47 Yrs Old Woman with 4 Grown Children. I Wanted a Body Makeover. - Dominican Republic

Thank you.....I know what it feels like trying to find a good Dr. It took me 19 years of debating and waiting and interviewing many many doctors over the years. I knew 19 years ago that I wasn't having any more children (I had my tubes cut and tied). I checked out the surgery online (via you tube) so I know what the doctor was going to do while I was under general anesthesia. I wasn't prepared for what happened after which is why I decided to post my thoughts, experience and troubles with what I went through. I'm more that happy to suggest and talk more about it.

Well I thought I wanted to see the procedure, but maybe I shouldn't. My nerves are already jacked up enough! BP thru the roof!!!

LOL So was I. I wanted to make sure I had the TT, BBL and Lipo done and not breasts or a leg cut off LOL. I'm trying to ease your tensions. Think of this as a makeover....you have to be asleep or feel excruciating pain. I couldn't have the epidural thing. That would make my bp go through the roof. Oh by the way, I don't know if you know this but if your going to DR, download the app called "Whatsapp" it's a free international texting app. Dr. Robles and Laura only use it. She likes to get updates on your progress so be sure to download it. If not, you'll be paying through the roof when you get your bill. Also download majicjack. It's a free calling site. I made 2 call in Dr and it costs me a lot.

Well I sure do appreciate you trying to ease my tension.. Cause I have been having slight anxiety attacks on even the thought of this surgery but I know I really want it bad!

And I have already downloaded whatsapp, thank you for that. My husband speakers a lil Spanish cause he has to for his job... So I should be good on communication. I'm sure he knows how to curse somebody's ass out real proper-like!!! LOL

I'm the anxiety queen. LOL I was terrified of leaving my 4 kids (now they're adults) back home. It really helps having someone there. It made a huge difference to have my best friend with me. Just expect the healing process to last more that the time you will be there. People expect this surgery to be a quick fix. It is not. Listen to your body and rest when you have to and eat small meals and drink tons of water. Follow her instructions post surgery and you will be ok.

Yeah I know what u mean. I have a 7 year old son and I have never been away from him that long!!

My kids range from 19-29. As soon as my friend left back to her home, I was horribly lonely and depressed. I spoke to my girls almost every day and there were other women the house recovering. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention you will have roommates. In the recovery house that I stayed in, there were 3 women per room and there 2 bedrooms. Which will make it hard for the people that are there to just take care of you.

What did your kids think about ur getting this surgery.?? I'm wondering what I'm gonna tell mine when he ask "mom what happened to ur "wiggly" belly" LOL!!

Actually my kids are the ones that encouraged me to do it. They were like "mom you've done so much for us and we know you've been working out for years, so you should do it." Now they are like, "mom lets go out to the club this weekend." "Your ass looks amazing" LOL I couldn't have done it without their support. My mom wasn't too happy but she respected my decision, and of course happy I'm home and said don't do it again. LOL

LOL!!! That's so funny!! U never get too old to listen to mom huh! Lol. Well don't be partying too much, we don't want to stitches poppin out!!

OOOHH NOOO LOL I did everything thing they told me to do while I was there and healed very well. I was scared flying back that my stitches would open but I my stitches closed nicely before I flew. If you follow what they tell you and take all your meds and drink tons of water you should be sealed. A woman was there last year, and she left the recovery too soon and she said her stitches popped while on the plane. I thought she was crazy, it left her will any uneven scar. As lonely and depressed as I was I would never leave before I had to. Now my girls and I go out and dance till dawn (within moderation of course...I'm still healing LOL)

I'm 47 and I still listen to my mom LOL. She's the best.

Well I'm scary so I would never leave before the dr let me!! How did ur butt feel all those hours riding on the plane? And I'm so glad u are living and enjoying ur girls.. Hell my mom be trying to get me to take her out. And I'm just not in the mood but I will be when in happy with my body!!

I had a 3 1/2 or so hour flight and I don't get up at all! My body hurt so much when I tried to get up. I still had to walk in a slightly bent position still. It was extremely uncomfortable. I had to wait till everyone got off cause I was so slow moving. It wasn't easy at all. Once I got off the plane a wheel chair was waiting for me. That helped so much cause I went through customs quick than if I had to walk. I was still weak and pale.

Yeah I don't wanna do that. I think my husband and I are gonna drive wherever we go and take the truck so I can lay down in the back!

You wont be able to lay down for about a month after surgery. Remember you have to be a sitting position (even when your sleeping). You have to walk in a bent position for a while. It took me 2 plus weeks to even try to stand straight. You body had to adjust to the surgery and the tightness of you stomach. I had a hard time trying to lay on my side let alone my back.

