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Day 8 Update
Hello RS readers,
Well, it's been an eventful 8 days since my surgery. I'm on the flat side now, and so far, I'm delighted with my results. Here's a recap of the week:
Day 1
My lab results were good (hemo 14!) so I could get everything done - tt, bl, lipo, bbl. Arelis took me to the clinic at 7 am. We were shown to a clean, well equipped room with a couch and a hospital bed. Dr. Leon's assistant, Georgina, had let me know earlier that she would stay the night with me, sleeping on the couch. That was a huge relief, as I was worried about communicating with the nurses given my limited Spanish. We settled on the couch, and Dr. Leon came in. Arelis stepped out, and he reviewed the procedures I would have, and then marked me up. I appreciate that he took his time and used a ruler to ensure symmetry. He left and the anesthesiologist came in and spoke to me. She had a form that I need to sign, then she asked me a few questions (did I smoke, was I allergic to anything). While we were talking a nurse came in with the famous "blue pill." I had one last moment of nerviousness and doubt as I picked it up, then I quickly swallowed it. Now there was no turning back. The anesthesiologist left, and realizing I didn't have much time left, I quickly made sure that Arelis had my emergency contact info. I must have looked sleepy from the pill, because a few minutes later Arelis suggested that I move to the hospital bed, and that's the last thing I remember until waking up in the same bed after my surgery, several hours later. Georgina was there when I woke up, and she reassured me that my surgery had gone well. She got me a blanket, and made sure the nurse gave me the proper pain meds in my IV. Per my instructions, she had already called my friend and let her know I was OK. I had already been put into my faja, and it felt tight. As the anesthesia wore off, I felt cold and nauseous. Georgina helped me with the blanket and then had the nurse add some anti-nausea meds to my other medication. The rest of the night went as well as possible under the circumstances. The hospital bed was unfortable, my catheter got blocked, and I needed more pain meds a few times. But Georgina was reassuringly there to mangage the nurses, apologize for the bed (not her fault) and the fact that I had to sleep sitting up (again, not her fault). Not the best night, but not the worst either, and Georgina is an angel to stay all night on a very uncomfortable couch! The next morning they got me up early (6:30) to stand and take a few steps. Apparently, it's important to get on your feet as soon as possible after surgery. Due to a recent infusion of meds (at 6:00), walking went better then expected. They brought me breakfast, which I picked at, and a couple of hours later, Dr. Leon came in to give me my meds and to discharge me. He was really sweet, and told me I would now be able to break a few more hearts with my new body. At my age, that's a fun prospect. :) During all this, Georgina called Arelis to come pick me up. She arrived quickly, and I was put into a wheelchair and gently put into the waiting car. When we arrived at the recovery house I was delighted to see that my room had been freshly cleaned, and my bed set up with special pillows. It felt like heaven after the discomfort of the hospital bed. Arelis served me a special, nourishing soup, which felt great on my throat, sore from the anesthesiologist's tube. I didn't eat much, but it was perfect. Then, I took the meds Dr. Leon had provided and fell into a deep sleep.
A word about Arelis and her amazing team. She works closely with her daughter and a staff that cooks and cleans. Her recovery house is a well oiled machine that does an outstanding job! I came to the DR alone, and yet under their care, I never felt alone. From the moment Arelis's daughter met me at the airport, I felt supported. The other women at the house were sweet, kind, and reassuring. I had requested a private room and it was immaculate, with a comfortable bed, spotless linens, cable tv, and remotes to control the air conditioning temp and tv. Arelis, or her daughter, happily take me to every appointment and stay with me the entire time (translating as needed). The food is delicious, and geared towards the nutrition needed to heal and recover (protean, vegetables, rice/beans, salad, juice). Arelis will also cater to food allergies (I'm intolerant of wheat), and she asks what you would like to eat, and honors cravings when possible. She also personally cleans your incision areas, body, and washes your hair with a gentle loving hand. She provides a call button and responds quickly to its call. Even when she must go out, she makes sure one of her staff is always in the house to help, as needed. Overall, while there are many good recovery houses to choose from, Arelis will give you experienced, loving attention for every aspect of your sx journey; and for this, and her lovely recovery house, I highly recommend her!
