- Name: Stephanie Hiol
- Residence: Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Diagnosis: Obesity
- Treatment: Bariatric Surgery
- Treatment Country: Mexico
- Clinic: Obesity Bariatric Surgery by Dr. Jorge Maytorena
- Facilitator: PlacidWay
- Treatment Time: 1 to 3 Months
“I Just Wanted to Live a Normal Life” – The Struggles of Obesity
Stephanie Hiol was a vibrant and active woman, balancing her career and family life in Yaoundé, Cameroon, with great pride. However, as the years went by, her weight began to increase, and with it came frustration, low self-esteem, and a host of health issues. Despite trying countless diets and exercise routines, the weight never budged. Simple activities like walking or climbing stairs became increasingly exhausting, and Stephanie felt trapped in her own body. The dream of living a “normal” life seemed to slip further away with each failed attempt at weight loss.
“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 Struggles of Finding Treatment at Home – “I Felt Hopeless”
In Cameroon, Stephanie found that the options for effective obesity treatment were limited. The medical treatments available were either prohibitively expensive, lacked the necessary expertise, or had long waiting times. Frustrated by the lack of viable solutions at home, she spent several months searching for an alternative. After much consideration, it became clear that the help she needed could not be found in her 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”
Reaching a point of desperation, Stephanie made the decision to look for treatment abroad. The thought of undergoing surgery in a foreign country, away from her family, filled her with dread. She spent hours reading through online forums and researching people’s experiences, but the uncertainty and fear of the unknown made the decision difficult. What if something went wrong? What about the language barrier? Would she be able to afford the surgery? Despite her fears, Stephanie knew she had to try something different to regain control of her health.
“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”
Stephanie discovered PlacidWay during her search for a medical tourism provider. After reaching out to PlacidWay, she was connected with Dr. Jorge Maytorena’s clinic in Mexico, which specialized in bariatric surgery. The reassurance and detailed information provided by PlacidWay gave Stephanie a sense of clarity and support. For the first time in months, she felt hopeful that she had found the right solution for her weight loss journey.
“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.”
Preparing for the Journey – “Every Step Felt Like a Battle”
While Stephanie was determined to improve her health, the journey to make it happen was anything but easy. She had to carefully plan everything: securing the necessary funds, arranging travel logistics, and making preparations to leave her family behind. The financial aspect was a challenge, and Stephanie had to rely on her savings and family support to make the trip possible. The thought of traveling alone to a foreign country, along with the language barrier, was overwhelming, but Stephanie pushed through her fears, knowing this was her only chance for a better future.
“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”
When Stephanie arrived at Dr. Maytorena’s clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, she was both anxious and relieved. As soon as she stepped into the clinic, she felt a sense of calm. The staff were professional, attentive, and spoke English fluently. The clinic was modern, clean, and well-equipped, which made Stephanie feel confident that she had made the right choice. The medical team was kind, and they took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure, easing her worries and making her feel at ease.
“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”
On the day of surgery, Stephanie was filled with a mix of emotions—nervousness, excitement, and a sense of relief. The procedure went smoothly, and the medical team was incredibly supportive throughout the process. After the surgery, Stephanie experienced some discomfort, but the care and attention she received made the recovery process more manageable. The medical staff was always there for her, providing constant reassurance and monitoring her recovery closely.
“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 recovery process was challenging, especially in the first few days when Stephanie experienced pain and discomfort. Adjusting to her new diet was also a tough hurdle. There were moments when Stephanie felt homesick and overwhelmed, but she kept reminding herself why she made this life-changing decision. Over time, she started noticing progress. She felt lighter, both physically and emotionally. The first time she walked without feeling winded was a huge milestone, and it reassured her that the journey was worth it.
“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 Stephanie returned home to Yaoundé, her family was overjoyed by the transformation—not just physically, but emotionally as well. Stephanie felt stronger, healthier, and ready to embrace life with renewed energy. She could participate in activities she once thought impossible and reconnect with her family in ways she hadn’t been able to before. She felt like a new person, both inside and out.
“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”
Stephanie’s journey has shown her that overcoming the greatest challenges often leads to the most rewarding outcomes. She encourages anyone considering traveling abroad for medical treatment to take the leap. With the help and support of PlacidWay, she was able to make a life-changing decision and embark on a journey to better health.
“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 New Beginning? Connect with PlacidWay Today!
If you are considering medical tourism to improve your health, PlacidWay is here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step toward a healthier, happier future.
Disclaimer:
This personal story is 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.
