6 months post op - mentally and physically exhausting

Hello ladies! I had surgery December 3, 2021 with Dr. Juan Carlos Torres in Baranquilla, Colombia . I had biopolymer removal and liposuction first and removal and replacement of implants with lift about 8 days later. I stayed for 21 days. I am writing this review to give you ladies what my experience was like and a few things I wish I knew prior to going. Hope this helps someone that is planning on getting this surgery or has recently had surgery.
Prior to booking surgery I was in contact with Dr. Torres assistant a year prior and sent in pictures for pricing. I did a lot of research and wanted to make sure I was making the right decision. I finally booked surgery and wired over the required 2k deposit. A week before surgery I wired over the funds for the hotel and nurse which I stayed at the Crowne Plaza. Initially I booked for just 15 days due to reading reviews of ladies leaving earlier. I ended up staying 21 days so I would say if you can book for the whole time because even if you feel good you still want to be able to see the doctor a few times before leaving.
Before arriving I completed my bloodwork, and EKG and I am so glad I did. I was unable to get my MRI because I waited to late and wish I would have gotten that prior as well because it was an exhausting day once I got there. If possible see your primary care doctor and let them know what your plans are and they should be able to write you an order and if you have insurance they will cover it. Dr. Torres did send over an order for everything but most labs I went to didn’t accept the order due to it being out of the country and not having the codes and his license number on it but every state is different.
Once I arrived I went through customs and the driver was there to pick me up. He was very sweet and took me to all my appointments, massages, and every where I needed to go. He did have a smaller car which I was expecting maybe a van but again he was so so sweet. My Neice came in town and I was able to pay him to pick her up the next day.
When I arrived he took me to get my MRI at a medical center where there were other patients waiting for various services. I had to wait a couple hours, then I went to meet with the doctor and anethesilogisgt and they actually moved my surgery day up to Thursday instead of Friday. Be sure to have you passport handy because they ask for it for everything you do. I was already informed before getting to Colombia that there was a convention and I would have to stay at a different hotel then the Crowne Plaza for the first night. The assistant sent me the name and I looked it up and I was ok with it. Once I arrived to the hotel later that evening around 6-7 after meeting with the doctor and the driver dropped me off I was told at the hotel that they didn’t have any rooms left and I would have to go to their sister property which I was not happy about so I booked a room at Hotel Movich and the driver came and picked me back up and took me there. Head up 98% of the people there do not speak English and it can be very difficult to communicate. I would suggest that you have a translator application and if you know anyone that speaks Spanish have them on speed dial.
So I was frustrated that night because I was so tired and having to switch hotels at night was just a lot. However I went to the hotel checked in and got prepared for the next day. They did refund me for the one night since I refused to stay at the sister property. The next day I wasn’t supposed to have surgery until around 1pm and my niece came in that morning and we went straight to the medical center and she was to check in the Crowne Plaza after I went off to surgery. I was able to eat crackers and juice I believe before 6 am and nothing else prior to surgery. I was also given a Zantac to take the night before and the morning before surgery. I went in they doctor made the drawings, I was washed down with a solution, and given the IV. I was also unable to take my phone with me so when I woke up it was around 4am and the nurse was in the hospital with me in the room and I hadn’t spoken with anyone since 1pm. My family was very worried because my niece had only been told I was ok and she could come tot he hospital the next day but noone had actually spoken with me and my mom had dm’s the doctor to have someone call and confirm I was ok since the assistant had left her phone and wasn’t responding to any messages. Around 7am the nurse showed me a message from my niece on what’s app and I was able to text her I was ok. Around 9am my neice came to the hospital and was with me. When I woke up I felt sore, I had a catheter, my drains in, wound vac, and my faja on. I was able to eat and layed on my stomach in the hospital bed. The nurse had the translator app on her phone so I was able to communicate if I was in pain or needed something to drink. Around maybe 11-12 I got the catheter removed and got ready to go to the hotel. The driver picked us up and I layed on my stomach with pillows in the car and leaving out the hospital I was wheeled out in a wheelchair standing on my knees.
When I arrived to the hotel it was very nice I had a room with 2 beds. I do wish I would have gotten the suite because the nurse is with you for 10 days I kept mines for 13 and it just gives you more space and it has a washer and dryer. I was also told that some people will get an Airbnb and have the nurse come there. The package wasn’t bad though I received 3 meals a day and the food was good. Beware they allow you to order room service on holidays and the weekends. Breakfast comes from the hotel everyday and the rest of the food they order out and send you a menu to choose from each day. The nurse also stays with you the whole time and spends the night. I was also charged a nightly fee for having my niece in the room I think it was 20 a day. I did speak with other ladies that just had the nurse come during the day but again it your preference. My nurse did everything she helped me get dressed, gave me my medication, got my food, washed my faja, and helped me get dressed. I will say from my experience they don’t provide a stipend for the nurses to eat so I just shared my food because they do give you a lot and at times I would just buy her food. However I had to ask her since I noticed her not eating the first day or so.