Day 2
I woke up to breakfast served in my room, and pain meds/antibiotic (Arelis makes sure you eat before taking meds). Then, I prepared for my first massage. I had heard they are painful, but mine was wonderful. The masseuse is strong but gentle, and I felt great afterwards. Traveling was a bit rough, however, Arelis's daughter takes care to go over bumps gently and to help in every way. The rest of the day was spent resting, with brief walks every couple of hours. Walking is a great pain management tool. I had to use a walker, and walk hunched over, so as to not strain the tt area, but it really helps. Still couldn't eat much, dispite Arelis's urging. It was also challenging to pee, due to the catheter's disruption to my system. But, eventually my body fingered it out.
Day 3
Basically a repeat of day two, except that I felt a bit better. The faja still felt tight and cumbersome. And it was challenging to get in and out of bed. I had to call Arelis to help me each time, mostly due to the pain of my newly tightened stomach muscles (I didn't realize they were so loose, but now they feel like I have an internal corset!).
Day 4
Massage, then a visit to Dr. Leon. Everything was OK, so back home to the recovery house. Arelis emptied my two drains and recorded the output (something she does at least once or twice per day. I felt really good, with some of my energy back.
Days 5 & 6
It was the weekend, so no massages or outings. Arelis cleaned me from head to foot, and washed my faja. It felt great! Watched lots of tv, walked a bit, and tried to read. I felt comfortable, but a bit impatient to heal. However, you can't rush things, so I did my best to stay calm and practice patience.
Day 7
One week since my surgery and things are going well. Had another massage, and walked a bit more. My appetite came back, and I enjoyed the delicious food.
Day 8
Massage in the morning, then another Dr appointment. Everything is healing well, and Dr. Lean does not need to see me again until next Monday to remove drains (yeah!) and stitches. Feeling good today and finally ready to update RS. :) Met a few of Dr. Leon's other patients in his office. Like me, they were a bit anxious, but Georgina and I reassured them that the outcome would be great. Also, saw the work of one of Dr. Leon's patients who is 6 months out. She looked fantastic, and it was motivating to see her and to know things will continue to improve.
Well, it's been an eventful 8 days since my surgery. I'm on the flat side now, and so far, I'm delighted with my results. Here's a recap of the week:
Day 1
My lab results were good (hemo 14!) so I could get everything done - tt, bl, lipo, bbl. Arelis took me to the clinic at 7 am. We were shown to a clean, well equipped room with a couch and a hospital bed. Dr. Leon's assistant, Georgina, had let me know earlier that she would stay the night with me, sleeping on the couch. That was a huge relief, as I was worried about communicating with the nurses given my limited Spanish. We settled on the couch, and Dr. Leon came in. Arelis stepped out, and he reviewed the procedures I would have, and then marked me up. I appreciate that he took his time and used a ruler to ensure symmetry. He left and the anesthesiologist came in and spoke to me. She had a form that I need to sign, then she asked me a few questions (did I smoke, was I allergic to anything). While we were talking a nurse came in with the famous "blue pill." I had one last moment of nerviousness and doubt as I picked it up, then I quickly swallowed it. Now there was no turning back. The anesthesiologist left, and realizing I didn't have much time left, I quickly made sure that Arelis had my emergency contact info. I must have looked sleepy from the pill, because a few minutes later Arelis suggested that I move to the hospital bed, and that's the last thing I remember until waking up in the same bed after my surgery, several hours later. Georgina was there when I woke up, and she reassured me that my surgery had gone well. She got me a blanket, and made sure the nurse gave me the proper pain meds in my IV. Per my instructions, she had already called my friend and let her know I was OK. I had already been put into my faja, and it felt tight. As the anesthesia wore off, I felt cold and nauseous. Georgina helped me with the blanket and then had the nurse add some anti-nausea meds