Plastic Surgery Experience

Jun 24, 2013

Before even WLS, I researched plastic surgery, because of body issues after pregnancy and breastfeeding. I even went to one consult where I paid $100 to have a PS insult me and make me feel worse than before the consult. I decided that it wasn't worth the money or pursuing after that consult, because I felt disfigured.

After WLS, my body was thinner than before pregancies, thinner than I had been in a long time, but the skin issues were worse. It was beyond vanity at this point, because there were functional issues. My skin would not bounce back all the way, no matter how much I toned it with exercise. There was wrinkly, loose skin that up top, just fell out of my bathing suit, making jumping in a pool, and swimming a real challenge. And down below loose skin that had to be stuffed and tucked into underwear and pants and when I bent over was just hanging and ugly.

I agonized over this skin and sagginess in multiple areas of my body, and decided to brave the PS consults again. Of course, skipping the man that emotionally scarred me years ago the last time. I went to several local NY capital region consults, and two consults in the Jersey area that were highly recommended. I also had email consults with a surgeon that is very popular in Mexico.

I knew insurance would not cover anything due to absence of rashes. I did not have that large of a skin flap to produce rashes. I did not have the money to do PS, but was determined to somehow get it done. I did lots of research during the 2 years since WLS, and thought I knew what I was getting myself into.

All of the surgeons agreed I could benefit from a large amount of procedures, which was scary, and expensive. This time, they all treated me with respect and kindness. But I really couldn't decide between any of them. They all seemed qualified and capable. They  all recommended same procedures, although there was some variation in technique and also in the extent of procedures.

The bottom line became money, and testimonies. Dr. Sauceda in Monterrey had a big following and lots of testimonies, backed up by their personal pics, and his cost was a 1/3 of the US doctors.

I scheduled with him for October, then pushed it to Feb, then cancelled, finally re-scheduled for June 3, and got it done. When I got to Mexico, Dr.S driver was waiting for me with my name, right on time, so that was a relief, as I was a bundle of nerves. He did not speak any English though, so the ride was boring. When I got to the hotel, I checked in, and Dr.S was on the telephone. I spoke to him and he told me he would be there that evening at 7:30 for my markup, I was pretty excited about that. I went up and got settled.

I waited expectantly downstairs, not knowing if I would recognize Dr.S from his pics on the board. I was very nervous. He was a tad late, with his 9 year old son in tow. I never would expect that he was my surgeon. LOL. He was dressed casually and apologized and explained that they were at movies seeing "Fast, Furious". Immediately, I was put at ease, by Dr.S's demeanor and niceness. His son was also so polite and cute. You can tell that Dr.S is a caring, loving father, which really made me feel comfortable.

The markup was just as easy at his office, it was empty because it was late, but he still spent as much time as needed going over my concerns and areas for surgery. He determined that I did not need the lipo for my back and waist and that it would be a waste of my money. That the skin was really more from the upper back hanging, but that he did not think it necessary for upper body lift. We decided on the tummy tuck and breast lift. Hip to hip incisions and anchor for breasts. He believed I could benefit from an implant but I stuck with the plan of lift only, get rid of the extra skin, and for him to try to preserve as much tissue and size as he could.

The surgery at the clinic was a blur. I really don't remember much from there. I think the combo of meds really had me in a fog. I remember the blue pill, the IV, the betadine wash (where a nurse complimented my tattoo, lol), and then getting on the operating table. (everything was clean, but very utilitaritan, don't expect a fancy or modern looking facility) Then after surgery, I remember Dr. S. coming in to tell me that my breasts were uneven in size, and in my drugged state, I asked him if it would affect my bra sizing, he didn't think so. Then I remember a guy bringing me a fish dinner, which I promptly told him EWWW, I DO NOT eat seafood. LOL I think I have a vague memory of a nurse feeding me jello. And a nurse giving me a shower where I was seated in a chair. I also remember complaining of severe itching and nobody understanding, that's when I think they got Dr.S, and they took me off the morphine. I'm not sure but I may be allergic to it.

I was pretty prepared for the Mexico aspect and the operating room experience due to great posts from people on this board. What I didn't expect was the sheer boredom and loneliness while there. I cried on day 12 from homesickness. I traveled alone and did know it was a possibility but just figured I would be fine. Each day the highlight of my day, was when Patty, the nurse, came to help me shower and change my dressings. She really is a sweetheart and so uplifting. She is gentle with her care and is really concerned for our wellbeing. 

Everything and everyone spoke Spanish. I could not read signs, or descriptions at the movies. I could not understand anything. I could not socialize or make small talk with people in the hotel or at the HEB, or the mall. Just be aware, you are at a big disadvantage, if you do not speak Spanish when traveling to Monterrey. It is not like Cancun, where everything is so Americanized and almost everyone can communicate in a bit of English. It became very isolating and frustrating after awhile.

On the 16th day, I traveled home, I was overjoyed to go home. But the journey was horrendous. The wheelchair assistance was very necessary, but also had issues. It wasn't always ready and Delta had some nice helpful employees (those on the plane and those that pushed the chair)and some real incompetents (one at the counter that refused to give me help and check a bag (that I couldn't carry to the bathroom) and one that almost killed me loading me onto the thing that got me off the plane) along the way. I was in so much pain on the plane, it was unbearable. The sitting in such a confined area that soon after surgery, is just not ideal. I thought many times, how this was the stupidest thing I ever did, and especially alone, with nobody to help me in the airport or on the plane.

Now I'm home and dealing with some issues. I am having wound healing complications. It is not going as good as I hoped. But I am only 3 weeks out today. I'm hoping that I will see a big improvement over the next week. I will have to fully update more later.

0 Comments

About Me
Ballston Lake, NY
Location
27.1
BMI
VSG
Surgery
05/12/2011
Surgery Date
Nov 04, 2010
Member Since

Friends 59

Latest Blog 21

×