Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS

49 Yr Old- Mommy Makeover Journey - Dr. Goico - Dominican Republic

ORIGINAL POST

I am finally ready to begin my mommy makeover...

User Avatar
littlenikki123
$5,400
I am finally ready to begin my mommy makeover journey. I have been reading reviews on this website for almost a year. You guys have been so helpful and informative. Thank you so much. So a little about me. I am a 49 year old mother of three children. I had two c-sections and breastfeed all three of my children. Gravity has definitely taken a toll on my breast. Before my children I was in a B cup, I am now a sagging DD. I also have that annoying skin that just hangs there from my c-section. All of my children are grown now. I have talked about getting a breast lift for years and tightening the skin on my abdomen. My husband and I feel like now is the time. I will be 50 next year and we will be celebrating 30 years of marriage. So happy birthday and anniversary to me (smiles). I'm finally getting a little of my body back. I have done so much research and I have narrowed my list of doctors down to a few. I really wanted someone who was well qualified, did good work, operated out of a good facility, and had great reviews. Well I found that doctor. I will be having a mommy makeover with Dr. Goico in January 2016. I will be having a Breast Lift/Reduction, Lipo, Tummy Tuck and BBL. I am a little concerned with having so many procedures at one time. I did think about dividing the procedures up because I plan on coming back later in the year for a Rhinoplasty. If i had to choose one procedure the most important to me is the breast reduction with a lift. I would like to be in a C cup bra (just thinking about that makes me so happy).

I will be staying at Arelis Recovery House. My husband insist on accompanying me through this entire process. I happy he is so supportive. I had to find a recovery house that allowed men and luckily this one did. So we will both be staying at Arelis. I know it’s a little more expensive than other recovery houses but I want the best care and her reviews have been great.

So, why Dr. Goico? I have been researching doctors for almost a year. I looked at all surgeons, no matter where they were located . I am willing to travel within the US or abroad for the best. So I was just focusing on qualified surgeons, good reviews and good after pictures. I found a few in the states, and in the Dominican Republic. Out of all the surgeons the one that stood out the most was Dr. Goico. His qualifications alone were great, but when you add the other things to it, he became my top choice. He requires that you stay in the DR at least 14 days, and you have many visits with him after surgery. His after care is awesome. I was not going to get that here in the states. He works out of one of the best facilities in the Dominican Republic and his after pictures are awesome. Mommy makeovers in the US just don’t look as good as the ones in the DR. I know what people say about going abroad for surgery, but good and bad can happen anywhere. When it came down to it, my husband and I decided that Dr. FG would have been our first choice if he were here in the states. So we are willing to travel to the DR if that’s what it takes. Also, an added bonus is the price. We would pay triple for the same procedures to be performed here in the US and they don’t even look as good.

So my journey begins….. I am so nervous, but so excited.

My stats:
Age: 49
Height: 5’ 3”
Weight: 140-145 lbs.
Bra Size: 34dd

littlenikki123's provider

littlenikki123

littlenikki123 rating for Dr. Fernandez:

Overall rating

Replies (32)

User Avatar
November 5, 2015
Thanks for sharing gf. I will be following your journey. WooHoo!
November 5, 2015
I'm reading your post and I'm struck by the similarities of your journey and mine our stats are very similar and we've both chosen Dr Goico. I'm scheduled for surgery on Nov 17th. Not staying with Arelis but I've read nothing but positive reviews on her RH and I'm sure you'll be happy there. Best of luck and I look forward to following your journey
User Avatar
November 7, 2015
Hi Lisa. OMG !! you are getting so close. I have read your review so many times. Your post have been so helpful. I actually copied your supply list to get me started. I will be following you, keep us updated. Take Care.
November 7, 2015
You're gonna be our trailblazer! I can't wait to follow your journey! Have you chosen your recovery house?
November 9, 2015
thanks Littlenikki I'm glad I could be of help. I still can't believe I'll be in the DR a week from today.... Seems impossible but it's finally happening. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any specific questions. I plan on documenting as much of my journey as possible
User Avatar
November 9, 2015
Wow a week away, I'm also sooo excited for you and I'll also be copying your list. I'll be following your journey so please keep us posted. Stay well hydrated take a multivitamin and iron pill everyday and get a good amount of protein in your diet everyday. Everyday after your surgery...Not a health guru but I'm a nurse and I know how important it is to include these things after surgery. Congratulations, I'll be following you.
November 10, 2015
thx for the great tips and the encouragement- both are much appreciated!
User Avatar
November 6, 2015

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with this community. I'm so glad you've gotten help here and I hope we can support you in whatever you may need! Please keep us updated on your next steps.

