On March 15, 2007 I underwent the Lap Band procedure with Dr. Guillermo Alvarez in Piedras Negros, Mexico. For some reason, I thought that I would just lose the weight I had on me for 15 years and my body would return to what it was before having children and gaining the weight. As I worked hard to shed the weight through diet and exercise and following the bandster guidelines, my body began to reshape itself in ways I had not expected. My breasts deflated in volume and began to point downwards. My arms had hanging batwings despite weight training targeting my triceps. My once very voluptuous derriere that had been with me my whole life was now very flat. My hourglass figure prior to the weight gain was gone with a hanging amount of skin in the belly area.

Having had such a wonderful experience with Dr. Alvarez with the Lap Band procedure, and my husband having the gastric sleeve with him in September and shedding 115 lbs in 6 months, I inquired to him about plastic surgery in Mexico. He recommended a colleague of his in Monterrey and I emailed Dr. Sauceda my pictures of my sagging breasts and batwings on my arms to see if he could help me. In the meantime, I contacted several plastic surgeons in the Dallas area to see if they could help. I knew I wanted to arms and breasts repaired, but began to think about other procedures as well since I was going to go through with it, I thought I might as well get it all over at once. Dr. Sauceda emailed me back quickly with his suggestions and said that he could help me with the arms and breasts. I was hoping to just get implants and avoid a breast lift, but he informed me that without the lift, my breasts would still sag but be larger. He said to send him other photos of the rest of my body, from the neck to the knees to see if there were other things he could do at the same time.

After emailing back and forth and talking to him on the phone, we agreed that I would get the arm lift, breast lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck and Brazilian butt lift using fat liposuctioned from my back and top portion of my stomach. I had found one plastic surgeon who would do all the procedures at the same time in Dallas for $27,000. I nearly fell on the floor when he told me what he was going to charge. I could buy my family a brand new Toyota minivan for that price. Dr. Sauceda said based on my pictures, his fee with EVERYTHING included would be $12,000. This included 1-2 nights in the hospital, all surgical fees, FDA approved silicone implants made by the American company Mentor, my garments that would be needed after the surgery, AND he would reimburse me for my airfare up to $600 and my hotel fees. I had already booked and paid for the Howard Johnson Hotel in Monterrey and my airfare, so I was very happy to hear that these were included. I was to stay in Monterrey for 9 days because of the stitches and drains that were needed and if there were any complications, it would most likely be in the first week or so, and it’s important that he be able to see me everyday.

I booked my surgery for March 14, 2008. My spring break from graduate school began that next week so I could recover without interfering with my studies. For 6 weeks I counted down the days preparing for my transformation. I increased my protein, took my multi-vitamins, increased doses of Vitamin C to help prevent infection, and got prescription iron supplements from my primary care doctor. I also got a complete blood count, EKG and physical from my internist here in Texas to make sure I was healthy enough for the surgery. All that preparation paid off, as I had these procedures with no complications.

As the day began getting closer, I remained very busy planning for my children’s care with my mother who flew in from Arizona to be with the kids. My husband came with me to stay for my first few days and then flew back to be with our children. My entire blog from the trip is posted for all to read.

Dr. Sauceda is a miracle worker and has transformed me back to what I was 15 years ago. I feel great and get many compliments on my new and improved body. I was in surgery for 12 hours, it took longer than he thought it would but I am glad as my results are thrilling! I had no hesitation going to Dr. Sauceda because Dr. Alvarez recommended him to me. I haven’t looked or felt this good in years. My excess weight is gone, when I reach my goal in a few months, I will have lost over 100 lbs! My compulsive eating is controlled by the Lap Band, I have more energy because I can exercise without feeling like I am having a heart attack, and for the first time in 15 years I feel like I am in control of my life and future.

I am 39 years old, due to turn 40 the end of this May. I have been honored to be married for 11 years to a wonderful man and we are blessed with 3 healthy children. We live in Texas. I am currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Education. I will begin my teaching career in the fall.