Tummy Tuck: Stories

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GETTING READY

  • posted 2 months ago
  • updated 2 days ago

Want to be able to look in a mirror and see a...

Want to be able to look in a mirror and see a better me. Have considered for so long. My personal goal to have a flat stomach, butt fat transfer, liposculpture of waist and back flanks. Would like breastlift but depending on cost might wait. I am feeling anxious n at same time excited.

I have a question, do you really have an epidural instead of general anesthia with Dr. Robles. I sent for a quote today but if general anesthia is not used but have to look elsewhere. Would appreciate any tips, experience and results.

Also the drains, r they as painful as some say and how does it feel when they are taken out.

Have only heard and seen great things regarding Dr...

Have only heard and seen great things regarding Dr. Robles. Just sent in my pics and was quoted $5200. Great thing is my husband travels to the DR frequently because he works with the Yankees and he is in charge of their complex in Santo Domingo so I can travel with him when I actually get a confirmed date. I have been there myself twice before. Is anyone looking to see Dra. Robles around the end of June 29 or 30, 2013 where are the dates I am looking for now. All the comments on this site are so informative, not looking for to dealing with more pain, but as my niece say, "beauty is pain". Praying for all of you that are about to go thru this experience and also for those of you that already had it done, speedy recovery. Go girls.

Good morning to the beautiful ladies like me that...

Good morning to the beautiful ladies like me that want to look better. Has anyone had a spouse/significant other who is/was opposed to going to DR for this kind of surgery. My husband thinks I am absolutely crazy even though he would be there with me while I had surgery. He just does not trust going to Recovery House because you hear so much about how sick you can get from food, water (I know because he almost died after eating something in DR which bacteria went into his blood system). Luckily, we had just come back to US and he had the best doctors and was saved, but the experience has he dreading my surgery. How can I calm his nerves so that I can stay sane. Any suggestions?

Family and friends r not the best to encourage me,...

Family and friends r not the best to encourage me, especially going out of States. Started to doubt myself and question whether I want to really go thru so much pain, swelling and drains at my age, and then Wow! Yes I do. Hope it will all be worth it.

My husband is on board and even asking questions...

My husband is on board and even asking questions of friend in DR to check out Clinic and Recovery House. Laura says everything looks good that my ticket is my confirmation but I want to know for sure before getting ticket that the day I selected is available. Pray it is.

Got a quote from Dr. DeLosSantos today which was...

Got a quote from Dr. DeLosSantos today which was my second choice. After considering all facts I am going with Dr. Wilkiris Robles. Wish me luck.

Surgery date moved up to June 28th. I will be...

Surgery date moved up to June 28th. I will be traveling on June 27th, just booked flight. Is all of this really happening. I need to try to lose some weight, any suggestions. Scared not of surgery but of the recovery that is waiting for me. I am in God's hands.

I have a question for all u ladies? I got quote...

I have a question for all u ladies? I got quote for TT, lipo waist n flanks and BBL. I really need a BL with implants (flat), but with the Dr. she will only do one. Decisions. What would u do? My butt is not the best either. Does your butt look better after having the lipo to the waist with the TT so that I can do BL? Anyone who has had these procedures, please share. Thank you.

I'm not good at writing n I'm thinking that is why...

I'm not good at writing n I'm thinking that is why I haven't received replies but from a handful of ladies. Thank u to those who did. I am so undecided keep going back n forth, should I go to DR or wait n have Dr. in US. I read so many posts and some r so bad n then others r good about Dr. Robles. I keep praying and keep looking for my answer. Good luck to all of u that r ready to take the plunge to the flat side and hope that I can soon say the same.

Well ladies after all the negative things...

Well ladies after all the negative things happening in DR, I have scheduled a consultation with a doctor in Tampa for April 12th. I will be seeing another one later in April n then I will make my decision. Hope all you ladies that have had your sx in DR are doing well, as well as everyone who has gone or is going to cross to the flat side. If you have had sx already, I would love to hear ur story n pics. This site has really helped me. I have a list of questions for my surgeon just by reading these posts. Happy healing to all.