I really don't wanna sit on my new butt :(

LMAO!!!! too funny. Your not going to dent it. It's gonna feel hard for maybe a day, but you really have no choice. My butt was so swollen but now it's adjusted. It's going to be difficult trying to lay down. You could really rip the stitches (and of course you don't want to go through surgery again). Move slowly and carefully and you'll be ok.

LOL.. Oh ok.. I got it!

Hi Emben, which RH did you stay at?

Relax Recovery with Spray a She is so sweet. Her English is broken bit you can understand her. She has 2 people working for her Millie Nd Lucy. They made the best juice drunks I ever had. Food is good and nutritious. Of course it's not burgers and fries. Lol

I bought it at the place I get the lymphatic massage from in the Bronx where I live. It's weird I just went online and couldn't do it either. I know they sell it in Dr in a mall but I didn't do any traveling to malls like some women did. I thought that was crazy. You won't begin to use the fajate faja for about 2 weeks or so after the surgery. The one they put on you after surgery will do for a while. But as you can see when you check online is there are many types. I bought the 1 piece with the shorts style and clasp NOT zipper. Don't want to get skin or worse the scar stuck to me. I went to Amazon.com and saw them there or type in the search engine, "where to buy fajate garments"

ok got it, Yes I wanted to get extras for when I come back home, I hear those are the best!

They run $110-$180 depending on the one you like. I like the short and the top straps. The one that cover your legs didn't work for me cause I didn't have any lipo on my thighs. I wanted to get the lipo on my thighs but Dr. Robles said I lost too much blood and didn't do it. Which I'm so happy about because other doctors do too much and don't consider the patients. Dr. Robles knew not to continue and I'm so happy for that.

Robles did a beautiful job! Where in the BX did you go for lymphatic massages? I'm also a NYer looking for a masseuse.

Thank you. It's called Alta spa (718) 293-3117. 1066 Ogden Ave/Bronx, NY 10452. It's the cheapest place to get the lymphatic massages and they sell the fajate faja's. Rafaella is fantastic.

Do the lady that does your massage s have a web page?

valtamira@yahoo.com

Thank you I will definitely try them after sx.

Thank you so much! I will take new ones this week. Today I'm on the 3rd notch of the fajate garment. I can't believe it!! It's a good sign that my swelling has gone down and my body is getting back to normal. I'm no longer afraid to be intimate for fear of hurting my body. I will continue to use the garment way after all is said and done. I feel so secure with it and it makes we even walk straighter than I did before. thank you for your kind words.

Hi, thanks for you comments. I stayed at Recovery house with Soraya. She doesn't live at the house but she's there everyday to make sure all is well. Millie and Lucy take turns staying over so someone is always there to help. They don't speak English so communicating might be difficult. But they are very helpful. I had no pain what so ever after surgery, but you will be numb for about 2 months or so. It's been over 2 months since I've had my surgery. I not expecting any pain after the numbness goes away. After surgery they will give you antibiotics (which you must take!) and iron, Complex B, Vitamin C and muscle relaxers (not strong ones) to help you sleep. Keep in mind that you WILL have to sleep in a sitting position for about a month (especially right after surgery) and walk in a bent position). You will have 1 to 2 drains and a garment on when you wake up from surgery. Any more questions please feel free to ask. I can tell you my soup to nuts experience. All the best Emben.

Thank you so much and by the way, you look amazing.

Thanks love. I'm here if you have questions any time.

Thank you! I took 2 weeks off of work. I spent 10 days in Recovery House and the rest with my daughters. They took really good care of me. I must say, even when I went back to work I was a bit weak and fatigued but my colleagues were very supportive and I would leave work early to go home and rest.

No I only stayed 10 days for TT, BBL and Lipo. I chose the VIP package that only allowed 10 days. It might depend on what the doctor has to work with. Are you going alone? You will need to take plenty of money for 20 days. I was going to have my inner thighs lipo but my doctors said I lost a lot of blood during surgery so she couldn't do it. The more work they do, the more time for healing. I've had my surgery over 2 month ago and I'm still healing. I'm doing great but keep in mind the more work you do on your body the longer the healing time.

