julia, jennifer and Ray's diary

Profession:	Business Managers
Age:	50
Country:	Manchester, UK
Procedures:	Julia: Brow lift, Upper and Lower Eyelift, fat transfers to lips and hands, liposuction of thighs and tummy tuck + Botox Jennifer (twin sister): Brow lift, fat transfer to cheeks and lips, liposuction to love handles and thighs and tummy tuck + Botox Ray (husband of Jen): Liposuction to chest and stomach, neck/chin liposuction, upper and lower Eyelift

 

The following is a day to day account of Julia, Jennifer and Ray's experience while on their surgery holiday in Malaysia.

Please view their case study and before and after photos click here.

If you would like to speak to Julia or Jennifer or Ray, please contact us at Gorgeous Getaways.

 

Julia (left) and Jennifer 1 month after surgery

 

14th August 2005

3.00 p.m
Taxi arrived to take us to Manchester airport. Jennifer and Julia were looking forward to the trip back to Malasyia. Ray was a little quiet, not as much apprehensive, just pensive on the outcome of surgery.

8.00 p.m
The flight was on time. We chose Malaysia Airlines because it was non-stop to Kuala Lumpur.

15th August
12 hours and 20 minutes later we landed on schedule at 3.20pm Malaysia time. The airport was bright and modern with every facility.

As promised on arrival we were met by Gorgeous Getaways representatives, Min, Wan and Ya. Their greeting was genuinely warm, friendly and reassuring. They took us by car to our hotel which was about 45 minutes drive. We passed the impressive Twin Towers which as well as the magnificent structure itself also contains several floor of good shopping.

The Shangri-la is a prestigious hotel in the heart of KL. On entering we straightaway knew that Gorgeous Getaways had chosen the best for our stay.

The first thing we realized was that everything was written in English.

The room were a delight. Tastefully furnished with king sized bed, minibar, internet access, multil- channel TV, hair dryer and all accessories.

We were scheduled for a consultation with Dr Jalil but he was busy in theatre so we were informed we would see him tomorrow before surgery.

16th August

We were picked up at 7.30am by Min and Wan and taken to the hospital.

We had our consultation with Dr. Jalil and decided what procedures everyone would have. The consultation was thorough and he understood our needs. His English is good so there was no worries of misunderstandings and his gentle, relaxed nature soon put us at ease.

It was decided that the treatments would be:

Julia: Brow lift, Blepharoplasty (Upper & lower eyes), fat transfer cheeks, filler to lips, minor neck lift, liposuction to thighs, fat transfer to hands and tummy tuck.

Jennifer:
Brow lift, fat transfer to cheeks and lips, liposuction to love handles and thighs and tummy tuck.

Ray:
Fat removal from the lower chin and neck area, Blepharoplasty (Upper and lower eyes) and liposuction to entire stomach area.

Julia went down to theatre at 10 a.m. Nervous when there but talked with the nursing staff which helped to ease the tension. The anesthetist was equally friendly. Moved onto a heated operating table Julia mentioned that in the past she had felt nauseous after surgery. The anesthetist smiled and reassured her he would try and prevent that.

Jennifer went down to surgery at 3pm and Ray followed at 6.30pm.

On awakening from the operation. Julia remembers being moved onto a trolley and experiencing excruciating pain in the stomach. She lay very still and the pain subsided. The after memory was of uncontrollable shivering which lasted until back into the room. This is a normal reaction after surgery. As long as she lay still the pain was okay. The eyes felt a little gritty but not uncomfortable and the stomach area felt extremely flat.

Jennifer joined Julia after 3 hours. She experienced the same pain and shivering as Jennifer was transferred to the bed and also remarked how flat her stomach felt. We both then slept well.

Ray recalls wakening from the anesthetic and being asked if he was okay. He had a terrific pain in his stomach but was placed on morphine and then slept.

