BBL, TT and LIPO with Edgar Contreras (Switched Drs.) - Dominican Republic

I am now 2 months post op and still healing. I have lots of sensitivity on my waist and back areas. some of the skin looks bruised still. My lower abs are hard and I still swell here and there. Some discomfort but the major aches and pains are much better. Loving my results so far.

My review, my experience with Dr. Contreras, again, my personal experience. March 11th-Arrived in dr at 2:00 pm. Antonio my driver was waiting for me with a sign, introduced himself and identified himself as well. Super awesome guy! Originally from NJ and speaks English. I speak Spanish so it was so easy. He told me he was driving me to the cardiologist straight from airport so we wouldn't get caught in traffic. When we got to the cardiologist they were on lunch until close to 3:00. I was like number 5. But it went fast he takes medical history and EKG, you pay him 60.00 USD.
We then headed out from there close to 430. Got caught in serious rush hour traffic. We arrived at clinic close to 5:30. Upon arrival you go straight to cashier to pay your balance . Bring copy of any monies sent. You will then see a dr. Where she will take your medical history then blood lab..draws blood and then finger prick. You will then go to the 4th floor main reception to check in, with dr. C's secretary. Then escorted to your room in clinic. Set up,your room where you can conveniently reach your meds etc. bring extension cord as outlets are far from bed and you will only get get wifi if your door is open. All those vitamins are not necessary. By the time I got to clinic and got processed the meds I needed I had to wait til morning to purchase. Ladies: VERY IMPORTANT!!!! I brought my cipro/and pain meds with me and triple antibiotic ointment with me from my dr in states. I still needed to purchase two antibiotic iv bags (for TT patients), thrombocid for bruises, and betabiodic and another cream and the heparin shots. For TT you need 7 heparin shots. I spent 120.00 in additional meds. If you need blood i heard its 190.00 for two bags. Don't nickel And dime your meds. Get what you need bring EXTRA MONEY!! Make sure you ask the nurse the night before your surgery when is the last time you can drink or eat. They don't just tell you like here in he states where you get a pre-surgery prep sheet ( area for improvement).

March 12- surgery day. Went to get meds at 8:30 a.m. Then up to 4th floor main reception (where dr. C's office is) to get marked up and he takes photos. Waiting room was full of locals. About 15 girls not all were there for surgery some were consultations. . I met with him right away, walked in his extravagant office and he sent me to a room to undress. He stepped back and looked at me head to toe, marked me up with a sharpie, I felt like a comic book when he was done lol. He asked I'd I had wish pics I said no my wish is to have a conservative curvy look, acting my age. He laughed and said I get it. After I went to my room, only 15 minutes later the guy came with wheel chair. I was like oh shitake mushrooms here we go. Went down elevator and electricity went, I was in a dark elevator stuck for about a minute lol. Got wheeled out into surgical suite.
Techs in and out while I'm laying on table. They turn on tv and there are my photos and name on tv it was crazy. Anesthesiologists comes in to hit iv line. Then they bend me over to put epidural. I feel a stinging and I'm out. I woke up twice in surgery. Did I see dr.c in room before I went out no. When I woke up light was in my eyes but I heard his voice telling me to calm down.

Woke up in my room vomiting from anesthesia. 2 nights there nurses around clock, administering antibiotics, pain meds and something for stomach to soothe from meds all in iv. Heparin shots in thigh.

Day 2: they removed my catheter and moved me to Rh. Celeste is the bomb there. My driver came to check on me and even did a KFC run for me as I got tired of Rh food which was good.

Massages are super painful, omg.

Do's:
Bring extra money
Bring extra pillow
Bring extension cord
Set your expectation; you are in their country, learn some major Spanish words to make your stay comfortable. Pain, pee, help, how much, etc.
Grease palms when needed; a little extra goes a long way
Be respectful, they are there to administer your meds and make sure you are healthy, they are not there to babysit you and hold your hand, bring someone with you if that's what you want.

Don't
Go there with a chip on your shoulder
Be cheap with $$$$
Leave with any drains, if you can't afford to stay longer then schedule your surgery when you can stay at least 7 days to have your drains removed. That causes infections and is very unsanitary. You are putting yourself at risk.
Walking around visiting people dont open yourself to their germs, heal heal heal, stay out of main areas if you have open incisions.

Areas for improvement:
Patient charts should be kept at foot of each patients bed.
A patient pre surgery check list should be emailed to each patient to include what to expect day of surgery/process upon arrival/last time to eat or drink.bathrooms at clinic and recovery house have a sheet of glass separating toilet from shower, I got light headed in bathroom Nd could have seen myself go right through that glass. Dangerous.

Rh should have some bars in bathroom to help pull yourself up and along walls in room for stability walking.

Dr. C came by to my room to chat and check on me about 4 times. He was really nice so was his wife. I have no complaints about my journey. I also was very nice to all workers pain or not, treat people as you want to be treated, yes you are paying for a service but you are not in the USA, set your expectation.

My experience was good and I'm happy with my results thus far. Still swollen and bruised but everything is a process, be patient.

Everyone's experience is unique, I'm not an advocate for anyone except myself and an advocate for my own experience. I'm not a cheerleader for any group except to provide the information others have provided me.

People need to stop the nonsense and bashing in all groups cause the reality is when you land in dr you are vulnerable and at the mercy of your clinic, dr., hosp. staff and recovery house. That bullying and bashing goes out the window. Support each other; everyones journey is different.

God bless those on their way with whichever dr and happy continued healing to others.

Much love?