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*Treatment results may vary
Sooo much happened
Before surgery we spoke with the anesthesiologist he was awesome. Got height and weight, bp checked. Make sure you are within the BMI he does not play. Went to get supplies from Jessica and Diane. We paid for supplies. I paid in Colombian pesos because its cheaper better rate than USD. Jessica did not give me all my supplies or my sx sister, Kim all her supplies. I purchased Hemoglobin injection and instead on a receipt. Jessica did a song and dance about receipts then finally gave me one. She put on it what I purchased. Meanwhile, Kim receipt had none of the items she purchased which was way more. we were told we would get them later on surgery day.
My surgery was 13 Nov at 2pm. I got there on time and did not receive my supplies. Jessica told me my Hemoglobin injections were already in my bag. Which there were injections in there. You get there change take blood given IV blanket and warm air is pumped on your body. They didn't start my sx until almost 5pm. I informed the Dr. I wasn't going to pay for overnight hospital stay because they were behind. He agreed and covered the expenses. He marked me up and i was put out
. The hospital, Clinica El Pinar was clean and the recovery room was very nice (pics included). surgery went well. I woke up and was in a state of panic. They calmed me down. I was not sick from the drugs. However, I had no appetite and did feel nauseous only when I had to eat. The nurse seemed bothered, but the Doctor on call a young women was EXCEPTIONAL. I have some medical background and called them on their stuff. She informed me my Hemoglobin before sx was 13.5 and after was a 9.2 and ordered to have it checked in 3 days. My nurse , Luz came and we went back home. Also, I had my first massage in the hospital from Maria... it was so painful. However, she's doing her job and she's been doing this for over a decade. A lot of reviews give Maria crap for being rough, but if you pop your pain meds before she comes and bear it you will heal sooo much faster. I digressed...
I went home regretting my decision of getting lips because the pain and discomfort was intense, especially the more the anesthesia wore off. Stay on top of your pain meds. It is crucial to get excellent care. I would not have made it without my nurse.
I couldn't eat without getting nauseous and was taking mice bites. I passed out every time Maria gave me a massage and was getting weaker and lethargic. My sx sis and nurse were worried. Dr. Garcia came to see us and was positive I expressed some concerns, but he said it was normal, keep him posted and went on his way because he was headed back to Bogota.
I informed my nurse I thought my hemoglobin was low and the shots I was given weren't working. She looked at them (Maria administers the shots) and informed us they weren't the Hemoglobin injections I spent $57 USD for but the standard anticoagulants you take after surgery. I was pissed. Also, Kim was still missing over $100 worth of products purchased from Jessica. We went back and forth with her on WhatsApp and then went to Facebook where she pretended to be Dr. Garcia. It was obvious by the way she wrote. smh. Thankfully, I read here don't trust facebook only Instagram because the doctor answers and Jessica has no access.
When I told Jessica I needed to get my Hemoglobin checked she told me I didn't need it. Meanwhile, I have a prescription from the doctor to have it checked after 3 days. I told her and Diane when I was in the hospital this. Now she didn't remember and a clerical doctor assistant is now playing DOCTOR.
I was pissed and getting weaker. Kim and my nurse were so worried. I passed out again and just kept saying I just needed sleep. This was on a Sunday, El Pinar was closed. Kim must have got in Jessica's butt because I remember being taken to a hospital. Jessica showed up and I wanted nothing to do with her. She tried to be the only one in the room speaking to the doctor for me. But I speak spanish. Asked her to leave told her I didn't trust her and her negligence was the reason I was there.
It turns out my Hemoglobin was at an 8. It was now 4 days after surgery. I was so pissed because had she had given me the Injections I paid for It could have helped out the situation. I was given two IV's and sent home told to go to the clinic el Pinar.
We texted back with Dr. Garcia about the missing items and not being given my Hg injections. He said Jessica said "I may have left them at the hospital". after sharing several receipts from Messenger and oh btw she showed up that morning earlier with my injections and after i called her a liar and thief in spanish. Her memory magically came back and she gave Kim her missing items. Also, stating she didn't have the scar cream on hand but return later. The whole situation was a mess. Had it not been for my sx sister and nurse it could have been worse for me.