I started getting my massages on Monday and I went every day unless it was a weekend or holiday. The massages are a little uncomfortable at first due to the drains but they made me feel better and I was able to walk better once getting them. I had my drains for about 7 days and the pain pump was removed during my second surgery. I had may second surgery about 8 days later and had to get blood work done before to make sure I was cleared for surgery. Just a heads up you are responsible for any additional blood work, medications, testings anything additional you may have to get. After my breast surgery I layed on my side for the duration of may stay. I was sore but again the pain in manageable and if you get a pain pump then you should feel more comfortable. After my nurse left I decided to switch hotels and had to pay the driver to pick me up from my new hotel and take me to get my massages. I got all of my stitches removed before leaving which was a little uncomfortable since I had cuts in between my legs and on my breasts. The day before leaving I got why Covid test they came to the hotel and the results were sent to the cooridnator. The driver picked me up and I headed to the airport. I was there about 2-3 hours early which there wasn’t a line and I was able to check in quicker and get the wheelchair service. I sat in the priority club Longue which was very comfortable and had food, drinks, and a close bathroom. Once may flight was ready to board one of the agents came and took me to the wheelchair line to get on the plane. I had started sitting on my butt a week before so I didn’t need anything on the plane to sit on. I was pretty comfortable and I flew American Airlines so they provided a meal on the plane. I did have a connecting flight and they were a few delays so be prepared to be in the airport and try to carry a small bag if possible. I carried a tote bag and just packed my essentials that I needed while flying.
Once I arrived home I was exhausted the next day due to traveling. I still was un able to drive and walk long distances. Again everyone is different but if you have children be prepared to have some support still once you get home.
After a few weeks being home and removing the tape after 10 days. I had a wound that opened in the middle of my incision inside the top of my butt check. I started to feel pain and wasn’t sure why but after opening up the area I saw it was pink and then it started to get bigger. Since my mom does wound care I immediately started to clean it and pack it with Dakins solution. I also uses Manuka honey to help with any infection and closing the wound. I also saw my primary care doctor for her to check on it. I had that wound for about a month and a half and right as it closed I got another wound which I still have. I started going to the wound clinic and they were able to make sure I was packing it correctly and measure it. I currently go there every 2 weeks and I clean and pack my wound twice a day. I have been in contact with the Doctors assistants and they believe I had a reaction to the sutures and stitches. The would clinic was able to take out several sutures and stitches that were sticking out. I also have had stitches come out of the incisions on my breast and scars underneath by butt cheeks. I was unaware that this is common and can happen months after surgery. I want anyone getting this surgery to be prepared and know what to do if this does happen to you. This surgery is very expensive and mentally and physically exhausting. You have to be strong and have support. I have had to spend money on wound supplies, copays for both my primary care doctor, and wound doctor. Also if you sent work from home I would suggest working something out with your job to be off for at least a month after surgery.
Things I found useful on trip( Try not to overpack I didn’t use most of the stuff I brought)
Lightweight comfy robe
Long dresses
Slippers
Shower shoes
Pain medication
Tylenol PM
Cash for tips singles and 5’s, 10’s
T-shirts or pajama tops- you’ll have on faja so you won’t really wear pajama pants you can also buy extra fajas once you her there from the Faja store
Loose compression shorts
Socks
Headbands
Lysol
urinal
Pajamas loose
Washing soap to wash Faja
Tylenol PM
Benadryl for itching
Charger pack and or Long charger cord
Comfy sandals a few pair
Magnetic phone case or phone stand
Portable dibet to use in shower
Head pillow- I bought one off Amazon that has blanket inside and that was helpful.
Iipo board- you can get there if you need
Stool softer
Inflammation cream Calendula
Few packs of baby wipes
Wash clothes
Cold packs to help with soreness and pain
Small lock bag to keep your valuables in inside the safe
Things that were useful once I got home:
Roho cushion to sit on not a BBL pillow
Reacher to grab items
Shower stool
Sleep pillow
Soft Cushion for toilet
Arnica cream
Bio oil
Ice packs
Lymphatic massages I did after 4 months
Embrace scar strips