I'm Ready to Love Looking in the Mirror Again - Dominican Republic

First, i want to thank all the ladies who's posted their journeys and answered so many questions for those of us with questions and given in depth reviews on things from recovery houses to their experiences with doctors and procedures. Thank you all!

I've been wanting to have surgery for a long time but just didn't have the money to do it here in NYC. Not only that, I've had lipo done on my tummy about 12 years ago and the results were pretty bad. (I'll post pictures soon) I ended up having this huge hard lump in the lower half of my stomach, which wasn't THAT bad when I was thinner, but I gained over 30lbs in the last 15 months and now there are many lumps on my stomach and it looks awful. Plus there's the back fat.. I just want a tiny waist, no back fat and a flat belly! Not to much to ask right? Lol. I do plan on exercising and losing some weight before I go tho, I have to. I am at the heaviest I've ever been right now at 190, without being pregnant. I gained 65 lbs with my first daughter who's 17 now, lost it, gained weight, lost it, gained 50lbs with my second, who's 9 now, lost it.. Got down to 130, which I was ecstatic about, kept it off for a year or so and then gained a bunch back during my divorce, lost weight again and then it all came back again this year. So yea, it's been a crazy ride and I'm ready for it to be done and over with. I've done a lot of research and mental preparation for these surgeries and now it's time to be physically ready. I'm 41 years old and I'm ready for a new me and a new life. I want to feel good about myself again.

I haven't confirmed my date with Dr Almonte yet but it will be done tonight when I get home. The price I listed includes the surgeries, airfare (will be less if I can use my JetBlue points), RH, 10 massages and the RT airport taxi. I chose not to go with the RHs that Leslie listed and going with Serenity instead. The price quoted was for TT, liposculpture of full back, flanks, waist and BBL (just a little to round out and make my butt appear nicer). I also want a breast and arm lift but she said that wouldn't be possible with the TT. A little arm lipo can be done but not an arm lift.. I don't know if the arm lipo will help or make things worse (notice the loose flabby/fatty underarms?) And it looks like a breast lift is out of the question too. Those will have to wait for round 2. I'm super excited yet scared at the same time. There's still so much to do.. Like lose weight, quit smoking (which I've done before so it should be no problem, just a question of when), getting my HGB up, which I know is always borderline low bc I donate blood plus I was turned away once for my iron being too low, and finding all the supplies I'll need for post surgery. Not to mention getting my PCP to approve this so I can get a note for the 30 days I plan on taking off from work. Any of you ladies have a problem with taking off from work? I believe I can get a letter from Dr Almonte's office but I have really good insurance so it might be very questionable to have a letter from a doctor in DR.

I found this site while looking for and researching recovery homes. It lists quite a few places and their phone numbers, I hope it helps. https://www.surgicalessence.com/recovery-homes.htm