to my other medication. The rest of the night went as well as possible under the circumstances. The hospital bed was unfortable, my catheter got blocked, and I needed more pain meds a few times. But Georgina was reassuringly there to mangage the nurses, apologize for the bed (not her fault) and the fact that I had to sleep sitting up (again, not her fault). Not the best night, but not the worst either, and Georgina is an angel to stay all night on a very uncomfortable couch! The next morning they got me up early (6:30) to stand and take a few steps. Apparently, it's important to get on your feet as soon as possible after surgery. Due to a recent infusion of meds (at 6:00), walking went better then expected. They brought me breakfast, which I picked at, and a couple of hours later, Dr. Leon came in to give me my meds and to discharge me. He was really sweet, and told me I would now be able to break a few more hearts with my new body. At my age, that's a fun prospect. :) During all this, Georgina called Arelis to come pick me up. She arrived quickly, and I was put into a wheelchair and gently put into the waiting car. When we arrived at the recovery house I was delighted to see that my room had been freshly cleaned, and my bed set up with special pillows. It felt like heaven after the discomfort of the hospital bed. Arelis served me a special, nourishing soup, which felt great on my throat, sore from the anesthesiologist's tube. I didn't eat much, but it was perfect. Then, I took the meds Dr. Leon had provided and fell into a deep sleep.
A word about Arelis and her amazing team. She works closely with her daughter and a staff that cooks and cleans. Her recovery house is a well oiled machine that does an outstanding job! I came to the DR alone, and yet under their care, I never felt alone. From the moment Arelis's daughter met me at the airport, I felt supported. The other women at the house were sweet, kind, and reassuring. I had requested a private room and it was immaculate, with a comfortable bed, spotless linens, cable tv, and remotes to control the air conditioning temp and tv. Arelis, or her daughter, happily take me to every appointment and stay with me the entire time (translating as needed). The food is delicious, and geared towards the nutrition needed to heal and recover (protean, vegetables, rice/beans, salad, juice). Arelis will also cater to food allergies (I'm intolerant of wheat), and she asks what you would like to eat, and honors cravings when possible. She also personally cleans your incision areas, body, and washes your hair with a gentle loving hand. She provides a call button and responds quickly to its call. Even when she must go out, she makes sure one of her staff is always in the house to help, as needed. Overall, while there are many good recovery houses to choose from, Arelis will give you experienced, loving attention for every aspect of your sx journey; and for this, and her lovely recovery house, I highly recommend her!
Day 2
I woke up to breakfast served in my room, and pain meds/antibiotic (Arelis makes sure you eat before taking meds). Then, I prepared for my first massage. I had heard they are painful, but mine was wonderful. The masseuse is strong but gentle, and I felt great afterwards. Traveling was a bit rough, however, Arelis's daughter takes care to go over bumps gently and to help in every way. The rest of the day was spent resting, with brief walks every couple of hours. Walking is a great pain management tool. I had to use a walker, and walk hunched over, so as to not strain the tt area, but it really helps. Still couldn't eat much, dispite Arelis's urging. It was also challenging to pee, due to the catheter's disruption to my system. But, eventually my body fingered it out.
Day 3
Basically a repeat of day two, except that I felt a bit better. The faja still felt tight and cumbersome. And it was challenging to get in and out of bed. I had to call Arelis to help me each time, mostly due to the pain of my newly tightened stomach muscles (I didn't realize they were so loose, but now they feel like I have an internal corset!).
Day 4
Massage, then a visit to Dr. Leon. Everything was OK, so back home to the recovery house. Arelis emptied my two drains and recorded the output (something she does at least once or twice per day. I felt really good, with some of my energy back.