At the clinic they told me I needed a blood transfusion because my hg was so low, yet they gave me ANOTHER liter of saline which was insane. They did not have my blood type at the blood bank they normal get blood from which is globally certified and told me they would "find some".With that I declined the transfusion.
I got 5 rounds of Hg Injection everyday and went to a bariatric chamber for an 1hr ($17USD) each day. also took the Anemidox with a vitamin C 500 tablet each day (vitamin C helps Iron absorb pro tip) and started to feel much better.
Dr. Garcia apologized for how my care was handled is still pretty optimistic. He did change the way you get products now you have to get most on your own. He just tells you where to go. Not as convient, but neither is being robbed by his employee. Honestly, Dr. Garcia is such a sweetheart, Jessica was probably robbing both him and his customers. Taking advantage of the language barrier. Not to mention most people coming there from a foreign country may not speak spanish and may fear repercussion of standing up for themselves.
Dr. Garcia stated he had not heard anything negative about Jessica, so I showed him the reviews from all you ladies that LITERALLY call her out by name for the crazy stunts she pulls. When I left she was still in his employment. So be cautious, get receipts and trust the Doctor, Not her.
Despite the fantastic work Dr. Garcia performed. There is NOOOO way I can give him a 5 rating because he is responisble for his staff in Bucaramanga and responsible for his patients health and safety. Most of that stress, low Hg, could have been avoided with honest staff who did their job and not over step their lane. So ladies if you go, be an advocate for YOUR health. Dr. Garcia does want to make sure you are safe and will try to make things right.
My surgery was 13 Nov at 2pm. I got there on time and did not receive my supplies. Jessica told me my Hemoglobin injections were already in my bag. Which there were injections in there. You get there change take blood given IV blanket and warm air is pumped on your body. They didn't start my sx until almost 5pm. I informed the Dr. I wasn't going to pay for overnight hospital stay because they were behind. He agreed and covered the expenses. He marked me up and i was put out
. The hospital, Clinica El Pinar was clean and the recovery room was very nice (pics included). surgery went well. I woke up and was in a state of panic. They calmed me down. I was not sick from the drugs. However, I had no appetite and did feel nauseous only when I had to eat. The nurse seemed bothered, but the Doctor on call a young women was EXCEPTIONAL. I have some medical background and called them on their stuff. She informed me my Hemoglobin before sx was 13.5 and after was a 9.2 and ordered to have it checked in 3 days. My nurse , Luz came and we went back home. Also, I had my first massage in the hospital from Maria... it was so painful. However, she's doing her job and she's been doing this for over a decade. A lot of reviews give Maria crap for being rough, but if you pop your pain meds before she comes and bear it you will heal sooo much faster. I digressed...
I went home regretting my decision of getting lips because the pain and discomfort was intense, especially the more the anesthesia wore off. Stay on top of your pain meds. It is crucial to get excellent care. I would not have made it without my nurse.
I couldn't eat without getting nauseous and was taking mice bites. I passed out every time Maria gave me a massage and was getting weaker and lethargic. My sx sis and nurse were worried. Dr. Garcia came to see us and was positive I expressed some concerns, but he said it was normal, keep him posted and went on his way because he was headed back to Bogota.
I informed my nurse I thought my hemoglobin was low and the shots I was given weren't working. She looked at them (Maria administers the shots) and informed us they weren't the Hemoglobin injections I spent $57 USD for but the standard anticoagulants you take after surgery. I was pissed. Also, Kim was still missing over $100 worth of products purchased from Jessica. We went back and forth with her on WhatsApp and then went to Facebook where she pretended to be Dr. Garcia. It was obvious by the way she wrote. smh. Thankfully, I read here don't trust facebook only Instagram because the doctor answers and Jessica has no access.
When I told Jessica I needed to get my Hemoglobin checked she told me I didn't need it. Meanwhile, I have a prescription from the doctor to have it checked after 3 days. I told her and Diane when I was in the hospital this. Now she didn't remember and a clerical doctor assistant is now playing DOCTOR.
I was pissed and getting weaker. Kim and my nurse were so worried. I passed out again and just kept saying I just needed sleep. This was on a Sunday, El Pinar was closed. Kim must have got in Jessica's butt because I remember being taken to a hospital. Jessica showed up and I wanted nothing to do with her. She tried to be the only one in the room speaking to the doctor for me. But I speak spanish. Asked her to leave told her I didn't trust her and her negligence was the reason I was there.
