- Name: Lycette Oosterwolde
- Residence: Paramaribo, Suriname
- Diagnosis: Obesity
- Treatment: Sleeve Gastrectomy, 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 been an active and healthy individual, balancing her role as a dedicated mother with a successful career. However, as the years passed, her weight began to increase, leading to frustration, diminished self-esteem, and various health issues. She struggled with everyday activities such as climbing stairs and walking long distances, feeling out of breath and physically drained. Her attempts at weight loss through diets and exercise came to no avail, leaving her feeling trapped in her own body and hopeless about ever feeling “normal” again.
“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 treating obesity were limited. Lycette found it increasingly difficult to find a suitable solution for her condition. The medical treatments available were either too expensive or lacked the expertise she needed. On top of that, long waiting times and outdated procedures added to her frustration. After months of searching for answers, Lycette realized that the treatment she needed might not be available in her home country.
“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”
After reaching a breaking point, Lycette decided to look beyond her home country for a solution. She started researching medical tourism, spending countless hours reading about other people’s experiences and exploring her options. While the idea of traveling abroad for surgery was intimidating, with fears of potential complications and the language barrier, she knew that her only chance for change was to take this leap.
“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”
While searching for a trustworthy medical tourism provider, Lycette found PlacidWay. After reaching out to their consultants, she felt a sense of relief. PlacidWay guided her through the process, helping her find a highly reputable clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, where she could undergo sleeve gastrectomy. With the detailed information and support she received, Lycette felt more confident and hopeful about her decision to pursue surgery abroad.
“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”
Making the decision to travel for surgery was not an easy one. Lycette had to plan carefully, securing funds and making arrangements to leave her family behind. Finding the right financial solution was a struggle, requiring her to tap into her savings and rely on her family for support. The idea of traveling alone to a foreign country filled her with anxiety, and she was also concerned about overcoming the language barrier.
“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”
Upon arriving in Tijuana, Mexico, Lycette was both nervous and relieved. As she entered the clinic, she was greeted by a professional and attentive team that spoke English fluently. The clinic was modern, clean, and well-equipped. For the first time in a long while, Lycette felt reassured. The medical staff took the time to explain the sleeve gastrectomy procedure in detail, helping to ease her fears and make her feel comfortable.
“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 her surgery was a mixture of nerves, excitement, and relief. The surgery itself went smoothly, and the medical team was supportive and caring throughout the process. While there was some discomfort following the surgery, the care and attention she received made her recovery manageable. The medical team kept a close watch on her and were always available to address her concerns.
“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 wasn’t without its challenges. In the early days, Lycette experienced pain and had difficulty adjusting to her new diet. There were moments of homesickness, but she remained focused on her goal. As each day passed, the progress became more evident. She started to feel lighter, both physically and emotionally. The moment she was able to walk without getting winded was a turning point.
“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”
Upon returning to Suriname, Lycette’s family was overjoyed to see the transformation. She wasn’t just different physically, but emotionally as well. She felt stronger, healthier, and more energized. She could engage more with her family, participate in activities that were once impossible, and 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 showed her that sometimes the biggest challenges lead to the most rewarding outcomes. She encourages others considering traveling abroad for medical treatment to take that leap. She’s incredibly grateful for the support of PlacidWay, which helped make her journey smoother and gave her the courage to take the first step toward a healthier life.
“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.”
Ready for a Healthier Future? Get in Touch with PlacidWay Today!
Are you considering traveling abroad for treatment? PlacidWay is here to guide you through the entire process. Contact us today to learn more about your options and take the first step toward a healthier and happier life!
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.
