POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
I Look Fabulous Dr. Tania Medina is the Bomb.com 46 Yr Old, Tt, Mscl Repair and Lipo-2 Months Post Op - Dominican Republic
ORIGINAL POST
My motivation for surgery was after loosing a...
island340April 13, 2016
WORTH IT$4,000
My motivation for surgery was after loosing a significant amount of weight, I developed a huge pouch in my stomach area. Trying to look fashion forward or appealing without having to wear the same thing/styles all the time became depressing. Each time I view myself in the mirror I will hold my stomach in disgust.. I had the booty and the hips (all natural) but the tummy made it difficult to wear clothes in confidence. For years, I contemplated doing the surgery but anxiety won. Ie (death, inflicting unnecessary pain on myself, doubt, what ppl will say, the cost and finding the time to do it without impacting work/family). After being laid off last year, I decided this would be an awesome time to do this. I stumbled on a Youtuber: Randomkim8626 who had her surgery done in DR. The cost was much cheaper and the results were amazing. I signed up for Realself to find a doctor in DR. I found three, Dr. Medina being one of them. E-mailed each doctor via Realself for pricing etc. shared it with my sister and immediately she liked Dr. Medina ie Her credentials, follow up, pricing and results) I then scheduled my surgery sent my deposit thru the bank and a copy of my airline ticket. We confirmed the surgery date. I arrived 2 days prior to my surgery by myself. I wanted to do it alone for some reason. When I arrived, driver was waiting for me. He introduced himself and took me straight to recovery house. The reception was awesome. Felt like family.
Day of surgery:
Driver picked me up, took me for my blood work, went to the hospital, paid the remaining cost for the surgery, met with a Psychologist, therapist, Dr Medina leaving no room to reconsider lol. (Note...The hospital room was amazing. 5 stars. ) I cleaned up, listened to some gospel music, shortly after took the blue pill, by the time I woke up surgery was complete. It was effortless. When I got up, the room was nice and cozy. I had warmers on my ankles and compression socks that they provided. There were two ppl in the room monitoring me, Dr. Medina checked in before leaving. She advised she took off almost 20 pounds of flesh, breaking the record for the most she has ever removed. Understand I walked in at 5'1 165 pounds. I started to cry because I knew I made the right choice. That night one of the assistants stayed with me until morning. She wiped me down, fed me it was so refreshing. Next day, I was given a massage... I was in heaven by then. In my mind, I wished I could have stayed at the hospital for the remainder of my stay but I had to move to the recovery house.
Recovery House-My Home:
Cost 675.00 for 9 nights( 75.00 a night) Included round the clock Nurse Care, Meals Wifi, TV, garden..
It spoke for itself. Felt like home. The food was not the best but that's expected after surgery. I honestly could not eat much because I was so snatched. My recovery went well though day 3 day was a challenge. I felt a bit depressed because of the discomfort during sleep. The drains were the worst but manageable. Nurses were great and very personable. With all the that was going on, I don't recall seeing any of the nurses upset, tired or overwhelmed. I felt like they sincerely loved what they did and they worked well together. The masseuse-Carmen gave the best massages ever.
Results:
Because of the reviews I had seen from others, I decided not to look at myself until a month after surgery. I wanted to give myself time so I would not feel disappointed if the results were not evident right way. Some reviews I read said their results were not evident until about 2-3 months post op which made them depressed. Thankfully that was not my case. On day 4 after my massage, the masseuse asked me to stand so she could dress me, as I stood she said wow. She asked me if I had a butt lift as well added hips I said nope lol. I came with the booty and hips its natural. She laughed at me. She said you look amazing and then gestured to my room mate to look. My room mate echoed the same thing, bear in mind my roomy went to a different doctor. Roomy continued to stare at me. Later on she said Dr. Medina's work is amazing. She felt that Dr. Medina had the best results in the recovery home and seemed a bit disappointed though her results were not bad. There after when the masseuse came she would give me the same response but I felt she was just saying it until day 6 I finally found the courage to look at myself though a hunched over. I was SHOCKED. I could not believe that was my body. My butt looked like it had a but lift as well although I did not have one. I exhaled. I looked amazing.
