Joanna Pagan Gastric Sleeve in Tijuana with Dr. Maytorena

Name: Joanna Pagan

Residence: California, United States

Procedure: Gastric Sleeve

Treatment Country: Mexico

Clinic: Obesity Bariatric Surgery by Dr. Jorge Maytorena

Facilitator: PlacidWay

Introduction

My name is Joanna Pagan, and I live in sunny California. For as long as I can remember, I've been fighting a tough battle with my weight. It wasn't always this way. In my early twenties, I could eat whatever I wanted without gaining a pound. But after having kids and hitting my thirties, the pounds just kept piling on, no matter what I tried.

I tried everything you can think of - low-carb diets, juice cleanses, those trendy meal delivery services, and even some pretty crazy fad diets I'm now embarrassed to admit. Nothing worked for long. I'd lose 10 pounds, feel great for a week, then gain back 15. It was like being stuck on a roller coaster I couldn't get off.

How I Discovered Gastric Sleeve Surgery

After years of trying every diet and exercise plan I could find, I felt stuck. Nothing seemed to work for me long-term. I would lose some weight, but then gain it all back, plus more. I was tired all the time and my doctor kept warning me about my health risks.

One day while searching online, I came across something called "gastric sleeve surgery" on PlacidWay.com. I had heard about weight loss surgeries before, but I didn't know much about them. This one caught my eye because people were sharing stories about how it changed their lives.

What Made Me Consider Surgery

The more I read about gastric sleeve, the more I thought it might be right for me. This surgery would remove part of my stomach, making it smaller. With a smaller stomach, I would feel full faster and eat less food.

What I really liked was that unlike some other weight loss surgeries, the gastric sleeve didn't reroute my digestive system. It seemed simpler and safer to me. Plus, I read that it helps reduce hunger hormones, which was exactly what I needed since I always felt hungry no matter what.

Finding Hope in Others' Success

I spent weeks reading stories from other people who had gastric sleeve surgery. Many of them struggled just like me for years. Seeing their before and after pictures and reading how their health improved gave me hope. Maybe this could be my answer too!

I joined some online groups where I could ask questions to people who already had the surgery. They were so helpful and open about their experiences, both the good parts and the challenges. This made me feel less alone and more confident about my decision.

Why I Chose Dr. Jorge Maytorena

After months of research about gastric sleeve surgery, I needed to find the right doctor who could help me change my life. I kept seeing the name Dr. Jorge Maytorena pop up in my searches. His clinic, Obesity Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana, had so many happy patients sharing their stories online.

Why I Trusted Dr. Maytorena

The more I learned about Dr. Maytorena, the more I knew he was the right choice for me. He went to good medical schools and has done thousands of weight loss surgeries. I watched videos of him talking about the surgery, and he explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. He seemed to really care about his patients.

The Price Made Sense

Let's be honest - cost was a big deal for me. In California, this same surgery would have cost me over $20,000, even with insurance helping out. At Dr. Maytorena's clinic in Tijuana, the whole thing cost only $4,600! This price included everything - the surgery, staying in the hospital, medicine, and even transportation from the airport to the clinic. I could actually afford this without going into debt.

I checked with PlacidWay, which helps people find good medical care in other countries. They had lots of info about Dr. Maytorena's clinic and helped me understand that going to Tijuana for surgery wasn't scary. They even helped me plan my trip and answered all my questions.

My Surgery Experience with Dr. Maytorena

The day of my surgery finally came, and I was a mix of nervous and excited. Dr. Maytorena and his team at Obesity Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana were amazing from the moment I arrived. They made me feel so welcome and calm. The clinic was super clean and looked just like the nice hospitals we have back home in California.

Dr. Maytorena came to see me before the surgery and explained everything one more time. He answered all my questions and really helped calm my nerves. I felt like I was in good hands. The surgery itself went smoothly - I was asleep the whole time and woke up feeling a bit sore but not in terrible pain like I feared.

After my gastric sleeve surgery, the nurses checked on me all the time. They helped me walk around a bit on the first day, which they said was important for healing. Dr. Maytorena visited me twice a day to make sure I was doing OK. He showed me my before and after stomach pictures on his iPad, which was cool to see!

The clinic staff taught me what foods to eat during recovery and gave me a simple eating plan to follow when I got home. They made sure I understood each step of my recovery before letting me leave. They even helped arrange a comfortable ride back to San Diego after I was released.

The best part was that even after I came home to California, Dr. Maytorena's team kept in touch through email and video calls. Whenever I had questions about what foods to eat or if something felt weird, they always got back to me quickly. Having this support while I got used to my new stomach made a huge difference in my recovery.

My Advice to Others

After my gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Jorge Maytorena in Tijuana, my life changed in ways I never imagined. I've lost over 80 pounds since the surgery, and my health has improved so much. Before, I couldn't walk up stairs without feeling out of breath. Now I go hiking on weekends! My blood pressure is normal, and I no longer need diabetes medication. The best part is waking up with energy instead of feeling tired all day. Shopping for clothes is fun again, and I feel like a new person inside and out.

What I Want You to Know

If you're thinking about gastric sleeve surgery, I want you to know it's okay to be scared. I was terrified! But this was the best choice I ever made for myself. The surgery isn't magic – you still need to eat right and exercise. But it gives you the tool you need to finally succeed. Don't wait years like I did. Your health is worth every penny of the cost.

Finding the Right Doctor

When looking for a surgeon, don't just focus on price. I researched for months before choosing Obesity Bariatric Surgery clinic and Dr. Maytorena. Look at before and after photos from real patients. Join online groups and read reviews. Ask the clinic about their success rates and complication rates. Make sure they include follow-up care. When I visited medical tourism sites like PlacidWay, I found helpful information about clinics in Mexico that saved me thousands compared to U.S. prices while providing excellent care.

My Top Tips for Success

Start changing your eating habits before surgery. This makes everything easier after. Bring a friend or family member with you for support during your trip. Follow all the doctor's instructions exactly – even when they seem strict. Join a support group online or in person. Having people who understand what you're going through makes a huge difference. And be patient with yourself, the weight doesn't all come off overnight, but it does come off!