November 6, 2015
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing! Our stats are almost identical - you got me by an inch, as are our reasons for selecting Dr. Goico. I am very impressed with his credentials, his thoroughness and consideration. And I to love that he requires you to stay for 14 days. As a health care professional and a weight loss surgery patient, I absolutely understand the importance of aftercare! I would love to stay in touch with you. My surgery is not until April 2016. Take Care!!
User Avatar
November 7, 2015
Yes. Lets stay in touch. We made a good choice with Dr. Goico. I can't wait to follow your journey.
November 7, 2015
Thank you so much!! It's scary and exciting all at the same time
November 30, 2015
Hey there! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Quick question...how did you decide on Arelis RH? That is the decision that I am currently struggling with...
User Avatar
November 30, 2015
Hi, I chose to go with Arelis because she came so highly recommended by Dr. Goico. So far all of the reviews have been positive from women who have stayed there. You get a private room and bathroom. I also like the fact that she is a nurse and the recovery house is located in a very nice area. The only downside is she is on the expensive side at $120 a night. I still question whether I want to pay that much, but I really want to stay in a nice place with excellent care.
December 1, 2015
Those are my exact concerns!
December 1, 2015
Littlenikki. I haven't read any bad reviews on Arelis. Everyone who has gone there has been happy with their choice. Arelis was my first pick as well. For me it came down to the price I just couldn't justify spending that much money since I was staying for 18 days. I didn't have it in my budget - If you can swing it I say do it.
December 2, 2015
How was Serenity Lisa?
November 8, 2015
I'm so happy for you and I wish I had the sport of my husband. I lost 100 pounds 5 years ago with the Lapband procedure.I was 231 and I stay 125-130 always now. I need my brest enhanced because of the weight lost and I had a c-section with my daughter 20 years ago but my stomach have never been the same. My hat is off to your husband. That's so sweet he will be there to be your voice when you can't speak and I think its wonderful to have someone with you. I will be renewing my passport this month as I thought I knew who I wanted to work on me but I don't know now because I want someone that is good with breast lift and augmentation. I only want them lifted and full because I never liked big boobs so I want a like a 34 full B. Congratulations to you and I can't wait until its my time. One last thing is your RH included in your package and if not does he offer that option because I really want someone to go with me and if not my husband my sister, cousin, or one of my friends.
User Avatar
November 9, 2015
Hi Rachel, I am thankful and happy that my husband will be with me during my recovery. No, the RH was not included in my package and I don't think that he offers that option. He does provide a list of his preferred recovery houses.
UPDATED FROM littlenikki123

Quote and Recovery House

User Avatar
littlenikki123
I just thought I would do a post about my experiences getting my quote and my recovery house. I know there are a lot of people trying to get a quote from Dr. Goico and are wondering how long it takes. I know when I was reading reviews from earlier this year it only took a few days but now it may take a few weeks. He receives a lot of request for quotes and between performing surgeries and taking care of his patients, it may take him some time to get back to you. But trust me it is worth the wait. He does take time to look at your pictures and gives you a detailed evaluation of what needs to be done. I first contacted him on whatsapp and he actually responded that same day saying he would get back to me soon. I waited a week then I decided to also send a request through Realself. After doing that I heard from Karel (his assistant) the next day, requesting that I send some personal information and my pictures. I did that and checked my emails everyday waiting for my evaluation and quote. It was taking so long that I actually started looking at a few other surgeons, because I knew I wanted to get it done in January and I was afraid the dates were filling up while I was waiting. It actually took three weeks to get my evaluation and quote. Dr. Goico explained how busy he is and how many request he gets and he still wants to give a personal evaluation so I takes him so time to get back to you. He could just throw a quote at you but I appreciate the time he takes to evaluate my pictures. So, it is worth the wait. Also, I should mention that after I booked my surgery I contacted him on whatsapp with a few questions and he got back to me and answered all my questions the next day. I was really pleased with that.

Now, for Arelis Recovery House. I knew that it was my first choice. It is on the expensive side, but from the reviews I have read, was exactly what I would want in a recovery house. I wanted a house in a good area that would have private rooms and bathrooms. My husband is traveling with me so I needed a recovery house that allowed men. I wanted someone who would take good care of me. I like that she is a nurse and came highly recommended by Dr. Goico. From what I have read, she really does a good job caring for patients and also good drain care. They have individually remote controlled air in the rooms, good food, a nurse call button and good wifi reception. She also doesn’t nickel and dime you. She provides a lot that other recovery houses may charge for. Now, when I first tried to contact her on the phone it was a little weird. I would call and think I was talking to someone and it would actually be some kind of recording. That happened a few times. But while I was on the phone, my other line would beep. So I finally clicked over and it was Arelis. She said that she was having some phone issues. We discussed the charges and what she provided. It is $120 a day a day for me and $60 a day for my husband. I gave her my dates and she told me to call her with my flight information and so she can arrange my ride from the airport. Also, she said payment is due on the day I arrive. I wish she had a paypal or credit option, because I really don’t like traveling with a lot of cash. But I guess that’s what most people staying in the recovery houses have to do.