No I am going alone, my husband is coming for 1 week then my mom for the rest of the time and I have a family home there and family there. I will stay in the recovery clinic for 2 days and stay at my familys home in the city the rest of the time. My DR will not let me leave sooner than 20 days at all

Well the good thing is you have family there.....I didn't. My best friend stayed with me at the recovery house for 4 days ($55 per day), which was so helpful to me. She bathed me and helped me on and off the bed, which wasn't a reclining bed. Be prepared to sleep in a sitting position get lots of pillows. Be sure your doctor is available for anything that can go wrong, like infections, fever and ALWAYS take the antibiotics and vitamins on schedule. At the recovery house they took care of giving me all the medicine and vitamins cause I couldn't do it myself. I was too weak and had no energy. Remember you, your husband and family will have to drain the reservoir when it gets full (and I promise you it will). Don't be scared when you see water/blood and fatty tissue coming out of the drain. I can't express how much water you have to drink. I drank like 12-15 cups a day. Wear the garment 23 hours a day for 2-3 months. At some point buy a fajate garment. It's a compression garment that reduces swelling. Your body won't heal properly without it. When the doctor gives you the ok for the lymphatic massage do as many as you can. If you don't your body gets lumpy and retains water. It's a must. Of course this is extra money you have to pay for. If you have more questions, please let me know.

....I forgot to mention start walking as soon as possible. It will feel horrible and so uncomfortable but it also helps a lot with the healing. Many women lay in bed all day thinking its better, but it isn't. You have to get your body back to normal routine. The first days for me were the worst, but I thought about my kids back home in the states, that was my motivation.

Can i ask what your height and weight was before surgery and what it is now?

I'm 5ft 6 and before July 5 2014 I was 165ish lbs. Now I'm 140 lbs.

...and still healing

I think the 20 days is because you are getting ur breast in addition to all the other stuff. Had u just been getting BBL, Lipo and tummy it would've been 10 days

That makes sense. I wanted her to do lipo to my inner thighs but she said I lost too much blood so she didn't do it. I'm still very happy with the results. My oldest daughter wanted me to have the breast done, but even if I did, Robles would not have done it. Make sure your not having too much done at one time. It scares me because it means you'll be asleep longer. I mean your a grown woman and remember the healing will be longer too. Take your time and rest drink tons of water and take all necessary medications.

I don't know if I mentioned it but if you stay at the recovery house you will have room mates. The have 2 bedrooms and 3 beds in each room. Keep in mind that there is 1 nurse and 1 cook to take care of you. It might also be overwhelming for them.

Well I'm glad she wasn't just doing whatever you asked for just to collect more money!! I'm just getting the tummy tuck, Lipo and BBL. Next go round I will get boobs done

I've seen many things in the 10 days that I was there. I'm not trying to scare you, some doctors are better than others. I'll keep my boobies just the way they are LOL

My DR specifically told me I cant leave the country for 15 days, due to the TT. I think each DR has thier own rules

I'm sure they do. Every surgeon is different, from their techniques to their healing methods. I'm very happy I chose Dr. Robles.

Yeah well I barely have any.. AND one is bigger than the other, soooo... Lol!! And I think I'm going with dr Salzhauer in miami

And I would've . I like her work too but I'm scared of flying so I can't be scared of the flight AND the surgery!!! I would be a walking MESS!!!

That's great you chose a doctor!! I think the hardest part is choosing a doctor.

LOL I don't like flying either. I kept busy on the flight. Music soothes me.

I THINK I DID. I spoke to him for about 45 mins over the phone and we laughed a lot and he made me very comfortable. I even asked him " are you sure you can give my body the hour glass shape?" And he said " I AINT SCARED OF YOU!" I can do anything! LOL. So he was really down to earth and very confident. I need that sense if confidence. AND he didn't tell me I need to gain 10 to 15 pounds like the other dr I was gonna go with.

Thank you! If you really considering the surgery, please make sure you know what to expect. Are you healthy; in other words do you smoke. That makes a huge difference. I don't smoke but I still had some complications waking up from the anesthesia. Know what your hemoglobin levels are. The higher the better because you will loose a lot of blood. You have to walk bent over for 1-2 weeks, which will strain your back. You will have 1 or 2 tubes sticking out of your body for drainage. If that gets clogged (by blood and fat tissue) it's painful to have it cleared. They have to shoot water in through the drain to clear it. You can't do it yourself. If you have small kids, you can't do any lifting AT ALL. I came home with one of the drains and my mom had to take it out. OUCH!!!!

