Skin removal after losing over 200 pounds

Lots of research... I had not planned on going out of the country for my surgeries. (see my other review and story about my weight loss after my gastric sleeve). However, since the cost here in the US is just so HIGH, and insurance really does not cover much I decided to look into options. After contacting MANY Surgeons I had it narrowed down between traveling to Colombia, or Dominican Republic. Most of whom I found on RealSelf.com

Well, Dr. Alex Campbell, and his staff were the very clear "winners". He took the time to talk with me on the phone, and go over options. He made it clear they were available for any questions that I might have. Every email I sent was always answered, most within 24 hours. Once I made the decision to book the surgery, everything seems to have gone very quickly... and now I leave in about a week!!!

So excited!

It is almost time! Oh my goodness... I am just filled with excitement and nerves. We fly out on Monday! I just have to pack...

I realized that this is a dream come true for me. One that I didn't really think was ever going to happen. Just the cost alone made me feel it was something out of reach. However, realizing that I CAN go out of country made it so much more economical. I am looking forward to meeting my Dr's in person!!! and the staff... I am really happy with the communication and prompt answers they provided throughout.

I had my surgery on 03/01/17 and was in Colombia until 03/14/17. I have been home for almost a week now, and could not be happier with the results.

When we 1st arrived in Cartagena, Colombia our driver was waiting for us, and took us to the recovery suites. I was surprised that they had someone waiting for us there, to welcome us, and make sure we got settled in... it was 11pm, so we pretty much went to sleep.

The next day we were met with smiling faces, fresh fruit, coffee and breakfast. (Coffee being a very welcome after a long travel day!). The patient assistant, Diana, was wonderful. (I miss her!!!) She is there very morning, helping getting the day going. Nayibi, the patient coordinator, came in and made sure we knew the plans for the day. After that, we had the morning to go an explore the city before my pre-op Dr. appointments.

The city is wonderful!! So much to see and do... next trip I am going a couple of days before so that I can do some of the more adventurous things prior to surgery.

I met with Dr. Campbell and Dra. Restrepo that afternoon, and we talked about what procedures we were going to do. I ended up doing a full body lift w/a fleur de lis incision, mini inner thigh lift, and breast lift and augmentation. They both are amazing people, and put me at ease with the thought of doing that much work all at once. They work as a team, and minimize the time that you are under. My surgery was schedule for mid-day the following day.

The day of surgery, everything went well. The hardest part was saying goodbye to my partner as they took me off to surgery. (yes, I am a bit of a sap). The surgery lasted about 6 hours, and I was told they removed nearly 17 pounds of skin!!!! I am still amazed. (no lipo!) Just skin. I was told that I don't have any fat to remove, so no lipo was needed. A nurse from premium care stayed with me the first night, and made sure that I was comfortable.

The next day I was ready to move. I knew it was going to hurt, but I wanted to get up and walk. Even though it did hurt some, it was not as bad as I thought it would be. What mostly got to me was the feeling of the incisions pulling a bit on my back and inner thigh as I moved, or pulled myself up. Friday (two days post op) I was up for a walk around the mall that is attached to the recovery suites, and by Saturday I was walking around town a bit.

Wearing the compression garments can feel like a bit of a pain in the... but they really do help in the recovery. It also helps me move since my body is supported. The day after surgery I was in an XL faja, but within a week, I am in a M. I will need to buy a S before too much longer, as i am already on the 2nd hook, and not even 3 weeks post op. I never would have believed that I would be a small anything. lol

Anyway, I am jumping ahead.

I started off with 6 drains, and the nurses came and checked on me and the drains daily. I had massage therapy everyday to help aid the reduction of the swelling and promote healing. Basically... there is always someone there to help you. My partner was able to come with me, but had to leave after the 1st week. I am very thankful that he was there to help me, both emotionally and physically, and wish he could have stayed the entire time... however, if he was not able to come I know that I would have been in great hands.

As I got stronger I was out walking more and more.. and shopping!!! lots of shopping. They helped me find some great places to shop, and get a great pair (or two) of jeans. They set up a visit to the salon for me, and took me there to explain what all I wanted done... (my Spanish is VERY weak).

Before surgery I was wearing a size 12 (or 14) jeans. Post op (and I know i still have swelling) I am in a size 6!!! My entire adult life I dreamed/wished to be a "single digit" size. After losing so much weight, and having the loose skin for so long... this was a dream come true.

To be able to recover in paradise, and finally have a body that fits with my goals is simply surreal to me still.

There is so much more I could say... I welcome any questions!

I already KNOW that I am going back sometime next year to complete my surgeries. ( I still want/need an arm lift, and a neck lift).

Once I submit my two month post op pictures I will post the pictures from the office. However, I have some of my own...