4 day Post OP PS with Dr. Sauceda in MX (Sorry LONG)
I've been agonizing & researching PS options for 8 months now. I had insurance approval from a Dr. in San Francisco. He we compitent, knowledegble, personable and skilled. However he wanted way, way too much money for my poor bank accounts. I started looking into alternatives and came across Dr. Francisco Sauceda in Monterrey Mexico. I contacted him, went through all the preliminary questions & sent the super embarrassing naked pictures. I really liked him & what other patients had to say. I decided to book my surgeries. I brought cashier's check so that when I got here, if I felt weird or that it wasn't legit or whatever, could just come back home.
Well, I am sittling here healing, so I felt great about Dr. S.
Here is my story so far:
I am finally in Monterrey! I just got back from getting marked. I just had dinner & am going to finally sleep before my big day.
Getting to Monterrey was a huge pain in the ass. Our flight from San Francisco got to Guadalajara on time. Customs took FOREVER, and we missed our connecting flight be 7 minutes. We had to go find our luggage that they took off the plane we missed, go to the ticket counter & change to a flight to Mexico City, then another connecting flight to Monterrey! We were supposed to arrive at 8:30am, but didn't get here until 12:30. Not a big deal, at least I got here. Our 5 hour flight ended up taking 12 hours - And of course I couldn't sleep, so it's been about 72 hours since I slept. Adrenaline is a crazy hormone.
Lisa met me in the lobby! She is so sweet and helpful. After I settling into our room, and taking a shower, I went over to Lisa's room & we visited for awhile. It was so nice having someone here who just went throught it and had the same things I'm having. She gave me all kinds of tips and insight about the Clinic, Dr. S, the surrounding area and the hotel. She is awesome!
We met Candice, Patrece's daughter - she was also super sweet. How can it be that all these Sauceda patients are so nice???
Dr. Sauceda's assistant, Jamie, brought us to the clinic for markings......WOW. Candice rode over with us so she could visit Patrece while I was getting marked, then I got to go meet Patrece! She too is the nicest!
I instantly love all 3 of these amazing women I met today!
Okay, so what they say about Dr. S is true. He is an intense perfectionist! I loved it. When I sent my pictures, we were going to do Large panniculectomy, Small thigh lift, Small arm lift and Breast lift with implants. Once he examined me, he realized the mess I truly am! So now it's an anchor tummy tuck (which I wanted, shhhh), full thigh lift, full arm lift & breast lift with implants. Dr. S said if I didn't get implants my left breast would have been a full C, while my left a small B! I knew I was lopsided, but OMFG! I'm a nice even D now! I have these "side boob" things that are kind of where extra arm, boob & back skin meet & asked what he can do about it. He must have spent an extra 1/2 hour messing with alternatives to fixing it. I'm going to trust that he will make them be the best they can. Dr. S. spent about 2 1/2 hours measuring, pulling, marking, poking, proding, remeasuring, writing numbers on my body, to get me ready for tomorrow.
I am so nervous, but excited, but very nervous.
Dr. S picked me up at 7:30am to take me to the clinic. Lisa was in the lobby, and graciously waited with me. I really appreciated it, as she helped calm my nerves. We got to the clinic, I filled out & signed some paperwork, went to my room, changed into a gown & was wheel-chaired into the pre-op room. There, they put in my IV. Then, I walked into the operating room. The, nurse, Nora, said, "Sorry" and ripped the gown off me. I was standing there, stark naked, spread eagle. Then, she said, "Sorry" again & proceeded to wipe my entire body down with iodine. It was extremely embarrassing. Then I had to climb onto the operating table without touching anything. They hooked up my IV port, wrapped my legs in gauze and had me lay on my side in fetal position. Then they told me they were putting something into my IV that would make me sleepy. They kept checking on my consciousness like parents checking to see if the baby has fallen asleep.They were waiting for me to fall asleep before they put in the epidurals. They leave the ports in until the first shower. My back was killing me, and removing those were the most painful removal I've experienced - worse than the catheter.