Had a discussion with a surgeon in town and I was...

Had a discussion with a surgeon in town and I was told to lose 27 lbs. n then call him back to schedule consultation. I weigh 177 and alot has to do with my hanging belly and the fact I can't exercise. Family Dr. had me on weight loss pills n my system couldn't handle them so what am I to do. I try to watch my food intake and exercise n I end up in bed with sprains to my back for weeks. Like I said before, my TT is in God's hands. When he decides the time is right it will happen. I have an actual consultation with another dr. on 4/12/13 n I also still have my sx date in DR with Robles that I haven't cancelled until I go over all my options so I can make an informed decision. To any lady that has recently had TT with Robles could you reply with your experience since there had been so many negative happening over there in March. Hope you r all healing n congrats to you troopers. I will be on the flat side also, just a matter of when.

Life has come up so my TT is on hold hopefully for...

Life has come up so my TT is on hold hopefully for not long. In the meantime, I will be trying to lose some weight. Will update when I set a new date for sx. Good luck to all you lovely ladies that have gone thru it and all those waiting for their date. Happy healing to you all.

My surgery is back on for June 28, 2013. My...

My surgery is back on for June 28, 2013. My husband is in DR now working, was just at CECIP and met Raquel and Dr. Wilkiris Robles. My husband knows a lot of important people there so he went with a friend who is known all over the island, if fact the Dra. knew of him and was thrilled to finally meet him. He too is going to get surgery. Can u believe this. My husband loved the Dra. He says she is young and stunning as well as very smart and knowledgeable in her surgery. She even told him what she could do for him (which is a go after me). He is all for my surgery and feels that I will be in the best hands. She recommended Rosa's Recovery House. Has anyone used her and can you give me a number or website. I have dealt with Laura all the time, but my husband said he met Raquel and Laura wasn't there, so LADIES, if you are thinking of going to DR for surgery, you might want to think about this doctor.
I just sent email to Laura, hope she gets it. Now I am excited to know that my
husband approves and actually said he would trust this doctor for surgery ( now this is a man who got sick in DR and almost died when he came back) and he doesn't every say that about Drs except for our family doctor which is great who was the one that saved his life here. Now I am headed towards the flat side. God is great and he will be taking care of me. Will post my experience as I go thru it. Good luck chicas. Take care. Speak to you soon.

Has anyone heard of or stayed at Dra. de la Rosa...

Has anyone heard of or stayed at Dra. de la Rosa Recovery House? This is where
Dr wants me to stay with my husband. It will only be for three days after surgery, but I would like to know if this is a new place. Please advise.

Why is it that family is always the most negative....

Why is it that family is always the most negative. I haven't posted about this before, I am a 58 yo mother of 5 children and 8 grandchildren. My husband decided to tell my kids and nephew about my upcoming sx on Mother's Day. All I heard all day was the negatives. You won't be able to take the PAIN. I suffer from chronic back pain as a result of an accident 4 years ago which they say is from facet joint pain n fibro. As a result I went through 6 months of very intense INTENSE, did I say Intense lower back pain every day which threw into depression and anxiety attacks. I still have a back pain every day but not as bad as those first 6 months. I also had 5 births naturally, I don't know what an epidural is. Even after all this pain my kids think I can't handle pain. What do they think I go through every day. My depression is gone and after all this I still want a tummy tuck. Have wanted one for past 8 years which is when I put on the weight. I have gone on a clean way of eating and have lost 11 lbs. in 3 weeks. I plan to lose at least 10 more before my sx. Sorry this is so long, guess just needed to vent. I was so upset that I told my husband and oldest daughter that I was going to cancel. My husband is very supportive now. He said no, you are going to do this and you are going to be fine. I will be there with you the whole time (16 days) counting surgery date. Why is it that family are the worst when it comes to you. I know they are worried something might happen to me, but just say we support whatever you want n be there in case I need something. I am back to being very positive. I am in GOD's hands and he will not let anything happen to me. I know recovery is not going to be EASY n I might even get depressed at times, but in the end I know I will feel better n actually like the way I look.

