44 Year Old Looking Forward to New Chapter in Her Life - Dominican Republic, DO

I am 44 years old. I have five children (all delivered by cesarean). I started gaining weight in my 20s and became obese but in late 2010 I underwent a gastric sleeve operation and lost 70 pounds and maintained. I’ve been a RealSelf member since January 2011 and have researched surgery options. I want to get a tummy tuck, lipo to the flanks, abs, full back, a Brazilian butt lift and a revised breast reduction (I had a breast reduction 10 years ago and have bottomed-out). After much research I have decided to go with Dr. Almonte for my procedures.

I have been assigned Lesley (Medical Assistant), been provided a quote and will be soon making my deposit to secure a date in August or September. I have reached out to Lesley with quote follow-up questions but have not received a response yet.

I have my passport ready, have looked at costs, flight options and have been working on getting my mother’s passport, as she’ll be joining me for support. I’ve visited my general practitioner and have discussed my plans. I have had a full physical and labs done. I plan to make another doctor appointment with a plastic surgeon here to discuss his/her recommendations and whether he/she can prescribe me pain medications for post-surgery. I have to purchase the support garments and everything else the doctor recommended in her quote/instructions. She suggested I lose weight but didn’t state how much so I’m aiming to lose 15-20 pounds by August.

I’m not afraid (yet) but I have wanted a tummy tuck for about 20 years and I think I am ready for it all. I jump in with my eyes open. I know to expect a LOT of pain and I will cry from the pain but I will look forward to my 45th birthday with hope and the next chapter in my life.

Hello all. I postponed my surgery because my lab test results showed I was very anemic (9.5 hemoglobin) but I've been trying to get those numbers up -- as much as I possibly can because they won’t do the surgery if my hemoglobin is below a 12. I attribute the iron deficiency to my laziness of not taking my recommended vitamin supplements as told by my gastric sleeve doctor. Since seeing my lab results in late May I was prescribed and am taking iron supplements, B-12 and vitamin D and have been exercising. To date, I have lost 10 pounds (May to August). I'm now at 145 lbs.

I'm assuming I'll have to request a new quote from Dr. Almonte so I sent a WhatsApp message to Lesley Maria today and we will see what she says. I probably have to send new photos so I'll take new photos this week and send them to Lesley Maria and will post them here soon.