The next thing I knew was I woke up to loud music, and a blue sheet in my face. I went right back to sleep. Then, Dr. S was saying, "Sarah, wake up." I said, "Already! You haven't done anything." He said, "We are done. There were no complications and we took 8 lbs of skin & tissue from you." Then they wheeled me back to my room. On the way back, Lisa & Candice were at the other end of the hallway - I was so happy I was alive & it was over I was laughing & told them my boobs weren't too big!
I didn't sleep at all that night. I put my MP3 player on & just listened. I don't think I took my hands off my now flat stomach! It's really weird, I've never not had a gut!
Thursday, Dr. S came to visit me. He said my tasks for the day were eating, sitting in bed, sitting on the side of the bed, standing, walking, and showering. I got as far as taking 2 steps. I was so mad. I wanted that shower! The pain from the abdominal muscle tightening was excruciating. The pain actually made me nauseous. So I had to get back in bed & try again later. There is pain involved, of course, as it is major surgery, but it's not the pain I expected. The pain changes where it is most intense. Sometimes it's my left elbow, then my right breast, then it will be my inner thigh - it's really weird. Patrece said the same thing happens to her.
Friday, I felt much better, I could sit up on the side of the bed by myself, and even stand up. They removed my IV and catheter, which made me feel even that much better. Then, I FINALLY got to shower! Where my drains come out leak, and my garments were really soaked and stinky, besides the fact that I hadn't showered since Tuesday evening. That was the best shower ever! I actually liked my compression garment prior to having it off, it helped keep me warm - I'm always cold. But once I had it off, I did NOT want it back on. I didn't realize how tight it really is. Patrece thinks it's too small because it folds down at the top & squishes out some of my excess making it look like I have a huge roll under my breasts. Getting them back on was an epic adventure. I'm also extremely swollen, which makes it that much more difficult to get back on. My feet barely fit into my shoes - that's how bad the swelling is. Dr. S said it's normal & with time it will decrease.
Today, Dr. S brought me back to the hotel. It is so nice to be free to eat, sleep, or go out side whenever I want. The bed here is so much more comfortable than the hospital bed. I took a 1/2 hour nap & got better rest than I did the entire time I was at the clinic - combined. We went to HEB today & got some snacks & sandwich making supplies. It cost $444.49! Which is about $35. I wish they didn't use a $ for pesos. Some things are really inexpensive, while other things are ridiculously expensive. Good thing the cell phone has a converter!
Drains are gross & a huge pain in the ass. I know they are necessary, but I already can't wait to be free from them. I'm so scared I'm going to rip one out or one will leak all over the linens. Oh, all the linens at the hotel are white. I asked if they had any non-white & of course they don't I told them I was scared of my leaking drains & they said it's not a problem, they are used to it. I just hate making more work for these hard working people.
Anyway, it has been an interesting adventure. My laptop got internet in both the clinic & hotel. Which is apparently rare & lucky, as neither Lisa nor Patrece can get it. Our rooms are just across the hall on the 1st floor. Maybe my computer has a stronger modem? I will keep you updated & maybe post some pictures.
Thank you all for the love & support you provide!
Well, I am sittling here healing, so I felt great about Dr. S.
Here is my story so far:
I am finally in Monterrey! I just got back from getting marked. I just had dinner & am going to finally sleep before my big day.
Getting to Monterrey was a huge pain in the ass. Our flight from San Francisco got to Guadalajara on time. Customs took FOREVER, and we missed our connecting flight be 7 minutes. We had to go find our luggage that they took off the plane we missed, go to the ticket counter & change to a flight to Mexico City, then another connecting flight to Monterrey! We were supposed to arrive at 8:30am, but didn't get here until 12:30. Not a big deal, at least I got here. Our 5 hour flight ended up taking 12 hours - And of course I couldn't sleep, so it's been about 72 hours since I slept. Adrenaline is a crazy hormone.
Lisa met me in the lobby! She is so sweet and helpful. After I settling into our room, and taking a shower, I went over to Lisa's room & we visited for awhile. It was so nice having someone here who just went throught it and had the same things I'm having. She gave me all kinds of tips and insight about the Clinic, Dr. S, the surrounding area and the hotel. She is awesome!
We met Candice, Patrece's daughter - she was also super sweet. How can it be that all these Sauceda patients are so nice???