Ugh I hate when I ask Laura questions and she does...

Ugh I hate when I ask Laura questions and she does not answer my questions. She emails whatever comes into her mind, at that moment. She just got snippy with me and I had to let her know. I am requesting recovery house where husbands are allowed to stay and she is saying Virginia's but husband cannot stay with me. After asking twice either she is very stupid or she does not really understand English as well as she thinks she does. I am just so disgusted with her right now n I will certainly let her know in her face when I see her and also the doctor. Now I know why all the comments from women who actually left recovery houses because of no communication, bad food and no help. Maybe I should just stay in a Hotel and get a Nurse to stay with me. Cheaper and probably better. Had to vent. Sorry.

Surgery Next Month

Well, I guess I have pissed off Laura. She hasn't responded to my last email for three days. She can be snotty in her email, n we r to take it. Guess again. I can be just as snotty. She is the patient coordinator - the word "patient" must confuse her, cause I am the paying client. Oh well, I will be calling the doctor directly. We can't put up with too much s.... from her as I know a lot of women on here have posted all the problems they had with her. I had to go over her head straight to the doctor and the administrator of the hospital. Can not and will not put up with this childish behavior from someone who is there to help the patient.

GETTING READY

Got final quote today. Still trying to lose some more weight. Stuck on 10 lbs. Need to really get busy with the exercise cause I want to lose another 10 before this surgery. I will be staying at a hotel instead of recovery house and I will have a nurse that will come to the Hotel to take care of me. Thought this was better cause at Virginia's they don't allow men and my husband is coming with me. All the other houses do not have hospital bed so I might as well stay at a nice place that is paid for by my husband's job. Oh, for those that think that the ladies at the recovery house make 300 pesos a month, it is actually 300 USD ($12,000 pesos) per month so a 500 peso tip is only two dollars that you are tipping for 10 days (we tip more for a dinner out here). Just thought I would mention this, one of our dollars is 40 pesos there. I am slowly getting all my supplies but I will get snacks, drinks and meals at the Hotel. We will be staying at the Jaragua and I also found a great dentist that is US Accredited Jose Alonso, (he also has office in Miami) so I will be having some dental work in the future with him. I will meet him this trip and plan to go back in December for dental work. Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers as I am doing for you the Ladies that have gone thru or are about to go thru this. We are strong and God is with all of us. Happy healing.
Great review?

From research and pics.

Comments (49)