It turns out my Hemoglobin was at an 8. It was now 4 days after surgery. I was so pissed because had she had given me the Injections I paid for It could have helped out the situation. I was given two IV's and sent home told to go to the clinic el Pinar.
We texted back with Dr. Garcia about the missing items and not being given my Hg injections. He said Jessica said "I may have left them at the hospital". after sharing several receipts from Messenger and oh btw she showed up that morning earlier with my injections and after i called her a liar and thief in spanish. Her memory magically came back and she gave Kim her missing items. Also, stating she didn't have the scar cream on hand but return later. The whole situation was a mess. Had it not been for my sx sister and nurse it could have been worse for me.
At the clinic they told me I needed a blood transfusion because my hg was so low, yet they gave me ANOTHER liter of saline which was insane. They did not have my blood type at the blood bank they normal get blood from which is globally certified and told me they would "find some".With that I declined the transfusion.
I got 5 rounds of Hg Injection everyday and went to a bariatric chamber for an 1hr ($17USD) each day. also took the Anemidox with a vitamin C 500 tablet each day (vitamin C helps Iron absorb pro tip) and started to feel much better.
Dr. Garcia apologized for how my care was handled is still pretty optimistic. He did change the way you get products now you have to get most on your own. He just tells you where to go. Not as convient, but neither is being robbed by his employee. Honestly, Dr. Garcia is such a sweetheart, Jessica was probably robbing both him and his customers. Taking advantage of the language barrier. Not to mention most people coming there from a foreign country may not speak spanish and may fear repercussion of standing up for themselves.
Dr. Garcia stated he had not heard anything negative about Jessica, so I showed him the reviews from all you ladies that LITERALLY call her out by name for the crazy stunts she pulls. When I left she was still in his employment. So be cautious, get receipts and trust the Doctor, Not her.
Despite the fantastic work Dr. Garcia performed. There is NOOOO way I can give him a 5 rating because he is responisble for his staff in Bucaramanga and responsible for his patients health and safety. Most of that stress, low Hg, could have been avoided with honest staff who did their job and not over step their lane. So ladies if you go, be an advocate for YOUR health. Dr. Garcia does want to make sure you are safe and will try to make things right.
I finally made it!
So I had to push my surgery back from October to November. I arrived in Bucaramanga on 10 Nov. Exhausting trip!
I am staying at one of the three top hotels here (Hampton by Hilton, Holiday in or Dan Hotel). Their prices range from $55 USD to $75 USD. You can stay at an AirBnB apartment for a third of that price. Dr. Garcia will provide some decent ones. However, I wanted air conditioning.
I found a nurse who will provide 24 hour care for the first few days after surgery. Her name is Luz, and she met me at my hotel. She charges $120K COP ($35 USD) for 12hr care and $220K COP ($65 USD) for 24hr care. Thanks to all the great info I have gotten from real self.com community. I opted to purchase most of my after care supplies here e.g. female diapers, gloves, scissors, gauzes, magnesium sulfate for $105K COP ($34USD). I am waiting to purchase my second faja, back and stomach board because we will see how my swelling is a few days after surgery. However, we will be going to M&D later and I will give you the prices after.
Today, 11 Nov, the nurse sent by Dr Garcia's staff came to my hotel for my blood labs she charged $80K COP ($24 USD) she was quick, clean and efficient. You can either get your results from online or have them emailed to you. I have had minimal interaction with Dr. Garcia's staff so far, just quick texts for info that is all. I meet with the anesthesiologist tomorrow, Nov 12 morning and then finally Dr. Garcia later tomorrow evening.
The people in Bucaramanga are pretty cordial. Although, I speak a little Spanish, the dialect and speed is tough sometimes. If you don't speak Spanish at all, you will need to down load a translate app. (I recommend google translate because it has a conversation button which is helpful.
Transportation is relatively simple I use UBER app and it is also inexpensive. My ride from the airport to hotel was $40 COP (12USD). Normally, rides to and from restaurants and mall are between 4K -10K COP ($1-4 USD) each trip. Tipping is not generally expected, except higher end restaurants which gratuity is already added to the bill.
Money I use cc as much as possible because it has better exchange rate. I recommend going to ATM for cash. I have exchanged as little USD for COP as possible because the rates are a rip off.