Dr. Sauceda's assistant, Jamie, brought us to the clinic for markings......WOW. Candice rode over with us so she could visit Patrece while I was getting marked, then I got to go meet Patrece! She too is the nicest!
I instantly love all 3 of these amazing women I met today!
Okay, so what they say about Dr. S is true. He is an intense perfectionist! I loved it. When I sent my pictures, we were going to do Large panniculectomy, Small thigh lift, Small arm lift and Breast lift with implants. Once he examined me, he realized the mess I truly am! So now it's an anchor tummy tuck (which I wanted, shhhh), full thigh lift, full arm lift & breast lift with implants. Dr. S said if I didn't get implants my left breast would have been a full C, while my left a small B! I knew I was lopsided, but OMFG! I'm a nice even D now! I have these "side boob" things that are kind of where extra arm, boob & back skin meet & asked what he can do about it. He must have spent an extra 1/2 hour messing with alternatives to fixing it. I'm going to trust that he will make them be the best they can. Dr. S. spent about 2 1/2 hours measuring, pulling, marking, poking, proding, remeasuring, writing numbers on my body, to get me ready for tomorrow.
I am so nervous, but excited, but very nervous.
Dr. S picked me up at 7:30am to take me to the clinic. Lisa was in the lobby, and graciously waited with me. I really appreciated it, as she helped calm my nerves. We got to the clinic, I filled out & signed some paperwork, went to my room, changed into a gown & was wheel-chaired into the pre-op room. There, they put in my IV. Then, I walked into the operating room. The, nurse, Nora, said, "Sorry" and ripped the gown off me. I was standing there, stark naked, spread eagle. Then, she said, "Sorry" again & proceeded to wipe my entire body down with iodine. It was extremely embarrassing. Then I had to climb onto the operating table without touching anything. They hooked up my IV port, wrapped my legs in gauze and had me lay on my side in fetal position. Then they told me they were putting something into my IV that would make me sleepy. They kept checking on my consciousness like parents checking to see if the baby has fallen asleep.They were waiting for me to fall asleep before they put in the epidurals. They leave the ports in until the first shower. My back was killing me, and removing those were the most painful removal I've experienced - worse than the catheter.
The next thing I knew was I woke up to loud music, and a blue sheet in my face. I went right back to sleep. Then, Dr. S was saying, "Sarah, wake up." I said, "Already! You haven't done anything." He said, "We are done. There were no complications and we took 8 lbs of skin & tissue from you." Then they wheeled me back to my room. On the way back, Lisa & Candice were at the other end of the hallway - I was so happy I was alive & it was over I was laughing & told them my boobs weren't too big!
I didn't sleep at all that night. I put my MP3 player on & just listened. I don't think I took my hands off my now flat stomach! It's really weird, I've never not had a gut!
Thursday, Dr. S came to visit me. He said my tasks for the day were eating, sitting in bed, sitting on the side of the bed, standing, walking, and showering. I got as far as taking 2 steps. I was so mad. I wanted that shower! The pain from the abdominal muscle tightening was excruciating. The pain actually made me nauseous. So I had to get back in bed & try again later. There is pain involved, of course, as it is major surgery, but it's not the pain I expected. The pain changes where it is most intense. Sometimes it's my left elbow, then my right breast, then it will be my inner thigh - it's really weird. Patrece said the same thing happens to her.
Friday, I felt much better, I could sit up on the side of the bed by myself, and even stand up. They removed my IV and catheter, which made me feel even that much better. Then, I FINALLY got to shower! Where my drains come out leak, and my garments were really soaked and stinky, besides the fact that I hadn't showered since Tuesday evening. That was the best shower ever! I actually liked my compression garment prior to having it off, it helped keep me warm - I'm always cold. But once I had it off, I did NOT want it back on. I didn't realize how tight it really is. Patrece thinks it's too small because it folds down at the top & squishes out some of my excess making it look like I have a huge roll under my breasts. Getting them back on was an epic adventure. I'm also extremely swollen, which makes it that much more difficult to get back on. My feet barely fit into my shoes - that's how bad the swelling is. Dr. S said it's normal & with time it will decrease.