No I don't smoke. It issue I'm having now is that my BP has been up. Never had a problem with blood pressure ever!! So I'm hoping that I'm just nervous about this choosing a good doctor thing and it will go back to normal. I'm excited but scared at the same Damn time! And I don't wanna have to touch them tubes, that grosses me out to just think about it! I don't like being put to sleep at all, but trust I'm gonna be very honest with the dr! How was your ride home on the plane?? And I heard a lot of these doctors offices are really nice to you until you go ahead and commit and give them their money.. So it doesn't surprise me about your issue u had with them. I'm actually thinking about seeing a dr in Miami now... Now sure yet still

I waited 19 years (since my last child). I knew I wasn't having any more kids after that. Your always going to be nervous and scared..it's normal. If you have a recovery house or not you still have to drain it. I had 2 because of the lipo and tummy tuck. The collection unit fills with water (mixed with blood) and fat tissue (which is normal), so when it fills up (and it will) there's an opening and you simply pour it out in the toilet. Towards the last days, you drain very little. The Dr. will tell you when it has to come out. For me I had to have one drain on my return trip home. Like I said my mom had to take it out. She cut the stitch and literally pulled the drain out of my body, which was about a yard long. One mistake I did was over pack. I really only needed tank top/t shirts underwear and those long dresses (of course toiletries). The plane ride was scary but at the airport I had a wheelchair) because I couldn't walk more than 5 min and pull my luggage. Even when I landed in NY I had a wheelchair and went quickly through customs. I hope this helps.

Yes it did help and thanks. Now did u do ur surgery under general anesthesia or did they do an epideral block??

Since I had a tummy tuck and lipo (my sides and upper back) with BBL (Brazilian butt lift). I had general. Where I was they first gave me a blue pill that relaxes you (more like you pass out) then they give you the anesthesia. The surgery took 3 hours but because I lost so much blood I had a hard time waking up. My best friend went with me for moral support and she said it took longer. I paid for her to stay at the recovery house for a few day, and I can tell you I couldn't have done it without her. She helped me on and off the bed and clean me because I was so weak.

Oh wow!! But ur hemo levels were good before they began?? I tell you... Stuff like this.. Will make u realize who ur real friends are! I only have a couple that would help me clean my $$$!! Lol. But my husband is going with me.

I had general. As healthy as I am, it was hard waking up though.

How does that happen? They give you too much?

I think it was because my hemoglobin was low. I just got over my cycle and you obviously loose blood when you on your cycle. Be sure to take a Iron, B Comlex (extremely important) and vitamin C months before you go for surgery. It will make a huge difference. You need to have a certain level of hemoglobin to prevent things like fatigue and anemia (low Iron). A woman’s normal hemoglobin count should be 12.0 to 15.5. grams per deciliter. I had 9 because I just got over my period before I had my surgery.

Oh ok thank you for that info. I don't have a surgery date right now but I guess it won't hurt to start some iron and b complex

and Vitamin C. It's crucial to healing from the inside out.

Ok gotcha!! Thanks again

The massages in DR was about $25 USD, in the states, it can go from $400-$600 for about 10 sessions. I can't tell you how much you DO need them. After lipo, your body is fill with liquid, so the LYMPHATIC massages are a must. It's just as important as the compression garment you have to wear for a few months.

How many massages did you get while you were there?

I got 3 lymphatic massages while I was there. I had to wait till Dr. Robles gave me the ok. Don't do it without her ok. It's expensive in the states. I live in NY (Bronx), so I found an affordable place.

Be sure to request it when booking your tickets. I didn't but when I they took me to the airport I requested one at the tickets line. I used JetBlue. I bought the tickets 5 months in advance. Once the surgery is done, you will have a tube for urine, as well as 1 to 2 tubes for drainage. Bring extra cash and DO NOT OVER PACK!!! You will pay for it on your way back.. All you need are tank tops (not ribbed), underwear, and long dresses.. NO pants or shorts, sandals, pads (not tampons), those wee wee pads for pets (not every bed is sanitized) and toiletries.

Thank you so much are their clean sheets on the bed? When you say sanitized you mean they don't take the sheets off and disinfect the mattress pad or whatever they have over the mattress?? Do I need to bring my own sheets?. I can get some of those pads though. Thanks again this is very helpful you look great!! How bad was the pain and did you have pain meds?

I stayed at Recovery House and they do clean sheets. Do not bring any with you. They charge you for washing your clothes. You can have them changed if you. They only clean the sheets, there are no mattress pads, which is why I said bring the wee wee pads. The beds are not hospital types so you will use lots of pillows, which you will need help getting in and out of. You have to sleep in a sitting position because you can't lay straight. Also bring baby wipes cause you can't take a bath for days....deodorant is also helpful. LOL I didn't have any pain at all but I still have numbness and it's been over 2 months since I've had the surgery. Keep in mind everybody heals differently from surgery. Hope this helps.