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Mimi877 14 May 2013
I know exactly what you mean! Family is family and in Latino families everyone has an opinion and no one is afraid to voice it lol which is why I only tell people on a need to know basis. I don't feel like I have to explain anything to anyone. This is my personal choice. I've taken a few years to decide and now I'm ready. I'm scared and nervous but I have faith. OMG! 5 natural births!! Your a made of steel lol...You may want to practice walking hunched over to get your back ready because for the first few days my back hurt from not being able to stand straight.
LucknBoo 14 May 2013
Funny so say that because I have been doing just that to feel what it is going to be like. So funny we think alike.
BossLadyTj 5 May 2013
Hey Chicka!! I'm scheduled for May the 9th. I will be arriving on the 8th. Also going to the office of Dr. Socias to have some veneers put in. Good luck on your journey!!!!!
chunkychula 1 May 2013
Good to hear! I am excited for you!
LucknBoo 1 May 2013
Thank you so much and good luck to you.
Mimi877 1 May 2013
Omg! That's great...I'm scheduled for the 27th of June. Maybe we will run into each other but I will be staying with Virginia. I don't even know why I feel so excited for you lol but I just real excited and nervous for myself lol...I fly out on the 26th...how about you? I'm coming out of ny
LucknBoo 1 May 2013
I also fly out on the 27th of June from Tampa. My surgery is June 28th. Hope to see you there, I am fluent in English and Spanish, so if I see you and you need so help communicating I will be more than happy to assist or anyone else. I am very excited for me too as well as for you, cause it looks like she is the best. We will be in good hands.
Mimi877 1 May 2013
Thanks for offering but I'm also fluent in Spanish. I'm a repeat customer lol if you have questions feel free to ask. I will going to have a Brazilian butt lift, thigh lift & arm lift. I have a companion coming with me for the first 7 days. I have to stay for 14. I requested to stay at Virginias recovery house. I bonded with her during my first trip, she's really nice
LucknBoo 1 May 2013
Everyone says that but since my husband is coming with me, the doctor recommended we stay at Rosa's. Still waiting to see if anyone has stayed there although I know we will be fine, who knows we might still run into each other at the clinic for follow-ups. Now I feel even better knowing that you trust her so much that you are going back. Buena suerte, and God bless.
Mimi877 1 May 2013
Oh, that's why. Men aren't allowed at Virginia's. I know we will both be at the center on the 27th. I will be on the look out lol...Dra. Robles really is one of the best in DR. she friendly and very approachable. not at all snotty or fake. and her work speks for itself. May God bless u too. I'm sure we will talk again before that. I will be praying for you.
Boopieboop 1 May 2013
You have to keep me updated on your thigh lift. Maybe next time I go I might get thigh lift first I have to get this first trip under my belt getting very excited!!!
Mimi877 1 May 2013
I started a thread it should be up on the BBL board tomorrow or the next day.
nbrksvll 1 May 2013
Very happy for you! I have also has set backs along the way and understand the frustration. I will continue to follow your journey as I am scheduled for July 9th. Best wishes to you, and keep us posted along the way!
LucknBoo 1 May 2013
Thank you so much. I will certainly keep you all updated and keep it REAL. Good luck to you.
Mimi877 15 Apr 2013
I will be having sx with Robles on 6/26 for thigh, butt and arm lift. she did my tt/bbl last year. I stayed at the recovery house and was cared for by virginia. the house is clean and nice. If u have questions message me.
chunkychula 12 Apr 2013
Totally bummed for you. I understand setbacks~hopefully they will be like mine, just a couple of months.
LucknBoo 12 Apr 2013
I hope so too. Thank you for your support.
Kricken 9 Apr 2013
I'm in Clearwater,am 3 weeks post op. my dr is dr Harrell in palm harbor. He did not ask me to loose weight, and was honest as to what I could expect. I have been overall happy with him. You don't live to far away, so I'd recommend you check him out. Ill be happy to answer any questions.
O2BKIE 5 Apr 2013
