Mommy Makeover in December 2018

I contacted Premier Care about 12 days before the surgery to find out if there was anything I needed to know. There was a standard format email sent back with some basic items. Finally the day before my flight to Cartagena I was sent the itinerary via email. The day finally arrived! When I picked up my bags, there was a man asking if I was Monica Moore. I said yes he grabbed my bags and told me the exchange rates are good at the airport. I thought he was the driver, he wasn't. I gave him a few thousand pesos because in the email it let me know that tipping was not obligatory. He told me it was not enough. I let him know that that was all he was going to get and he stood there with the car door open and his hand out for another minute. I told the driver we need to go. He said something in Spanish and the guy closed the door. I arrived at the Recovery Suites (RS) and it was beautiful. Since I did not have any appointments until the next day I decided to go for a walk. I stopped at the mall, grocery store, and explored the neighborhood. When they tell you it is hot here they are not lying! I took a shower and waited for it to cool down. After the sun went down, I decided to walk to Rum Box and then to the walled city. The walk was great in the evening and I spent a couple of hours people watching in one of the squares.
The day before surgery
I had my first appointment early in the morning with Dr. Campbell. He took photos and measurements and we discussed what I would like as the outcome of the surgery. I let him know I would like a full butt and for my breast to be filled out. The next appointment was with the anesthesiologist. Everything was straightforward. Karen and employee from Premium Care went with me and translated when needed. She then walked with me to the faja store and helped me to select the correct faja. These places are a few blocks apart so make sure you wear the right shoes. I was ready to eat a late lunch and Karen recommended a few places close by. When I returned to the RS, I had a new roommate, I showered and then was ready to grab some dinner and get some items from the mall. She decided to come along. We bought water and yogurt at the grocery store, then walked to the mall to have dinner.
Day of Surgery
My surgery time was for 9 am. Karen picked me up and we rode to the surgical center via taxi. The day before Karen told me not to bring a cell phone or anything because they are not able to secure my belongings. I brought four pads, two disposable sheets, and two diapers. I was called back to start preop. I was instructed to take everything off and put on a paper gown. They started the IV (got it on the first try) and took my vital signs. Dr. Campbell came in and marked me up and we confirmed my wishes again. I was then wheeled back to the OR. I was told to stand with my arms up while two men painted me with betadine from the neck down to include genitals. The room was freezing and the solution used to paint me was cold. I was placed on the OR table face up with my teeth chattering. Dr. Campbell came in briefly ( which was reassuring ) and then I was out like a light.

Hello,

I am so excited to start the mommy makeover journey with Drs. Campbell and Restrepo. I have been researching for several years and was originally going to have the surgery performed in the Dominican Republic. After further research and a high incidence of "lipo burns" as well as infections, I decided to look for a new area. I eventually came across Premium Care Plastic Surgery and research the surgeons and the city of Cartagena.
I sent the photo's in and received a response with pricing about a day or two later. I requested to speak with one of the physicians regarding the procedure I am interested in and was able to schedule an appointment with Dr. Campbell. After speaking with Dr. Campbell I decided on a different surgery option. I did not feel pressured to choose one surgery option over another and in fact, he said to take my time in deciding.

Why I chose Colombia and Premium Care Plastic Surgery
I chose Colombia because it is in the top ten places in the World for plastic surgery. I love the ocean, beach, and cultural diversity. Recovering while listening to the water would be very relaxing for me and immersing myself in another culture is also one of my favorite things to do. I chose premier plastic surgery because my brief search of both of the surgeon's backgrounds in various states did not reveal any concerning information. I am excited that I will have two people working on me to minimize anesthesia time and to have an expert consultation between the two.

Concerns
I have paid the deposit and scheduled my flight to go to Cartagena. Although the recovery suites look wonderful I am concerned about the house rules of not being able to cook. The rules of the recovery house state that there are refrigerators in the rooms however I am not sure if I have access to a microwave. I am not a fan of cold food so I would at least like to know if I am able to heat up leftovers.
Next, I am concerned with nursing care after the procedure. It seems as though there will be 24 hours of nursing care available for the 1st night after the procedure and then there is staff in the building of the hotel suites that we can call.

Procedures
BBL, Tummy Tuck, Lipo, breast implants

I have gone back and forth as to whether I should get breast implants to fill out my breast or if I should get breast implants with a breast lift. I am about 90% certain that I will just get breast implants because I am uncomfortable with the anchor scar caused by the lift. A minor concern with the BBL is in the photos on the website I do not see a huge difference in the BBL shape. When I spoke with Dr. Campbell about this we discussed how much fat transfer would be possible for my shape. In addition to this, we discussed that I do not want an "ant booty" which is a big butt with tiny thighs. I just do not think that is flattering. I am hoping that enough fat will be harvested so that I can have a shapely butt.

I will add photos to the post and update soon!