That's good to know that you didn't have pain. I hope you get some feeling back! I heard about the bathing part...geesh lol I can do a wipe off or my husband can for me. This is helpful!

I"m glad it's helpful. Be prepared to walk in a bent position keeping your head up. It's weird but its necessary. You won't be able to walk straight for about 3-4 weeks. Make sure you know how to drain the fluid that accumulates in the reservoir. it's going to look weird with blood and pieces of fatty tissues. Most important is to drink lots and lots and lots of water. You won't feel it at first but it's so good for you healing. No soda or sugar drinks.

also keep in mind that Drs. in the US are reluctant to see any patients that have had surgery outside the country.....God forbid there are complications when you get back (hernia, blod clot, the drain is clogged), doctors in the US won't see you unless it's an emergency (life or death).

Ok thanks got it. I'm going to see Dr. Fatima Almonte but I'm taking notes from you for sure!

In Dr? I had Robles. If you can try to have the surgery 1st thing in the morning. I had my surgery at 9am. Theses Doctors perform surgery all day and night. You don't want to have your doctor exhausted from performing surgeries all day. That's how accidents happen. I wish I had someone be this upfront with my when I had my questions. I still would've had the surgery but I would know more or less what to expect. Everything I write is honest and truthful and very direct. I appreciate your comment.

Oh I'm sure people wouldn't make nothing like this up for fun! I totally believe you! And I'm so glad I joined RS

Robles does a good job, it's just everything else that crazy. My flight was about $560 roundtrip but I paid for my best friend to go with me so it was a bit more. I definitely over packed. what you need to bring is All you need are tank tops (not ribbed), underwear, and long dresses.. NO pants or shorts, sandals, pads (not tampons), those wee wee pads for pets (not every bed is sanitized) and toiletries. You will get an email telling you what to bring. Do not over pack. You can't pull or push heavy things after the surgery and if you over pack you can get a hernia.

Thanks. Getting my hernia removed Wednesday and I don't need another one. :)) I'm so ready for Roblesy

When you get to the clinic, you'll speak with Laura, and get an evaluation. They'll ask you questions to determine your stability. Basic question, like "what are you here for" "do you know who your dr is." It's just routine. Just keep in mind to get the lymphatic massages, extremely important. The Dr. will tell you when to start them. I hope you know Spanish or understand it. lol It will make your stay much easier.

no :(. I was reading that and I hope ill find a buddy who has the same date that does. My quote was $5000. how much would you say bring in total? Was your quote different than the one online if you did it that way?

It was weird watching people who don't speak Spanish trying to communicate. It was like speaking sign language. Bring only what the list tells you to bring. Believe me you will not be looking sexy to doing any sunbathing. You have to bring at least another $300 US maybe more. You have to pay for the massages (once the dr. give the ok) and they can cost $25 to $35 per session. Then when you get back to the states you must continue to get the massages ($400-$600 for 10 sessions). It's been over 2 months and I"m still getting the massages. There's this oil that's really good for the scars ($35) You'll need to buy creams for the bruises (I had bruises where I didn't get any lipo) and they were ugly. You might need more iron shots or and extra IV bag. Bring extra just to be prepared to spend. My quote was $5200 but I I got a discount of $200 cause I paid in one shot. You'll go back and forth with Laura. At first she said to send it Western Union but they didn't have enough people to pick up the money so I sent it via wire transfer which cost me $45 to do it through my bank.

Thank you so much. I'm going to some basic classes for Spanish. And have some translate my medical stuff here. I don't want to risk anything. Laura sent me western union information also

I speak fluent Spanish, and let me tell you I had a hard time understanding them, seriously. Your going to need to know things like, I need to go to the bathroom; help me clean my drain. At Relax Recovery they gave me my medication on time with lots and lots water. Soraya will give you any injections (iron shot or and IV bag). Truth be told I'm not sure she is certified. As far as the western union, someone had to go to the western union and pick it up and that took a long time. I had to keep emailing Laura and asked if she got it. I did a wire transfer, it went straight to their bank.

Also important is the garment they put on you after the surgery. It's great for the 1st week. You MUST keep it on 23 hrs a day. If you don't, you will swell from the surgery. At some point it will stretch out so you have to get a fajate compression garment. Its the best for lipo and tummy tucks. You want to have the garment tight so it can shape your body. The place I went to get the massages sells them so I was in luck. Keep in mind that I've been using body shapes for years so I was used to wearing the garment. It takes getting used to but you have to use them.