Food I had lunch at a local store and for a plate of rotisserie chicken, rice and french fries, and a drink was about $10K (3USD). Dinner at a more upscale restaurant "Cortes". For a alcoholic cocktail, sparkling water, appetizer, seafood plate and dessert $90K COP (27 USD).
I have included prices paid to help you all with determining your budget. I hope they help.
I am staying at one of the three top hotels here (Hampton by Hilton, Holiday in or Dan Hotel). Their prices range from $55 USD to $75 USD. You can stay at an AirBnB apartment for a third of that price. Dr. Garcia will provide some decent ones. However, I wanted air conditioning.
I found a nurse who will provide 24 hour care for the first few days after surgery. Her name is Luz, and she met me at my hotel. She charges $120K COP ($35 USD) for 12hr care and $220K COP ($65 USD) for 24hr care. Thanks to all the great info I have gotten from real self.com community. I opted to purchase most of my after care supplies here e.g. female diapers, gloves, scissors, gauzes, magnesium sulfate for $105K COP ($34USD). I am waiting to purchase my second faja, back and stomach board because we will see how my swelling is a few days after surgery. However, we will be going to M&D later and I will give you the prices after.
Today, 11 Nov, the nurse sent by Dr Garcia's staff came to my hotel for my blood labs she charged $80K COP ($24 USD) she was quick, clean and efficient. You can either get your results from online or have them emailed to you. I have had minimal interaction with Dr. Garcia's staff so far, just quick texts for info that is all. I meet with the anesthesiologist tomorrow, Nov 12 morning and then finally Dr. Garcia later tomorrow evening.
The people in Bucaramanga are pretty cordial. Although, I speak a little Spanish, the dialect and speed is tough sometimes. If you don't speak Spanish at all, you will need to down load a translate app. (I recommend google translate because it has a conversation button which is helpful.
Transportation is relatively simple I use UBER app and it is also inexpensive. My ride from the airport to hotel was $40 COP (12USD). Normally, rides to and from restaurants and mall are between 4K -10K COP ($1-4 USD) each trip. Tipping is not generally expected, except higher end restaurants which gratuity is already added to the bill.
Money I use cc as much as possible because it has better exchange rate. I recommend going to ATM for cash. I have exchanged as little USD for COP as possible because the rates are a rip off.
Food I had lunch at a local store and for a plate of rotisserie chicken, rice and french fries, and a drink was about $10K (3USD). Dinner at a more upscale restaurant "Cortes". For a alcoholic cocktail, sparkling water, appetizer, seafood plate and dessert $90K COP (27 USD).
I have included prices paid to help you all with determining your budget. I hope they help.
Liposculture and Ab Etching
I am 5'6 176lbs headed to Bucaramanga for liposculpture and soft ab etching. My surgery date is 2 October. I have found real self to be fantastic in linking up with a nurse, Luz dm for details. She then linked me with a Garcia doll who loves her results and gave me the skinny on the what you need and don't need to buy there if you're coming from the states. e.g. fajas and ab boards are sold there great quality and way cheaper then the states.
Coming from the US, I am scheduled to arrive in Bucaramanga on 27 September to give me a bit of time to explore and my body to acclimate. The process with scheduling the procedure has been strained. Communications with the staff on WhatsApp are slow and not very informative. Yet still, I persisted because I am in love with Dr. Garcia's work. I have done my research on him and he is gifted and knowledgable about sculpting the female figure.
Coming from the US, I am scheduled to arrive in Bucaramanga on 27 September to give me a bit of time to explore and my body to acclimate. The process with scheduling the procedure has been strained. Communications with the staff on WhatsApp are slow and not very informative. Yet still, I persisted because I am in love with Dr. Garcia's work. I have done my research on him and he is gifted and knowledgable about sculpting the female figure.
Provider Review
Hector Garcia
Dr. Garcia is a very gifted surgeon. However, being between two locations and not having the most reliable staff made the experience more stressful then it needed to be. I would recommend him for lipo to anyone. However, I would make sure they speak Spanish or have someone who speaks Spanish fluently to make things easier. Luckily, Dr. Garcia speaks English fluently and is extremely positive and loves what he does. Unfortunately, some of his staff "Jessica" see other post about her from other clients is dishonest.