Anyway, I hope this helps manage the expectations of those who may be waiting on a evaluation and quote.

Replies (19)

December 14, 2015
thank you for the follow up reviews Nikki! I received my very thoughtful review and quote from Dr. G and am going in May 2016! Exciited, nervous, anxious...all of the above lol! Now I too just have to make the RH decision. I know he recommends Arelis and that she is on the expensive side, but at the end of the day, the care and attention is the ultimate deal breaker and you get what you pay for.
User Avatar
December 15, 2015
I agree, I hate that it cost so much but my aftercare is very important to me. Congratulations on starting your journey!! I look forward to following you.
User Avatar
December 15, 2015
Thanks for the update Nikki. I am waiting to hear back from Dr. Goico. This will be week 2, I was hoping to get a quote to scheduled a surgery date towards the ending of January. However, I will have to push it out to late Feburary early March. I will keep you in my prayers and continue following you journey. Blessings.
User Avatar
December 15, 2015
Thanks Pink. Hopefully you will be hearing something within the next week.
December 15, 2015
Hi, thankd for the review. Would you know what's the best way to reach out to Dr Goico? I tried calling the office number listed on his website but no one answered. I tried messaging his FB page and no reply. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
User Avatar
December 15, 2015
Hi, I actually reached out to him two ways. I sent him a Whatsapp message (18098017900) with my pictures. Then after waiting a week I decided to send a request through Realself for a quote. That worked better because Karel his assistant responds and gets your information to send to him.
December 16, 2015
You're absolutely right! If we're gonna go to another country to get the surgery and can't exactly go back for aftercare, we should get the best we can while we're there!
User Avatar
December 31, 2015
I totally agree with that aswell.
User Avatar
January 5, 2016
I feel a little better after readonft this. I have become patient that it showed in my emails...lol. I had some questions about my BMI and it took me about a week for a response. I did get my quote almost a week after I sent for a consultation on real self. I made my deposit yesterday and sent all the necessary information to Karel's email but I haven't received a response and the money has not been picked up as yet. This part makes me a bit nervous. I am going to Relax Recovery hopefully they can accommodate me by the time I receive my invoice. I want to have my surgery in the second week of May...fingers crossed that there will be availability.
User Avatar
January 5, 2016
Questions about your vitamins. Are you taking the folic acid and the iron together? Are you also taking them at the same time?
UPDATED FROM littlenikki123

Hemoglobin Check

User Avatar
littlenikki123
So, I decided to have my hemoglobin levels checked two weeks ago. I went to a place called AnyLabTestNow. It is a walk in lab testing place and you don’t have to have a doctors script. I got the results three days later. My hemo is 12.7 (urghhh) Dr. FG said it has to be 12 for one procedure and 13.5-14 for a whole mommy makeover. I am a little happy because it has risen since the last time I took it a year ago. And, I did take the test right after my menstrual cycle so that could have affected my numbers. Well at least I know I could have at least one procedure done. I started taking Iron and other supplements every since I found out I was going to have surgery over a month ago. Maybe they have been working, since my hemoglobin level did increase since last year. I posted a picture of the supplements I have been taking. Anyway, I wanted make sure I am doing the right things, so I went this weekend to have it tested again. I am waiting on my results now. Hopefully my numbers will increase, so I can get the whole mommy makeover.

Since I am about two weeks away, I will also start eating lots of Liver and Spinach this week (yummy...LOL).

Replies (7)

User Avatar
December 21, 2015
Hey Nikki, your updates and tips are very helpful thanks for sharing. I googled AnyLabTestNow and found one in my community as I am also currious about my hemo levels. I will certainly call this facility to get level check this week. Dr. Goico also gave me the same advice as we are both having the exact procdures. I'm going to post the blood building tonic I'm using. Again thanks for sharing. I appreciate.
User Avatar
December 21, 2015
Thanks Pink. I'm glad I could help. I checked out your tonic and it looks like a good one :0)
December 21, 2015
What was the cost to get your blood checked?
User Avatar
December 21, 2015
For a CBC test which includes the hemoglobin test it cost $39. (It was $49 but I they have coupons for $10 off on there website). You can go to the website to see if they provide services in your state or a state near you.
December 21, 2015
Thank you!
December 21, 2015
Thanks for the update! I've been taking Healthy Blood supplement by Vitamin Code for the past 2 weeks, so interested to see what my starting point is. Surgery is scheduled for May 19th, so I have time to get it above 14. Making an appt with AnyLabTestNow in my area right now!
December 25, 2015
Try adding Ferro Iron Sequels pills in a green box, and Pure absorb liquid mixed in OJ together. Add SS tonic to your regimine. Then STOP using it two weeks before your surgery because it contains alchol. Drink beet juice. Eat dark green veggies and liver. Caffiene counteracts the effect so eliminate all caffine. I started at 12. And had 14.6 in thirty days.