Departure:
Driver took me back to the airport. I tipped him because he was so helpful. On the days when I got to the doctor he would encourage me. Last day came and I walked out. While I was leaving he said you look so nice. He said seeing you coming the first time and now you leaving looking like this. He was so impressed. Got to the airport, he requested wheel chair service and I was headed home. Unfortunately I had to leave with the drains because I did not meet the amount to have it removed. I was okay with it because it was the latter of the two evils. That was the worst. I thought the day would have never ended. Oh my, TSA thought I was carrying a bomb and pulled me in the office. I had to show papers etc. I felt so horrible. I had little swelling from the plane ride but that immediately went down on the ride home. Got home, my daughter looked so concerned but when she saw the results she was shocked. She said mom oh my are you going to loose more weight I said yes she said oh my I don;t want you to look fake lol. I had to muffle cause I could not laugh. Day 2 at home I was able to remove the drains but guess what Dr. Medina said she wanted to see the results first before releasing the video to show how to remove the drains. I was like this lady is tough but I was okay with it. I sent her the results and she released the video. Drains were removed successfully by my daughter. I spoke on this to show you the type of doctor she is. She is serious about her work and the results.
Post surgery results/follow up:
Dr. Medina checks in on me from DR from time to time, this was such a great touch because I don't feel like I was just another number. I love my results more. Less swelling, my skin looks renewed and my waist is smaller. Scars have healed well. .I was so excited with how I looked I decided to purchase some dresses only to realize that i am smaller than I was and even more smaller in the waist. I am now on pause from buying anything new because as the swelling goes down and the body regulates itself my waist will be smaller. OMG. Still in shock. FYI: I have not posted any pics because I am not great with picture taking, I will however at 3 mos post op post pics.
Overall Experience:
Without a question in my mind, I would do this again. Overall the experience was fantastic from beginning to end. Dr. Medina is the bomb.com. Looking for a doctor, Dr. Medina is the one. You will not go wrong. The only con is she needs a bigger office to service all her clients. Some days you have to peel people off the wall lol.
Thank you so much Dr. Medina and team and the ladies at the recovery house. You guys are awesome!!!
.
Day of surgery:
Driver picked me up, took me for my blood work, went to the hospital, paid the remaining cost for the surgery, met with a Psychologist, therapist, Dr Medina leaving no room to reconsider lol. (Note...The hospital room was amazing. 5 stars. ) I cleaned up, listened to some gospel music, shortly after took the blue pill, by the time I woke up surgery was complete. It was effortless. When I got up, the room was nice and cozy. I had warmers on my ankles and compression socks that they provided. There were two ppl in the room monitoring me, Dr. Medina checked in before leaving. She advised she took off almost 20 pounds of flesh, breaking the record for the most she has ever removed. Understand I walked in at 5'1 165 pounds. I started to cry because I knew I made the right choice. That night one of the assistants stayed with me until morning. She wiped me down, fed me it was so refreshing. Next day, I was given a massage... I was in heaven by then. In my mind, I wished I could have stayed at the hospital for the remainder of my stay but I had to move to the recovery house.
Recovery House-My Home:
Cost 675.00 for 9 nights( 75.00 a night) Included round the clock Nurse Care, Meals Wifi, TV, garden..
It spoke for itself. Felt like home. The food was not the best but that's expected after surgery. I honestly could not eat much because I was so snatched. My recovery went well though day 3 day was a challenge. I felt a bit depressed because of the discomfort during sleep. The drains were the worst but manageable. Nurses were great and very personable. With all the that was going on, I don't recall seeing any of the nurses upset, tired or overwhelmed. I felt like they sincerely loved what they did and they worked well together. The masseuse-Carmen gave the best massages ever.
Results:
Because of the reviews I had seen from others, I decided not to look at myself until a month after surgery. I wanted to give myself time so I would not feel disappointed if the results were not evident right way. Some reviews I read said their results were not evident until about 2-3 months post op which made them depressed. Thankfully that was not my case. On day 4 after my massage, the masseuse asked me to stand so she could dress me, as I stood she said wow. She asked me if I had a butt lift as well added hips I said nope lol. I came with the booty and hips its natural. She laughed at me. She said you look amazing and then gestured to my room mate to look. My room mate echoed the same thing, bear in mind my roomy went to a different doctor. Roomy continued to stare at me. Later on she said Dr. Medina's work is amazing. She felt that Dr. Medina had the best results in the recovery home and seemed a bit disappointed though her results were not bad. There after when the masseuse came she would give me the same response but I felt she was just saying it until day 6 I finally found the courage to look at myself though a hunched over. I was SHOCKED. I could not believe that was my body. My butt looked like it had a but lift as well although I did not have one. I exhaled. I looked amazing.
