DR MARTE IS TOP OF THE LINE - I AM A NEW WOMAN. TT, MR, LIPO, BBL!

After months of research, stalking Real Self, and finding a whole surgery world on InstaGram with enough information to choke an elephant, I FINALLY decided on Dr. Manuel Marte.

I initially saw a few photos of Dr Marte's work on IG, and then I came to research him here on RS. After some time, I spoke with a nurse who works with Dr Marte, who had nothing but praises to sing on everything from his surgical skills to his kind personalty.

On December 1, 2016 at 11am via Whatsapp, I finally contacted Dr Marte, sending him photos of myself. By noon, I had all of my answers.

Based on my photos, he recommended a Tummy tuck (TT), Liposculpting (Lipo), and Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and a my quote. He explained that his quote was a full, all inclusive package. Which includes...
- Transportation in DR
- All pre and post operative evaluations
- Blood tests
- Cardiac Evaluation
- Surgery
- Bilingual Overnight Nurse for post op care the night of your surgery
- Medications
- Recovery House
- 10 post op massages
- First faja

He also explained some other details.
- His deposit is $300
- The hospital where he performs his surgeries is Centro Medico Gazcue, but he would possibly moving to a new hospital in the near future.
- His package includes recovery at Massiel New Life recovery house.

The conversation was very pleasant and he was very open and forthcoming with all of his answers. This made me feel very comfortable because during my research, he was not the first doc that I had spoken too. Some of the docs took long to respond, sounded rushed, or answered questions somewhat vaguely. With other docs, there was no talking to them at all, instead I was dealing with an frazzled, overworked assistant who was getting bombarded with requests, so therefore were very "short" with their answers.

For five days I discussed with my family, asked Dr Marte a million questions (he is super patient), did some serious praying, and asked God to send me a clear sign if this surgery, and Dr Marte, were the good choices for me, OR NOT.

On Day 5, my cousin, who is a plastic surgeon, sent me a video clip of his children's Christmas play. It was in this conversation that I mentioned I was considering having PS in DR. Before I could get my next words out, my cousin blurts out....

"HEY!! I met this guy in a training course that I attended, who is from the DR, an he is FRICKING BRILLIANT!! This guy is so smart and a hell of surgeon... Look him up. His name is Manuel Marte"

(Insert church music here)
The seas parted, the heavens opened up and angels sang. "HAAAAA-LAY-LOO-YAH!!!!" MY SIGN!!! LOL LOL.

His unending patience, willingness to speak, giving of his time, and this undeniable sign sealed the deal. I contacted Dr Marte to discuss dates that would allow me time off from work, and in which he had availability. We decided on a date and I booked my ticket!

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC... HERE I COME!!

I will keep you all updated as I go on this scary, but thrilling, and exciting ride!

Some months ago, when I started this journey, I had a conversation with my primary care physician (PCP) about her thoughts on me having this surgery out of the country, and most importantly, to see if she would be willing to support me through this process by providing pre and post operative care. She agreed!

Last week I called to make an appointment and yesterday was the day for my full pre-op evaluation.

Going into the evaluation, I was excited, but a bit nervous. So much time, money, effort, and emotion has gone into making this journey happen. This evaluation is crucial to identify any potential risks that a patient may can encounter while under anesthesia. I do not need anything crazy to happen that would prevent me from getting this surgery. Of course they do pre-op evaluations in DR, but I dont need to fly down there to be met with any surprises. I have seen too many ladies invest their time and money, make the trip, only to be told they have a heart condition, or their hemoglobin levels are too low. Thank God that my PCP is very thorough, and not one for cutting corners. I was praying that everything was right and tight, and that I would receive the green light towards my surgery in Dominican Republic.

The evaluation started with the basics such a vitals signs and being weighed. My doc then came and talked to me about which procedures I was having. We discussed things such as weight loss, adequate hemoglobin levels (critical for surgery, especially when more than one procedure is being done), pain management, and post operative care.

After our discussion, I undressed, was put into a hospital gown and had the following tests performed.
- EKG
- Cardiac stress Test
- Echocardiogram
- Blood work (CBC and BMP)
- Chest XRays
- Urinalysis

All went well. My EKG, Chest Xray, and Urine were normal. We will get the results for the other test back in a few days. Last month, my hemoglobin was 12.4, up from 11.9. Since I am getting more than one procedure, Dr Marte is requiring that my hemo be 13 or higher. For the past 2 months I have been eating iron rich foods, taking liquid chlorophyll and a multivitamin. I am very anxious to find out if this regime is working, and if my hemo is finally above 13. My PCP says she is feeling confident that all will be well and that she can send me off to DR with a clean bill of health and ready for surgery.

I am glad that she is confident, but I do have one major worry. I am an extremely difficult stick when it comes to blood draws. Here at home, when I have to get blood work, I usually leave looking like a pin cushion, because it takes several attempts for the nurses to find a blood giving vein. When my children were born, they had to call the anesthesiologist to get a line in me, in order to run an IV. None of the nurses, nor my OB doc could get a hit. Yesterday, it took 3 nurses trying. The last one finally managed to draw my blood using a butterfly (small baby needle). I pray that they have someone who is very good at venipuncture at Dr. Marte's clinic, because the pincushion life is no fun.

As soon as I get my blood work results back, I will update.

My hemo is 13. 2!!!!!! (Fireworks, parades, and twerking). LOL

As someone who has suffered with anemia most of my life. This is a HUGE accomplishment! I was extremely worried, because Dr. Marte's requirement is a 13.0, or higher, hemoglobin level.

So I am good to go!! WOOO HOOOO!!!

For sharing purposes, my hemo regime is as follows

Multi vitamin once a day
325 mg of Iron once a day
Blood builder tablet once a day
1 tablespoon for liquid chlorophyll once a day.

So there you have it! Things are looking bright. I am still awaiting the results of my cardiac tests, but my doc says all should be well. I sure hope so!!