Weight-Loss Surgery In Mexico? A Life Changing Experience For Mandy O’dell.

Mandy O’dell shares her life transforming experience with Mexicali Bariatric Center

In August 2012, I made a life altering decision to travel to Mexicali to have my sleeve completed by the most amazing team at Mexicali Bariatric Center. This was not a lighthearted decision. The decision to have the sleeve, in addition to having it performed in Mexico, was a very heavy decision. My life is invaluable and I was not willing to settle for anything less than the absolute best. After very extensive research, I made the decision to book my surgery.

Little did I know how much that decision would change my life.

I arrived in San Diego to be greeted by the kindest gentleman, as well as my “surgery partner”, whom I will always have an unspoken connection with. The ride to Almater Hospital was comfortable, even as nervous as I was, thinking I was going to get weight loss surgery the very next day. I was finally here and finally doing this.

Upon my arrival to the hospital, I was met by the Mexicali Bariatric Team, a group that I now know of as the most wonderful people. I met with all the doctors. They walked me through the entire process, answered all my questions, and made sure that I felt comfortable. And very importantly, it is vital to note that Almater Hospital is an outstanding hospital. Not a clinic, but a full hospital. And CLEAN. And beautiful. And the staff are polite. And I had US cell service!

Once all my testing had concluded, they took us to a VERY nice hotel where I enjoyed my “last meal”. I look back at this now and laugh, because I have returned on a few occasions and eaten the same meal. I haven’t eaten as much of it, but I have received the same satisfaction and fulfillment from consuming it. I realize now that this meal was not the end, but only the beginning for me.

The morning of the surgery went fast for me and before I knew it, I had a gastric sleeve. I immediately started trying to walk. I was surprised how well my recovery was going. The support and care I received from the team at Mexicali Bariatric was exceptional.

Mandy’s life returned to her after taking a difficult life decision.

Here I am, almost 4 years later, having lost 140 pounds and feel absolutely phenomenal.
That’s an entire me! Yay me!

I made this decision to get the gastric sleeve to change my life. When I made this decision, I thought I was making the decision to give up the food that I loved so dearly. That was painful. I had an eating disorder. I was addicted to food. It was the hardest decision of my life. How nonsensical that was of me. I’m not saying it wasn’t a valid fear, but knowing now what I do, I would not have had the hesitation that I did. I still have a food addiction, but it doesn’t damage me like it used to. My life has went on to offer me so much more fulfillment than it ever did before. I own my life now. It’s mine, I control it and I LOVE it!!!

Mandy is able to fit into one leg of her old pants.

I get choked up when I think of the gift that the team at Mexicali Bariatric Center has given me…My life back.

Thank you.
And thank you for always taking care of my loved ones that you have changed their lives as well…my husband, my sister, my cousins, my friends, my surgery partner and to all of the people that were affected by their having the gastric sleeve too. How fortunate we are. Changing lives is what you do!!