From New Zealand to New Life: 71-Year-Old Kiwi Lady's Bariatric Surgery Reviews in India
Introduction: Meet Our Kiwi Patient
At 71, most people dream of slowing down, sipping tea on the porch, and maybe growing tomatoes. But not our patient guest, Ms. Rhoda Johnston. This spirited lady from New Zealand decided she wasn't going to let her health take control of her life, not without a fight.
With a sharp wit, a warm smile, and more determination than most half her age, Ms. Rhoda set off on a bariatric surgery medical tour to India that would not only change her body but also redefine what it means to take your health into your own hands.
What followed was a bold decision, a little bit of nervous laughter, a whole lot of planning, and a cross-continental adventure that led to one of the best decisions of her life.
In this candid and uplifting bariatric surgery reviews India, follow Ms. Rhoda as she shares her journey, from contemplating bariatric surgery in India and choosing IndiCure Health Tours, one of the trusted medical tourism facilitators, to arriving in vibrant Mumbai, undergoing her bariatric procedure, and walking the road to recovery with grace, humour, and plenty of Kiwi charm.
Ms. Rhoda's Life Before the Bariatric Surgery
In January 2025, life handed Ms. Rhoda a rather unwelcome surprise: a series of health scares that left her rattled and deeply reflective. At 71, she had already been managing several chronic health conditions, but this sudden downturn forced her to face a tough truth: her weight was no longer something she could ignore.
"I had a little health scare," she shared candidly, "and it really shook me. That's when my husband and I sat down and had a talk, the kind of talk where you either change your life, or your life changes you."
Like many others in New Zealand and across the developed world, Ms. Rhoda soon discovered that accessing life-changing surgery wasn't as simple as booking an appointment. The cost of bariatric surgery in her home country was, in her words, "ridiculous." With no private insurance to cushion the blow, the out-of-pocket expense felt like an insurmountable wall.
"Unless I won the lottery or sold a kidney," she joked, "there was no way I could afford it back home!"
Unfortunately, Ms. Rhoda's dilemma is far from unique. Around the world, especially in countries like New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and the UK, uninsured or underinsured patients often find themselves priced out of essential surgical procedures. Waiting lists in public hospitals stretch for years, and private care can cost tens of thousands of dollars, money most retirees simply don't have lying around.
For Ms. Rhoda, the message was loud and clear: if she wanted to take back control of her health, she'd have to look beyond her borders. The question was: where to go for bariatric surgery abroad?
Ms. Rhoda's Decision: Why India? Why IndiCure?
After deciding that her health couldn't afford any more delays, Ms. Rhoda turned to what every modern problem-solver does, the internet. Her searches led her down a rabbit hole of "medical tourism" options, a term she found both fascinating and mildly terrifying.
But between the flashy ads and confusing jargon, one name kept popping up like a reassuring beacon: IndiCure Health Tours.
Right away, Ms. Rhoda noticed something different about them. Unlike the vague, transactional tone of many other sites, IndiCure's approach was detailed, practical, and most importantly, human. "IndiCure didn't just say 'fly in and get cut open,'" she laughed. "IndiCure walked you through the process, like how you needed to arrive in India two days before the surgery, stay for at least a week after, and get proper pre- and post-op care. It felt thoughtfully planned, not rushed or careless."
Still, before booking flights and packing bags, Ms. Rhoda did what any sensible person would: she checked in with her general practitioner. To her surprise, he was fully on board. "He looked me straight in the eye and said, 'If I were you, I'd go to India'", she recollected.
When she mentioned IndiCure Health Tours by name, he gave an approving nod. "He told me Indian surgeons are very well-trained, just not the type to toot their own horn," she recalled. "That really reassured me. It wasn't just about cost anymore, it was about quality, too."
So, with her doctor's blessing and her husband's support, Ms. Rhoda decided to take the plunge and take the first step. She mailed IndiCure Health Tours and received a prompt response.
What followed was a masterclass in professionalism. IndiCure provided clear instructions, laid out every requirement, and kept in constant touch. "It was like having an efficient best friend who also happens to know everything about surgery and international travel."
Of course, there were a few hiccups along the way, like the time they struggled to pay the Indian visa fees online. "Total panic moment," Rhoda recalled. "We couldn't get the payment to go through, and we thought we'd have to start the whole process over. But IndiCure stepped in like the seasoned pros they are. They just said, 'Send us the money, we'll handle it.' And within 24 hours, the visa was approved. I mean, who does that?"
For Ms. Rhoda, it was clear: she wasn't just signing up for bariatric surgery in India, she was signing up for support, care, and peace of mind. IndiCure didn't just organize a medical trip, they made her feel seen, heard, and safe.
Arrival in India: Her Experience and Surgery Journey
Landing in India was like stepping into an entirely different universe, buzzing with life, color, and warmth. The unfamiliar sights, sounds, and energy of Mumbai could have easily been overwhelming, but thankfully, IndiCure Health Tours was ready and waiting the moment Ms. Rhoda and her husband exited the airport.