Today, Dr. S brought me back to the hotel. It is so nice to be free to eat, sleep, or go out side whenever I want. The bed here is so much more comfortable than the hospital bed. I took a 1/2 hour nap & got better rest than I did the entire time I was at the clinic - combined. We went to HEB today & got some snacks & sandwich making supplies. It cost $444.49! Which is about $35. I wish they didn't use a $ for pesos. Some things are really inexpensive, while other things are ridiculously expensive. Good thing the cell phone has a converter!
Drains are gross & a huge pain in the ass. I know they are necessary, but I already can't wait to be free from them. I'm so scared I'm going to rip one out or one will leak all over the linens. Oh, all the linens at the hotel are white. I asked if they had any non-white & of course they don't I told them I was scared of my leaking drains & they said it's not a problem, they are used to it. I just hate making more work for these hard working people.
Anyway, it has been an interesting adventure. My laptop got internet in both the clinic & hotel. Which is apparently rare & lucky, as neither Lisa nor Patrece can get it. Our rooms are just across the hall on the 1st floor. Maybe my computer has a stronger modem? I will keep you updated & maybe post some pictures.
Thank you all for the love & support you provide!
- Sarah 
(Don't tell anyone I'm a secret ninja warrior!)Visit:
ThugRadio.Net, twitter.com/ThugRadio, sarah-anderson.artistwebsites.com/ 
You know, at first I felt the same way, but the price difference changed my mind very quickly. It cost 1/3 of what US docs (with insurance approval) and I only had to have 1 surgery instead of 3 or 4. I made a +/- chart and realized my - were more emotional than actual. I don't regret it at all. It is scary, but I think worth the risk.
In general, I think there is a stigma that US is the best, and it may very well be, technologically. However, just because we have great advancements doesn't make our healthcare system superior. As we all know our system sucks. Mexico itself has a stigma of being poor, and unadvanced, while I do admit the clinic was somewhat retro 70's or 80's, it doesn't need to have fancy expensive equipment to get the job done. The skills of the doctor are the key. I advise you to just check all the options and do what is best for you in all aspects.
Good Luck, when the make the best decision for you, you will feel great no matter what you choose.
In general, I think there is a stigma that US is the best, and it may very well be, technologically. However, just because we have great advancements doesn't make our healthcare system superior. As we all know our system sucks. Mexico itself has a stigma of being poor, and unadvanced, while I do admit the clinic was somewhat retro 70's or 80's, it doesn't need to have fancy expensive equipment to get the job done. The skills of the doctor are the key. I advise you to just check all the options and do what is best for you in all aspects.
Good Luck, when the make the best decision for you, you will feel great no matter what you choose.
- Sarah (Don't tell anyone I'm a secret ninja warrior!)Visit:
ThugRadio.Net, twitter.com/ThugRadio, sarah-anderson.artistwebsites.com/ 
Thank you so much! Today I feel even better!
- Sarah (Don't tell anyone I'm a secret ninja warrior!)Visit:
ThugRadio.Net, twitter.com/ThugRadio, sarah-anderson.artistwebsites.com/ 
Doing that advise I type. I definatley know when I need to rest - it's very obvious that I'm dragging. Thanks for the support.
- Sarah (Don't tell anyone I'm a secret ninja warrior!)Visit:
ThugRadio.Net, twitter.com/ThugRadio, sarah-anderson.artistwebsites.com/ 
I just wanted to say I am glad everything went sooooo smooth for you!!!! I am still looking into Dr.S & reading your story is very helpful & reassuring, thanks for that. I am looking forward to hearing more & seeing your after pictures.
Take Care,
Katherine
Take Care,
Katherine
What you eat in private, will show in public!!!
Thank yoso much! I did the samu e thing. I had some reservations about do it in MX, but now I know I was worried for no reason at all. I will keep you posted & post some pictures when I'm healed. Dr S said it's better to wait so people see final results....I don't know. I took pictures yesterday & today the difference is amazing, as my swelling has gone down so much! Best of luck with your decision. If you have any specific questions, I'm happy to help.
- Sarah (Don't tell anyone I'm a secret ninja warrior!)Visit:
ThugRadio.Net, twitter.com/ThugRadio, sarah-anderson.artistwebsites.com/ 
Most Active
Recent Topics