Days 5 & 6
It was the weekend, so no massages or outings. Arelis cleaned me from head to foot, and washed my faja. It felt great! Watched lots of tv, walked a bit, and tried to read. I felt comfortable, but a bit impatient to heal. However, you can't rush things, so I did my best to stay calm and practice patience.
Day 7
One week since my surgery and things are going well. Had another massage, and walked a bit more. My appetite came back, and I enjoyed the delicious food.
Day 8
Massage in the morning, then another Dr appointment. Everything is healing well, and Dr. Lean does not need to see me again until next Monday to remove drains (yeah!) and stitches. Feeling good today and finally ready to update RS. :) Met a few of Dr. Leon's other patients in his office. Like me, they were a bit anxious, but Georgina and I reassured them that the outcome would be great. Also, saw the work of one of Dr. Leon's patients who is 6 months out. She looked fantastic, and it was motivating to see her and to know things will continue to improve.
Hello RS fans! Well, it's one day before my...
Hello RS fans! Well, it's one day before my surgery and I've read so many candid and helpful reviews on this site, that I feel it's only fair that I also share my story and experience. I'm 5'3" and weigh 145. I've always had a strong, curvey body, and even gave birth to two children without getting one stretch mark! However, about a year and a half ago, my age caught up to me. I gained weight (15 pounds), my boobs started to sag, my butt to flatten, my waist to thicken, and I had a belly! Menopause had fully taken hold. I've been reading RS for several years now, and had learned about mommy makeovers. I decided to get one, but in my case it was a menopause makeover. To prepare, I had to do my part. Research doctors, and take off a few pounds. The research was fun, the weight loss - not so much. Weight does not budge easily over 50! I was already mostly eating paleo but I had to reduce my calories by cutting way down on fat, starches, and wine(!). The goal was to lose 10 pounds, however, I only lost 7. I did start swimming laps, which went a long way towards increasing my energy level and helping me feel better overall.
Then, I had to choose a Doctor. I live abroad, so I did not want to come to the US. Therefore, I relied on the many honest, heartfelt reviews that I have read on Real Self, and selected Dr. Jose Leon in the Dominican Republic. He sent me a very reasonable quote for lipo, a tummy tuck, bbl, and a breast lift. His reviews are outstanding, and he and his assistant, Georgina, go above and beyond to make sure their patients are well cared for. I selected the Arelis recovery house (again, based on her excellent RS reviews). Arelis and her daughter are amazing, and the food is delicious!
I've been here in the DR for three days, and had my labs and post op today in preparation for tomorrow's surgery. The doctor says I'm good to go with "the works." At this point I feel very supported by my recovery house, Dr. Leon, and Georgina. Of course I'm a bit nervous, but excited too, and truly thankful for the many brave women, who by sharing, have given me the courage to move forward with my makeover.
Then, I had to choose a Doctor. I live abroad, so I did not want to come to the US. Therefore, I relied on the many honest, heartfelt reviews that I have read on Real Self, and selected Dr. Jose Leon in the Dominican Republic. He sent me a very reasonable quote for lipo, a tummy tuck, bbl, and a breast lift. His reviews are outstanding, and he and his assistant, Georgina, go above and beyond to make sure their patients are well cared for. I selected the Arelis recovery house (again, based on her excellent RS reviews). Arelis and her daughter are amazing, and the food is delicious!
I've been here in the DR for three days, and had my labs and post op today in preparation for tomorrow's surgery. The doctor says I'm good to go with "the works." At this point I feel very supported by my recovery house, Dr. Leon, and Georgina. Of course I'm a bit nervous, but excited too, and truly thankful for the many brave women, who by sharing, have given me the courage to move forward with my makeover.
Provider Review
Plastic Surgeon
Clínica Plastimedic: Calle Sócrates Nolasco No.4, Ensanche Naco. , Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Dr. Leon is professional, speaks perfect English, and personally calls to discuss your desired results during the consultation. His assistant, Georgina also speaks English, and promptly responds to emails, calls, and texts.