Departure:
Driver took me back to the airport. I tipped him because he was so helpful. On the days when I got to the doctor he would encourage me. Last day came and I walked out. While I was leaving he said you look so nice. He said seeing you coming the first time and now you leaving looking like this. He was so impressed. Got to the airport, he requested wheel chair service and I was headed home. Unfortunately I had to leave with the drains because I did not meet the amount to have it removed. I was okay with it because it was the latter of the two evils. That was the worst. I thought the day would have never ended. Oh my, TSA thought I was carrying a bomb and pulled me in the office. I had to show papers etc. I felt so horrible. I had little swelling from the plane ride but that immediately went down on the ride home. Got home, my daughter looked so concerned but when she saw the results she was shocked. She said mom oh my are you going to loose more weight I said yes she said oh my I don;t want you to look fake lol. I had to muffle cause I could not laugh. Day 2 at home I was able to remove the drains but guess what Dr. Medina said she wanted to see the results first before releasing the video to show how to remove the drains. I was like this lady is tough but I was okay with it. I sent her the results and she released the video. Drains were removed successfully by my daughter. I spoke on this to show you the type of doctor she is. She is serious about her work and the results.
Post surgery results/follow up:
Dr. Medina checks in on me from DR from time to time, this was such a great touch because I don't feel like I was just another number. I love my results more. Less swelling, my skin looks renewed and my waist is smaller. Scars have healed well. .I was so excited with how I looked I decided to purchase some dresses only to realize that i am smaller than I was and even more smaller in the waist. I am now on pause from buying anything new because as the swelling goes down and the body regulates itself my waist will be smaller. OMG. Still in shock. FYI: I have not posted any pics because I am not great with picture taking, I will however at 3 mos post op post pics.
Overall Experience:
Without a question in my mind, I would do this again. Overall the experience was fantastic from beginning to end. Dr. Medina is the bomb.com. Looking for a doctor, Dr. Medina is the one. You will not go wrong. The only con is she needs a bigger office to service all her clients. Some days you have to peel people off the wall lol.
Thank you so much Dr. Medina and team and the ladies at the recovery house. You guys are awesome!!!
.
island340's provider
Replies (39)
April 13, 2016
Also to all those who are considering this procedure. Bare in mind, perfection does not exist. If you are expecting to be perfect, no amount of surgery or nips and tucks will make you happy. Once surgery is done, you have to make sure you eat right and exercise. This should be a life changing experience for you. All the best to you dolls out there...
April 25, 2016
I have surgery wed april 27 and I fly out at 6 am tom Tuesday now im nervous with my hemo level being 12.2 and it drops when you fly? I really over thinking it and Im a nervous wreck. Keep me in your prayers.
April 29, 2016
HI I am sorry I have not been on Realself and just checked in and I will keep you in prayer. If you can get SSS tonic (you can get it at CVS pharmacy) that works wonders. I was a 6 and when i did my surgery I was at 12. All the best and be patient. It is surgery so being nervous is understandable. Dr. Medina is a great doctor so you are in great hands...
September 24, 2017
Please tell me how did you book date and pay deposit after you got a quote? Please help
September 24, 2017
I need help. I've been trying to book my date and pay the deposit. How did you do it?
May 31, 2016
thank you! amazing story. i would like to see pics!
June 12, 2016
Hi I am traveling for vacation to the Caribbean I plan on adding pics when I get back. I am 4 mos post op and this journey has been life changing. When you get the point when you still stuck on the size you were only to realize you are smaller. I am so happy I did this... I will be sending a care packet to Dr. Medina and her team. I am overjoyed with the results. I am now wearing a size M and wearing my second stage garment with ease... (at the top I am in the 3rd slot while on the bottom I am on the second slot. ) #tearsssofjoy
Do's
Find peace with your decision and then walk by faith.
Speak less on it. Avoid researching and reading the reviews about a 3-4 weeks from surgery or you will become overwhelmed mentally. This is the time when you should be finding a happy space and peace with your decision. We all are different and heal differently...
Provide all medical history issues to Dr. Medina. This is the most crucial part of this process. Based on my research,those that did not make it was not honest about their health.
Pack as though you are going away for a weekend. Just the basic essentials. The less you have the less stress trying to remember everything or buying things you will not need. I carried 3 -4 dresses preferably Caftans or House gowns... they provided great coverage avoiding unnecessary attention to me having surgery. During office visits, individuals would ask cause they could not tell. I also got me some tank tops (4) for 2 dollars at Walmart. Flip Flops. Walk with the smallest pack of overnight maxis to put inside the Faja. You will be able to reuse them. Arnacle gel in pill form. The gel itself can be messy. Great for stiff muscles and swelling post op. You will need it. Wash cloth and wipes. Though I could not take a bath, I did wipe off under my arms, face etc.