It's so hard to give advice on this because you are going to a third world country where standards are VERY different. ..I mean everything from treatment to cleanliness BUT Dr. Robles is amazing. Her work is amazing. I'm 3 weeks PO and LOVIN my results. Literally dancing around the house right now, happy with my headphones feeling real sexy. LOL! Yes I'm crazy. You can check my photos to see her work, but it comes down to personal preference for your care. I think things were bad at the hospital a couple of weeks ago but it sounds like things are being addresses by number of compliants and concerns. Inbox me if you have any questions.
MYDREAMBODY2013 23 Mar 2013
LUCKNBOO ITS HUMAN NATURE TO BE NERVOUS, SCARED YET EXCITED AT THE SAME TIME. I REMEMBER DAYS N EVEN WEEKS BEFORE HAVING MY SURGERY I GOOGLE EVERYTHING, I WOULD DO SO MUCH RESEARCH AND CHAT WITH GIRLS WHO DID THE SAME PROCEDURE AS ME. I WAS SCARED N I THOUGHT THE WORSE WAS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME. UNTIL MY FRIEND TOLD ME TO STOP THINKING NEGATIVE BECAUSE ILL WILL ATTRACT JUST THAT N IF SOMETHING WAS DESTINED TO HAPPEN TO ME IT WAS GOING TO BE EITHER IN DR OR IN THE STATES. ANOTHER THING THE ACTUAL TT PROCEDURE DOESNT HURT BUT ITS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. THE LIPO FOR MR HURT MUCH MORE. I REMEMBER IF I LAID FOR A MINS AND THEN GOT UP I FELT LIKE MY ENTIRE BACK WAS IN FIRE. BUT THIS IS NORMAL, ITS JUST YOUR CELLS REGENERATING AGAIN. THE DRAINS WERE UNCOMFORTABLE FOR ME AS WELL I HATED MY DRAIN LOL. I COULDNT WAIT TILL DR ROBLES TOOK THEM OFF. IM HAPPY I DID WHAT I DID WITH WHOM I DID IT WITH. I DONT REGRET MY DECISIONS AT ALL. TRUST ME WHEN I SAY THAT ONCE YOU GO FOR AN CONSULTATION WITH ROBLES YOUR GOING TO FEEL SAFE AND THAT YOUR IN GOOD HANDS. GOOD LUCK ! I WISH YOU NOTHING BUT THE BEST !
SculptMeNow 22 Mar 2013
I'll tell you what I'm doing... I was kinda in the same thought process as you. After calling a few surgeons and and getting more basic info on anesthesia and the care and precaution that should be taken when traveling out the country for surgery. I decided to have my breast done in the states and later this year ill do my lipo and tummy with Robles possibly. Sometimes we have to make decision outside of what the doctor says is okay or safe to do,we are responsible for our health and life first.although both precedures are important to you, you need to pick the top or bottom part of you body. IMO I would not do the tummy, lipo and breast at the same time..it's wayyyyy to much to do at one time, there is a possiblity you body will go in shock but if you are healthy and not over weight than go for it if YOU feel its safe, just remember they're human. I'm all for going to DR but just remember there is no real liability on your behalf if something shall go wrong in DR or after you return.
nbrksvll 22 Mar 2013
I know how you feel!!! I'm scheduled for July and I'm excited but lately I'm becoming more and mote nervous. Some of the things ladies are saying are kinda scary, in particular the waking up during surgery thing. I'm not so scared of just waking up, its the thought of what if I can feel pain part that really freaks me out. I'm going to have my sister with me for support so I'm not as concerned about the "lack" of attention and compassion from the hospital nurses, but still in the back of my head. One thing I have done was get a guarantee by email from Laura. that I will be in Virginia's recovery. house. Anyway I completely understand your anxiety too, I'll keep you in mu prayers.
LucknBoo 22 Mar 2013
Thank you so much for the support. Like all the ladies say, you will be so glad u did it afterwards, but we r human so I guess its natural to be anxious. I am older (59) so I think it will be harder for me but I know that's not always true. My blood count is 13.6 which is really good right now, I am scheduled for June 28 sx, I haven't cancelled yet. The waking up part is what has me so freaked out too. Thanks for the prayers. I will pray for u too, n I know u will look great. Good luck with sx n happy healing. Keep us posted.
sagogetta 22 Mar 2013
I think you should go with your gut. I was on the fence to but the things i want done either it's to pricey or it has to be done separately. Just put your trust and faith in the lord and your surgery will go well. I'm going to dr. Yily june 18th. I love her results. I've seen some not too good surgeries done in the u.s. I hope this helps :)
LucknBoo 22 Mar 2013
Thank u for replying. I agree that here everything is so pricey. I pray everyday for guidance n I know it will be on God's time not mine so I need to let go n wait for his time. I am happy you found your doctor. I have seen some of Dr. Yily's work n her results r amazing. Sure u will do really good. Good luck with ur surgery n my prayers r with you. Post pics.

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