Mommy Makeover: Stories

My journey has begun for surgery with THE Dr. Yily!

I have received my quote for a fully tummy tuck, silicone breast implants, fat graft and lipo with Brazilian butt lift. The lipo includes abdomen, armpit, back, flanks, and waist. This totals to $5,500 though I may add on lipo to thighs, arms, and chin for a bit extra. I am still waiting on hearing confirmation of dates, but I am hoping to go in April or May (contact me or comment if you are going in this time period!)

Here is where I'm nervous/confused. I have to get the following tests done prior to surgery, here in Michigan:
Creatinine, glucose, full blood count, hematocrit, EKG, radiography

I do not know where to go to get these done! Where can I go without a doctor's order or insurance? Confusion! Advice appreciated!

Also still unsure where I want to stay for recovery. The Recovery House seems nice, but pricey and I do not know if my husband can be with me at the RH. I'm also hoping to stay only until the 8th day, when the drains come out.

I just sent my deposit oh.. about 2 minutes ago! :) I sent my deposit and an email with the receipt attached for good measure, plus translated just in case to make it nice and easy for them to get back to me pronto.

I requested Monday, May 13th - comment or message me if you are going around that time and need a buddy! I'm still on the fence with bringing my husband, because I'm not sure if they will let him stay with me at the RH. I plan on staying until the following Monday if he comes, or staying longer if he doesn't. If I have a buddy, I may just go alone.

Edited to add: requested May because I have heard that April is completely booked

The lack of communication was getting to me. I cannot go on blind faith alone! So although I have faith in Dr. Yily's skills, I decided to change my doctor. I will now have my mommy makeover with Dr. Agustina Hilario Duran (also from Dominican Republic). She is a bit more expensive than Dr. Yily but I have been very happy with our communication so far, and I think that alone is worth the extra cash.

My date is set for April 22 and my flight is booked! I upgraded my seats for the flight back for some extra comfort. I will be spending 12 days in the DR. I am pretty paranoid about complications so I decided to spend the extra time right there with the doctor. Also because I am traveling alone, I want to make sure I feel comfortable before I leave. My husband will be on standby to grab a last minute ticket and come to the DR and help me home if I feel I need him. Otherwise, he has to stay behind with our kids and since he has to work anyway.

I'm starting my checklist of things I need to get, and since I'm an over-planner I pretty much have a whole notebook for preparation for this surgery. I just keep collecting info and taking notes and I'll narrow it down from there for what I will actually need to bring.

I think I will be bringing some extra compression garments, just in case. Anyone have any thoughts about compression garments? Should I have a garment for basically any area I have lipo'd?

Sooner or later I will add pictures, once I get the courage. I will definitely be posting 'during' and 'after' pics.

I am getting so nervous with my surgery less than two weeks away! I still can't believe I'm going alone. I think I'm more nervous about the alone part than the surgery part.

I feel completely unprepared too. Dr. Duran told me that I can get any garments I need there, but I was wanting to buy something here. I just don't know what size or compression to buy because I don't know what the end result will be, so I just decide to wait and buy them there if I need them.

I'm also unsure of what I want to do about stay. I haven't booked a place to stay because I just saved the money I needed to stay at the Recovery House (spa) for all 12 days. I don't know what to expect - share a room? Have my own room? If anyone is going at the same time and needs a roommate, let me know! I just want someone to look out for me and I'll do the same for them. :)

Dr. Duran told me she would have "the lady from the spa" pick me up at the airport. I'm intending to stay at JM Spa (which is who she is referring to) but haven't booked with them. Since she is picking me up, does anyone think I'll just be able to book with them once I get there?