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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

Heading to Dr. Almonte for TT and Full Lipo - Dominican Republic, DO

UPDATED FROM Changeiscoming606
1 day post

Leaving today

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Changeiscoming606
$5,250
I'm sad to be leaving today with no surgery. This adventure costs me about $1500 and I didn't even get the chance to sit on the damn beach! I did learn a few things that will help me for my return trip.

1. Get a private nurse that will sit in your room with you for that first night of surgery. The nurses in the hospital are less than engaged and simply do not come to check on you. You have a call button and they may or may not respond but pay attention to where the call button is located. Each room only had one and yours may be too far for you to reach.

2. The devil is alive! You absolutely have to lock up your money and valuable. I've met two women that had cash stollen from them both at the recovery house and at the hospital. Ask ahead of time how much money you need to bring to the hospital to pay for whatever extras they throw at you (and they will). Then only bring that and pay everyone before your surgery.

3. The extras! So you probably already know you will have to pay for the medical insurance. Not a big deal and it makes sense. It's $150 cash. But if you have things like asthma, or other such conditions, you will have to pay for a specialist to evaluate you. And guess what, I paid $150 for my specialist to say I am not healthy enough for surgery. [RS bleep]! All I have is a damn cold and anyone with asthma knows that when you get a cold, fluids sets up in your chest for a few days but then it passes. They were not trying to hear that. I asked if I could wait for 2-3 days but that specialist scared Dr. Almonte so bad she was too concerned to do it. I was so mad and sad I cried like. A baby. But it's God's will.

4. The recovery house gals may give you contradictory information than what you are told by the hospital staff and Lesley. Listen to Lesley and the hospital staff! For example, out RH staff told us not to shower the night before surgery with the hibicleanse anti microbial liquid. Lesley said shower at night and in the morning. Just do it. Never hurts to be extra clean.

5. No one speaks English! But you will have wifi at the hospital and a the recover hour. Download a translation app so that you can ask the nurses what they are doing and what medications they are giving to you. You deserve to know!

I learn this all because I decided to stay with my roommate and take care of her at the hospital last since my flight isn't leaving until today. I'm glad I was here to help her. Please support each other when you can! I'm mate than salty that I didn't get my procedure done but I am glad that I am able to help my Realself sister.

Changeiscoming606's provider

Fatima Almonte, MD

Fatima Almonte, MD

Plastic Surgeon

4.6 | 661 Reviews
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Replies (5)

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L
July 5, 2016
God don't make no mistakes, thanks for the info!! I wish you well in your journey!!
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B
July 6, 2016
Wow rather be safe than sorry. I think that was good that they didn't go along with the surgery even though it was just a cold it could have ended bad. It's was God's choice. Question...how do you go about hiring a private nurse? Thanks for this info
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M
July 6, 2016
Praise God sister!!! Hope to see you reach your goals soon
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C
July 10, 2016
Your very helpful thank you soo much for posting ☺
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B
August 10, 2016
Any word on rescheduling?
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4
August 10, 2016
I rescheduled and had my procedure done with Dr. Jose Leon on July 15. I started a new profile. Please check out 40isthenew40 for my updates. Thanks for asking!
UPDATED FROM Changeiscoming606
1 day pre

Lesley Maria, Dra. Almonte's assistant

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Changeiscoming606
And I met Lesley. Not only is she drop dead gorgeous, she is the sweetest person. I love her already!

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UPDATED FROM Changeiscoming606
1 day pre

Update

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Changeiscoming606
A bit of disappointing news. My hemo fell to 12.1 so I am not able to get all the procedures don't that I wanted. To be excluded is the full back lipo and the BBL. I didn't care one way or the other for the BBL as my ass is already large but I really wanted my back to be sculpted. I am getting the TT, full sides and maybe my thighs so I'm happy for that. I'm trying not to be too upset because I think it's great that they will refund your money rather than risk your life and tax your body more than it may be able to take. So, I guess I will be having a round two in January!

Replies (2)

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L
July 4, 2016
Exactly, then a round 2 it is!!! May God bless during your procedure and recovery!
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C
July 4, 2016
So my surgery was cancelled. The X-ray showed fluid on my lungs and I failed the breathing test that the lung Doctor allowed me to take twice. I came down with a cold and due to asthma, every time I get a damn cold, fluid sets up in my chest. It's not a big deal normally but if you are undergoing this type of surgery, it could create a problem. As Dra. Almonte explained to me, the tummy tuck and muscle repair puts an extra strain on your lungs and since mine are already having trouble expanding, the surgery could make it worst. And worst case scenario is my lungs could collapse. So that ain't good. I cried. Like a big old baby. But I know it's for the best. I have been so blessed and so lucky that I know this is God's will. I trust him. So I am going to leave tomorrow and see if I can get a date in two weeks. Rescheduling my time off at work is not a big deal until mid-August and I want to take a month off so this is going to be tight but hopefully Lesley can make it happen.