Definitely take your own pain meds and vitamins. They are expensive in DR. (you may need to purchase some there depending post surgery. I paid an extra 400.00 for medicine. ) So be sure to walk with extra cash.
Laptop worked perfect for contacting family without incurring a huge phone bill.
Download the translator app on your phone. The language barriers can pose some challenges.
If possible, travel a couple days before surgery as I understood that blood levels drop while flying. I was anemic so this was crucial for me. I did however meet someone who had surgery on arrival and she did well.
I cut back on working out prior to surgery. I rested more.
Stop taking any diet supplements or vitamins two weeks from surgery. It helps avoid clotting, unnecessary bleeding, or delayed healing.
For payment, I made the deposit to her bank account and walked with the remainder of it. The driver met me as I got off the plane on the ramp so that trumped the idea of being robbed. I did not exchange money, I just paid usd cash for everything. Less hassle to change it out at the airport while trying to leave.
I purchased a one way ticket to avoid add'l cost in the event I needed to change my flight. I ended up staying 9 days than the intended 10 days.
After surgery, three things will be critical, Massages, Water and Walking. On the not so good days, the massages made a huge difference for all that got them.. The women that did not get the massages were the most irritable/miserable. Massages are critical in getting the blood moving and assisting with removal of any clotting. Water will be your friend for the next 10-15 days. You will need to take in 8-12 bottles of water per day. I felt like they dropped me in a fish tank and said drink. You can swap out some of the bottles of water for hot tea-green tea with honey that helped me a lot and that became a trend at the house. I also swapped out some meals for the natural smoothies (the best I have had). I also ate fresh pineapples since they are great with swelling. The ladies at the other recovery house had jellies or coconut from the tree, those are great as well for healing and soothing. Soups and broth also became a requested item as well. At nights and some mornings, I replaced my meals for fruit tea and crackers with cheese. I honestly could not eat that much I think on the 7th or 8th day I was able to eat full meals. My drains were removed on the 11th day, had I started liquids from day 1, I would left with the drains out. First two days I was just trying to recover from surgery. It was not much pain but that feeling like something major happened.
Note: Drain removal will depend on liquid intake and body mass from my research lasting 8-20 days post op it will depend on your body so do not get discouraged. The drains will eventually be removed. (10-11 days works for most, one lady there had hers removed on the 8th day but she was stick thin). I was pushing myself so much that I could feel my body clamming up but when I let it go and let my body do what it needed I was fine.
Walking hunched over is a must as well. You unfortunately cannot walk upright because you can increase the scar and or pull a stitch out. . I walked and rested a lot and actually I still do. If I walked 3 times I rested 3 lol. It will be easy to stay in bed all day but you have to move around. Being a christian, I listened to a lot of worship music. It helped me keep my mind of recovery. I did more than I thought it. The nurses administer my meds and monitored the drain pump made it less of a hassle. Truth be told, the 3rd day was the worst for me while some said the first 3 was their worst. The 4th day you are on the home stretch.
When I got home I ate clean for about 3 weeks.. It was hard because I craved salt all the way thru. I did have some chips but I would drink lots of water to counter act that. When I attempted to have ice cream or anything like that I would throw up or get a bad feeling. I drank only organic pineapple juice. blended papaya juice, alkalized water and tea. Stayed on target with my vitamins and I added some natural Probiotics to my routine. I rested and also walked still do. As far as wound care, that was very easy to do surprisingly.. I thought I would be grossed out but I was not.. ... I used peroxide bought some gauze from the dollar store for a dollar and cleaned it once a day. I honestly did my best not to keep watching the wound or how my body was healing. I felt that my body been thru enough it just needs to heal.... which is why I did not take any pics except one via my computer. I am now 2 mos post op with some swelling at nights. I Also I stayed away from the reviews and results from others especially those that went in to the regular centers to have work done. leaving disappointed. That adds more stress than it did.
The main thing that got me through was patience, following a regimen and being optimistic. I stayed away from anything that was stressful.
Please understand this is surgery, its not a cake walk but if you stay strong and patient with an understanding of what you need to do you will be fine. All the best. You will be fine.. Feel free to ask any more questions as needed. But do not overthink it.