I decided to have plastic surgery about half way through my weight loss (total of 108kg)  as I already had a lot of loose skin and I knew it would only get worse as I came to the end of my weight loss.

I think the things that most bothered me about my appearance was the loose skin on my forearms and calves as these were hard to cover with clothes, and my face as I felt the droopy skin made me look a lot older.   I had always hated my bust, as it was very big and saggy and this got considerably worse with the weight loss.

My decision to go ahead had been made in my mind way back 10 or 11 months before the surgery, about 6 months after my gastric bypass surgery.  So the only thing was organising the money, where I had a lot of last minute hassles with the bank.

The decision to have surgery overseas was purely because of the price. I had 6 surgeries in KL and including the cost of those, the air fares and accommodation, for that total price I could have only had 2 surgeries in NZ.  I choose Gorgeous Getaways because they had been recommended by someone I knew (from the gastric bypass support group) who had been through the same process.

I had ended up in ICU after my gastric bypass because they had trouble getting my oxygen levels up after the general anaesthetic so I was a bit nervous about my ability to cope with the general anaesthetic until about 4 weeks before I went to KL when I had another minor surgery, but under a general, and I had no problems with the anaesthetic.

After this, I felt completely confident about the surgery. I had bouts of panic attacks before I lost the weight and was a bit nervous about flying and the hospital stay, which is why I brought one of my sisters with me, to support me. I am thrilled I did this as sometimes when things need to be organised or chased up, post surgery, I had no energy for this, but she did it all for me. She could only stay for 18 days, and though I was nervous about her going, by that time I was out of hospital and the Gorgeous Getaways staff were a great support.

Top notch care

I told everyone I was going and why. I had also told everyone about the gastric bypass, and people have told me often that it is an inspiration to them. In fact, one of my sisters has since had a gastric bypass.  If I can help people with their decisions in regard to plastic surgery, I am more than happy to do it.

My first impressions were all very good.  The Gorgeous Getaways driver who was waiting at the airport to pick us up was very nice, pointed out some details of KL, not that I remember many as we were tired. The first impression of the hospital was that it was very nice. All marble floors and walls, and the room was fine and the staff seemed very nice.

My first impression of Helen (my Gorgeous Getaways case manager) was that she was a lovely woman, and this only improved as I got to know her. Helen left while I was in KL so I had Rosalyn as my case manager as well. She is also a lovely, caring lady. Stella and Nor, the nurses who came to the hotel to dress my woulds were also fantastic.  Friendly, helpful caring people.

I was very relaxed from the beginning.  I think that going into things with a positive outlook helps you have a positive outcome.  After the first surgery, I was a little stressed, but that was more to do with my claustrophobic feelings, and once I was allowed out of bed to walk around there was no more of that type of problem.

Taking it slowly

Dr Jalil was fantastic. I was completely confident with him. He is a lovely guy and very easy to talk to. My first surgery was 2 days after I arrived, and lasted for 11 hours, and I was in hospital for 5 days. Nine days later, I went in for my second surgery which lasted for 14 hours. I was in hospital for 5 days again. I had a short 3rd surgery on my 4th day in hospital  to repair some torn stitches and to do the submental lipectomy. This only was for about 1 hour.

Recovery went very well generally. I got out of bed in the afternoon of the first day after surgery, but just to the bathroom. On the second day, I started walking up and down the ward about once every hour, as I know this is one of the best things post operatively for a quick recovery and to minimize the risk of blood clots. After the second surgery, I was completely out of it for the first day, but day two, I was up walking again. I took things pretty easily for the first couple of weeks after surgery as recovery was my priority, not shopping or sightseeing.

I went to a fish spa, (where you put your feet in a pool and the little fish nibble the dead skin off ) which was a very unusual feeling, and I would recommend it so long as you don't have ticklish feet.

Best money ever spent

I was pleased and excited to be going home after 6 weeks, but I was also a little sad to be leaving.  The Gorgeous Getaways staff are so lovely and helpful, and the comraderie with the other clients was great.  I met some lovely people who I think will stay friends.

Everyone has said I look fantastic.  I am very happy with my face and the body is coming along.  It's early days to know what effect my new look will have, in improving my life, as I have only been home a couple of days, but the improvement in how I feel about myself is wonderful.

My advice to others, considering having plastic surgery, would be to go ahead, but not to try and squeeze in too many procedures in one trip. I would also advise going into it with a positive outlook as this helps with recovery and dealing with any minor hiccups along the way.

The benefits of using Gorgeous Getaways is that they use well respected surgeons and good hospitals. This is usually one of the big concerns in having procedures overseas. I would recommend Gorgeous Getaways to everyone.

It is the best money I have ever spent.