning, But Not an Easy One"

The road to recovery was filled with challenges. Lycette experienced some pain and discomfort in the first few days, and adjusting to a new diet was tough. There were moments when she felt homesick, but she kept reminding herself why she made this decision. With every passing day, the progress became more evident. She started to feel lighter, both physically and emotionally. The first time she took a walk without feeling winded was a monumental moment.

"It wasn’t easy, but seeing the first signs of progress—like being able to walk without losing my breath—was the moment I knew it was all worth it."

Returning Home – "A Different Person"

When Lycette returned home, her family was overjoyed to see the transformation. Not just physically, but emotionally as well. She felt stronger, healthier, and ready to embrace life with a renewed energy. She could engage more with her family, do activities she once thought impossible, and overall, feel like herself again.

"Returning home was like waking up from a long nightmare. I felt like a new person, and my family saw it too. I was finally able to live the life I had always wanted."

A Message to Others – "Don’t Let Fear Stop You"

Lycette’s journey taught her that sometimes the greatest challenges lead to the most rewarding outcomes. For anyone considering traveling abroad for treatment, she urges them to take the leap. She’s grateful for the support of PlacidWay, which made her journey smoother and gave her the courage to make life-changing decisions.

"Don’t be afraid to seek help, even if it means traveling far from home. If you’re scared, just remember that you’re not alone. PlacidWay made everything easier for me, and I’m so glad I took that first step."

Call to Action about PlacidWay:

If you’re considering medical tourism for your treatment, trust PlacidWay to help guide you through the process. Reach out to PlacidWay today for more information and take the first step towards a better, healthier future.

Disclaimer:

This is a personal story shared to inspire others considering medical tourism. Experiences and results may vary for each individual. Always consult a medical professional before making any health-related decisions.