questions for patients of Dr. Sauceda

 I went for two weeks alone, no problems.   Dr S looks after his patients.   I think more docs should follow his example.

Bonnie

Mexico isn’t a third world country; it’s actually a developing country. There is plenty of money in Mexico, the problems are corruption and the drug trade. My son has traveled extensively to numerous, third world countries and is presently awaiting his Peace Corps placement. I can say with certainty that while there are truly impoverished people living in Mexico they are not living in the standards that qualify as a third world country. I have seen pictures of such people and their surroundings, as well as heard the horror stories from my son and that is simply not the case in case in Mexico. There is substantial violence due to drug trafficking and that is sadly a commentary on our own state of affairs here in the US.

With all due respect for your training, if I decide to not travel to Dr. Sauceda it will not be because of a warning from the State Department or your opinion that these procedures must only be performed within driving distance of my home. I am not sticking my head in the sand; I understand that there can be complications. This is not a case of ignorance is bliss. I have spent countless hours researching the procedures I have decided are appropriate for me. Sure, a plastic surgeon would give me a list of all of the procedures that could be done but that isn’t what I’ve decided is appropriate for me at this stage in my life. My PCP has been very supportive of my journey from my initial decision to have WLS. I have her support no matter what choice I ultimately make. I also have an emergency backup plan if G-d forbid something horrific were to arise and my PCP couldn’t tend to my care.        

My question was specific to Dr. Sauceda because he visits his patients virtually every day they are in Mexico, in my case it would be 12 days. A doctor “three hours away" that I see when I think there’s a problem is no comparison to that level of care. He also has his nurse visit each day to help his patients with wound care, bathing, etc. I would need to rely on my family to assist me with these tasks. They have no training or knowledge of wound care, so I differ with you on where the benefits are when I take these facts into consideration. In the end, when I make my decision it will be the best decision for me taking everything into consideration.

Lastly, this is completely off topic but a huge issue with me. I went and read through your posts here and your blog. I am appalled that a plastic surgeon could in numerous posts misspell buttocks by using an “h." What school did you learn the contraction “you’s?" You do realize that when you place an apostrophe in a word you are combining two words. If an American doctor said, “You’s" or “You is" to me you can bet I’d be looking for another doctor. A professional should be careful to portray of image of higher intellect in his writing even on a message board and blog. Sorry, but in this case ignorance cannot be bliss.

While I feel this is an unnecessarily risky way to proceed with your care, I wish you luck with your decision should you go on to pursue this.

 Dear Cindy,
I decided on Dr. S. prior to my weight loss surgery. What other plastic surgeon are you going to find where you have access to literally HUNDREDS of his patients and get to see their results? Where else are you going to get that kind of personalized care? I have had physicians within in hour of me in SoCal and they were less than useless in an emerency. Occasionally they did show up...hours after whatever the issue was, was over. Dr. S. is an amazing artist. I had decided if I couldn't make Kaiser pay for my plastics I would go to him. Period. There are risks to any kind of surgery. Choosing Dr. S in Monterrey isn't one of them IMO. 
~Laura

 You won't regret your decision!  I'm two months post op and couldn't be happier.

Laura, I couldn't agree with you more. I have encountered those very same type of doctors here on the East coast. Although I have to say that I am also fortunate that after searching I have found very supportive doctors which I wouldn't trade for anything in this world. The bottom line is I have never heard of one patient not being satisfied with Dr. S. That is a huge accomplishment considering the volume of patients who are posting about him.

Lee, I know that I would be thrilled to make the trip to Dr. S & have him perform my surgery. I will be making my decision is a few days.