Her first night in India was spent at a comfortable hotel arranged by IndiCure, giving her some time to settle in, shake off the jet lag, and mentally prepare for what lay ahead.
The very next morning, true to IndiCure's efficient style, she was taken to one of the top bariatric hospitals for pre-surgery workups. "That day was an absolute whirlwind," Rhoda said. "X-rays, blood tests, scans, basically, everything short of checking my dental records and shoe size!" she joked. "But it was all so well-coordinated. No sitting around for hours like we do back home."
By Tuesday, it was time for the big event, her bariatric surgery. But what happened in the operating room wasn't just routine. To everyone's surprise, the medical team discovered a previously undiagnosed internal issue that could've caused serious problems down the road. They corrected it then and there.
"I told my husband afterward, 'It's like I got a bonus round!'" Ms. Rhoda laughed. "Buy one, fix two, it's the best kind of bargain, really."
What stayed with her most wasn't just the medical precision; it was the humanity. "They didn't release me until they were 101% sure I was okay. And believe me, I tried to convince them I was fine at 98%," she grinned. "But no, they were meticulous. The nurses were absolute angels, gentle, attentive, and so patient. I had the best bariatric surgeon in India; he explained everything, reassured me constantly, and made me feel safe, even thousands of miles from home. And the housekeeping staff? Actual magicians. You press a button and bam, someone's at your door within 30 minutes, sometimes just to check if you're comfortable or need a pillow fluffed."
For Ms. Rhoda, every layer of her journey was built on kindness, precision, and professionalism. "It wasn't just about surgery," she said, "It was about being treated like a human being, not just a patient."
The Road to Recovery: Life After Bariatric Surgery
Recovery was no walk in the park for Ms. Rhoda, but it wasn't supposed to be. Major surgery comes with its fair share of challenges. Yet what made all the difference was the unwavering support and attentiveness of the hospital staff.
From day one of post-op care, Rhoda felt like she was in a place where healing wasn't just about medicine, it was about genuine compassion and detail-oriented care.
"There were a few bumps, of course," she shared. "I had a bit of swelling in my legs, not totally unexpected after bariatric surgery, but the team was on it like hawks circling their prey. The dietitian tweaked my plan right away, and they monitored me so closely, I never had a chance to feel anxious."
What surprised her the most wasn't just the response time, but the range of expertise involved in her care. "I saw a cardiologist, a bariatric dietitian, and the surgeon himself came to check in regularly. It felt like I had my own medical dream team. Honestly, it was like being in a five-star hospital spa, except, you know, with IV fluids and compression stockings!"
Day by day, she grew stronger. With gentle encouragement and precise care, she began walking short distances, adjusting to her new post-surgery diet, and adapting to the changes in her body. It was both empowering and emotional.
As the days went on, Ms. Rhoda couldn't help but compare her experience to the healthcare back home. She said with a wry smile, "I've never felt this pampered in a hospital before! The service, the follow-through, the respect, it's something I'll never forget."
Ms. Rhoda didn't just walk out of that hospital a few kilos lighter, she walked out transformed, more confident in her health and hopeful for the future.
Ms. Rhoda's Recommendation for IndiCure
After undergoing bariatric surgery in India, Ms. Rhoda felt compelled to share her story, one filled with courage, hope, and a touch of Kiwi humor. In her heartfelt bariatric surgery reviews India, she speaks directly to those who may be feeling trapped by the overwhelming costs or long waiting periods of their home country's healthcare system.
Click on the thumbnail below to watch and hear Ms. Rhoda's complete story in her own words.
In her bariatric surgery reviews India, she shared:
"It all started with the confidence IndiCure gave us through their communication, the way they spoke to both my husband and me, clearly, patiently, and respectfully, gave us the courage to travel all the way from New Zealand for something as major as this. That kind of trust isn't easy to build, but they did it.
Cost-wise, it was still far less than what we would've paid in New Zealand, and if you're struggling with your health, especially with other medical conditions that obesity makes worse, this is the way to go. Seriously. Just look online, find IndiCure, and send them a message. You won't regret it. It will be the best thing you've ever done for your health.
A Word from IndiCure Health Tours
We are truly honored that Ms. Rhoda placed her trust in us. It was our privilege to be a part of her life-changing bariatric surgery journey in India and to support her through one of the most important decisions of her life. Her patient testimonial stands not just as feedback, but as a source of inspiration for many others facing similar struggles with health and affordability.
If you're battling obesity, have related health complications, and feel stuck due to high surgery costs or long wait times in your home country, know that you're not alone, and you do have options. Let IndiCure Health Tours help you take that first step.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about affordable, world-class bariatric surgery in India. Call or WhatsApp us at +91-932-003-6777 and email us at info@indicure.com.
