Detailed Review of my Experience in Guadalajara with Dr Arenas

I'm posting a more detailed review of my stay in Guadalajara and surgery with Dr Arenas. I know it can be very overwhelming experience and hopefully this will help out in yall's decision to book with Dr Arenas!! I had lipo 360, chin lipo, BBL, breast implant exchange (from 325 saline to 560 silicone), and tummy tuck revision. I'm not brave enough to post pics of my new body but I am more than happy with my results!!
Staff- wow!! They are totally incredible!
Dr Arenas- is a where you want to go! Always available to answer questions and very detail oriented. Speaks perfect English. I told him he should name himself Dr. Mexico and post some snap chat videos like the other popular docs in the USA. He laughed. But I was very serious!! Lol
Liz and Fatima- completes sweethearts!! Called me often to make sure I was doing ok and if asked if I had any questions.
Veronica- DEFINITELY HIRE HER!! She is very knowledgeable and kind. She washed my faja, massaged me, and helped me shower and dress. I hired her everyday I was there. I was probably ok by day 3-4 but I really didn't want to over do it. Oh and those massages- ouch! They made me quite dizzy as well.
Arriving in GDL- a family friend picked me up and drove me to my rented condo. Taxis are easily available.
Condo- I opted to rent an Airbnb because it was less expensive and I had a full access to a kitchen, washer/dryer, and just way more space in general. Jose, the host, was very accommodating and I totally recommend staying at his place. He owns a 3 story building (different condo on each floor) located in a gated residential community. He has everything you will need for your extended stay. There's a small family owned convenience store across the street from the condo. The condo is 10-15 min from Dr Arenas hospital and uber is about $3-4 each way. Message me for the link to the condo.
Surgery- the hospital is very clean and comparable to US standards. I am RN and never did I feel that the care or standards were any less than what I offer to my own patients. I woke up from surgery quite stiff but little pain. Veronica was there to help me all night. The next day she helped me get out of bed, shower and get me ready for discharge. I saw myself in the mirror for the first time and was in complete awe at my new body!! I was very bruised and swollen but the difference in my curves were unbelievable! I do recommend that you ask for your supply list and prescription at your pre op consultation and purchase them prior to surgery. It was a mess trying to get things from the pharmacy as some of the items were out of stock. It was not fun trying to go from pharmacy to pharmacy on the day of discharge. I had no energy and felt like crap.
Getting around- Uber!! Download the app, put your credit card info in and you're set. It was so easy to use and I never felt unsafe. You don't even have to tip as it's included in the fee. Some drivers speak English.
Food- UberEATS was what I used for food delivery. They have a good selection of restaurants. Same as uber, tip is included. I also made a Walmart run on my first night to get basics like milk, bottled water and bread.
Money- I paid Dr Arenas cash as I didn't want to pay the fee for using a credit/debit card. But I know some of y'all may not be comfortable carrying all that $$. I paid with my debit card at Walmart and at the pharmacy. I also withdrew money from the ATM to have some extra cash and to pay Veronica. Just be aware that you may be charge a fee from your bank since it's an international withdraw. Call and ask your bank first.
Flight back- do not let the airline workers know you had surgery. I made a mistake and asked for an upgrade because I had recently had surgery. They almost denied me boarding! Apparently that airline does not allow someone with open incisions, drains, or recent surgery to fly. I had to speak to a manager and sign a waiver before I could board.
Recovery- it was a biatch!! I have a low tolerance to pain and just couldn't recover as fast as I'd wish. I ended up taking 5 weeks off from work. But I've heard of others only taking 2 weeks off. Everyone is different and only you know what your body can handle.
Overall my experience was great and I highly recommend Dr Arenas. Just a few tips I wish I would've know before surgery.
1. Packing-No need to pack a lot of clothes. I brought a hospital gown with me and used that everyday then threw it away when I left Mexico. I didn't want to stain my clothes or PJs with all the drainage. You can get one on eBay or a thrift store.
2. Sheets- bring a set if you're staying at an Airbnb. Last thing you want to do is ruin their bedding. I use bed chux with a towel to lay on. And then my top sheet and a small blanket I brought on the plane with me.
3. Maxi dresses- wear it on plane there. Wear it on discharge day. Wear it to post op appointments. Wear it to hide faja and bruising. Wear in on the plane back. You won't need any other clothing. Believe me, you will be swollen and your clothes may not fit! Don't forget a sweater to cover brushing on your arms.
4. Eat!- Even if you don't feel hungry, which I did, eat! You need all the nutrition for recovery.
5. Booty pillow- Don't buy it! I spend $100 on one and it just collected dust. I used my neck travel pillow and it worked just fine!
6. Extension cord- if you want to be on the phone while in bed as I always do. Last thing I wanted was to run out of battery on my cell.
7. Netflix- great time to catch up on all those good shows!!
8. Cell phone- I have ATT and they offer free calls, text, and data in Mexico if you have the unlimited data package in the US. Call your provider before leaving to Mexico to see what international plans are available to you. Otherwise, the condo had great wifi service.
9. Botox- cheaper in Mexico. Why not? You're already there!
10. Pimples- for some reason my face cleared up! It was so soft and smooth in Mexico. And I do break out often. Maybe the change in climate?? Did anyone else experience this??