My Tummy Tuck, Lipo and Breast Enlargement with Dra. Yily in D.R! - Dominican Republic, DO

I am a single mother of 2 beautiful little girls and have been dreaming of having these procedures done for almost 5 years. I have done extensive research and have been emotionally and physically ready and now I finally have the money! I will be going from a b/c cup to a DD with a full tummy tuck with hernia and muscle repair. I want a waist back so will also have some lipo of the sides. I'm 5,4" and weigh 144 lbs but been advised to loose weight before the surgery... I'm now starting taking iron, vitamin c, complex b, folic acid, 2 litres of water daily and have quit smoking!

So there have been some changes, instead of going to Dr. Robles I think I am now going to Dr. Yily. As far as I am concerned they are both amazing and have done fantastic work. I had some communication issues with Dr. Robles when I asked her to double check the doses I was told to take of iron and folic acid as it meant taking 50 plus tablets a day... 7 days passed with no response and other questions are still unanswered. It was making me very nervous as the surgery is in a couple of weeks and I consider it vital information to know. Dr. Yily has responded to all my questions within 12 hours. I've read reviews on the whole experience on both and it's hard to decide but I feel I may confirm with Yily. I have her bank details so can pay in full on Monday so I don't have to worry about carrying lots of cash from the UK to USA and then to DR. So with Dr Yily here's a breakdown in costs;

Procedures: 5700 USD
insurance: 250 USD
Lymphatic massages x10: 310 USD
2nd compression garment: 140 USD
Jaqueline spa recovery house x 10: 900 USD
Medication: 150-200 dollars
Extras/tips etc: 200 dollars
Dominican pesos: change 100 USD
Flight from UK cost me around 1300 USD

Dr. Robles breakdown of costs;

Procedures: 6000 USD
Insurance: 150 USD
extras (iron shot, rosa mosquetta oil, extra garment): 300 USD
Flight: still 1300 USD
Medication: 150-200 dollars
Extras/tips etc: 200 dollars
Dominican pesos: change 100 USD

I have been researching the best things to help with recovery. I've heard the following works really well;

SinEcch Arnica Montana post surgery therapy tablets (for swelling and bruising)

Kelo-cote scar healing and reduction gel
Or
Scar fix silicone scar and healing reduction sheet

Problem is, these products are very hard to get and cost 5 times more in London. I'm trying to find out if I can buy them from DR or if I can order from US. I will be stopping over in New York but apparently I won't be able to leave the airport even though I got ESTA authorisation (visa).

Anyway I'm feeling really nervous about flying alone, leaving my kids, the actual procedure, the recovery and being alone in a country I don't know for 12 days. I'm trying to learn as much Spanish as I can before I go. I will be taking iPhone, iPad, portable DVD player and lots of DVDs and books to help pass the time. Although there's a lot to be scared about I am also really excited about fixing my body.

Finally, I've done my complete blood count and Dr. Yily said its all fine but I must keep taking iron tablets. So next week I will give some more updates as I will be packing and finalising details. If anyone is going to DR on or around 27th August to 7th sep 2013 let me know or any advice, tips or recommendations would be appreciated.................. Just over 2 weeks!!!! Agggghhhh ????

So this time next week I will be on my way to the airport, I hope I don't miss any flights in London or New York (connecting flight) not sure what I'm going to do at JFK airport for over 4 hours. At least I can say I've finally been to America (even if it is just the airport lol).

So I'm so lastminute.com I haven't packed yet but have got most of the things I need around the house. Here's a rough list of the things I will be packing;

Clothes

Cotton underwear
Draw string pants
Maxi/summer dresses
Compression socks
Cotton tank tops
Dressing gown
Slippers
Flip flops
Flat shoes
Sports bras

Entertainment

Portable DVD player
Lots of DVDs
iPhone
iPad
Books/magazine
Notepad and pen
Headphones
Sunglasses
Apple chargers
UK to USA plug converters
Nail polish (just incase)

Day to day items

Body towel
Face towel
Antibacterial soap
Antibacterial body wipes
Feminine pads
Toothpaste/brush
Sanitising hand gel
Bed sheets
Blanket
Hair brush/comb
Hair wrap (for relaxed hair)
Hair cream
Body lotion
Bum bag for money
Sunscreen

Recovery aids

Stool softener
Urine funnel
Waterproof liners
Donut pillow
Lipo foam board
Bromelain
Arnica Montana cream
Arnica Montana pellets
Mosquetta rosa oil
Silicone sheets
Neosporin
Lidocaine gel
Sleeping tablets
Nausea tablets
Pain relief
Vitamin c
Iron tablets
B complex

Other

US dollars
Dominican pesos
Pound sterling for return to London
Snacks

I hope that is all I need as I will probably be over my baggage allowance of 23kg. I also need to find out about roaming charges for my phone. I've downloaded a Spanish translator app and Skype (which I've never used). I've booked a lymphatic drainage massage for when I return, in London they are on average 100usd so found a bargain at 35usd. I will be picking up my visitors card when I get to D.R for 10usd (double in London). I've got all the details for the British embassy in D.R just incase. I've also emailed pictures of my passport, card details and flight/accommodation details to my family incase I loose my stuff, it gets stolen or something goes wrong. My last worry is how my oldest daughter will get to school, which starts the day after I land. I can't drive and I'm the sole driver in my family, mums got knee problems so may have to hire someone. I'm now just writing questions to ask Dr. Yily at the consultation and converting them into Spanish. I'm a little worried about the language barrier but will do my best.... Will update very soon