17th August

Julia and Jennifer awoke feeling a little uncomfortable but with no real pain unless they moved suddenly. Both agreed that it wasn’t as bad as expected. Both managed a breakfast of cornflakes and orange juice and then rested.

Around 9.15am, Dr Jalil came to the room and told them they could get out of bed, shower and wash their hair. They were very apprehensive because as long as they remained still there was no pain but any sudden movement caused a serious pain. Then Jennifer said she definitely give it a try because she’d heard that Ray, who had gone into surgery last, had been up.

The nurses removed all the dressings and caffeta after the initial pain of getting out of bed there was discomfort but it was bearable.

Julia and Jennifer both showered and washed the blood and out of their hair. Although nurses were to hand, they managed to do it by themselves. It felt great and they were amazed at what they had achieved.

Ray woke at 6am and felt okay but was still on morphine so was happy to just lie there. At around 9am, he decided to get up and sit in the chair and have a go at some breakfast. Dr Jalil came in while he was having breakfast and checked him over. There was hardly any pain, only a little nausea and dizziness so it was decided to remove the morphine. The nurses unwrapped the dressings around the stomach but they left on the plasters and bandages around the liposuction puncture wounds. Dr Jalil said to take those off later when showering. Then, Ray went back to bed.

At 11am, Ray was up in bed when Jennifer and Julia walked in. It was one of the most uplifting moments of his life. To see them looking so well was sheer joy.

The girls left and Ray got up and had a shower. There wasn’t any bad pain but once the puncture wound dressings were removed there was quite a lot of bleeding from the wounds. This is only the blood clots releasing and nothing to worry about. Ray then got dressed and joined Jennifer and Julia in their room.

How is everything looking after surgery?

Julia and Jennifer have swollen faces & lips, stitches to the lower abdomen and forehead with four small puncture marks to the thighs. Julia has additional bruising to her eyes and Jennifer to her love handles. Julia has stitches to her lower & upper eyes and behind her ears.

Ray had heavy bruising and swelling to the lower eyes. Four small puncture wounds no bruising and little swelling to the abdomen.

Julia and Jen visited Ray who was up and looking good. At 2pm, we told Lennie we were well enough to return to the hotel.

Dr Jalil came later to discharge us. He was pleased with our progress. Advised us to purchase compression garments and went through our medication before leaving the hospital.

Lunch at the hospital was fish and chips which Ray enjoyed. Wan & Min arrived to take us back to the Shangri-la. They kindly stopped at a KFC and Ray bought us a take-away.

We checked back into the Shangri-la.

Thursday 18th August

We all slept well, and woke up with no pain. Jennifer showered, Julia and Ray bathed. Jennifer and Julia put on their girdles. Tight and sore to pull on but soon ease, pain killers are very effective, we spent the day resting, reading and watching TV. Jennifer and Julia have slight bruising on lips, thighs. The redness around Julia’s eyes isn’t as bad as yesterday. Ray felt lumpy areas to his abdomen, face. So didn’t want to venture out. Julia joined them in the room and sent Ray to the hotel shop (Lemon Garden to Go) to get some dinner. He went wearing his dark sun glassed to cover the bruising around his eyes and returned with sandwiches.

We all retired at 9.45pm after taking a sleeping tablet.

19th August

First went down to the restaurant for breakfast. Jennifer and Julia stomach felt sore (took painkillers at breakfast) Legs have large black bruises. The face and lips were very swollen. Scars across the abdomen were red, bumpy and unattractive. Jennifer & Julia are pleased about the way they feel.

Min visited to check on us. We told her we were okay and we would be spending the day by the pool. We sat in the sun under a parasol with our hats and sunglasses, reading the local paper, drinks brought to us by the waiter. It was now feeling like a holiday. Later we got dressed for the evening in the hotel pub. Jennifer & Julia putting on concealer and lipstick to hide their bruises. We sat by the window watching the night life of KL and the monorail wondering around the hotel. Our dinner was sandwich and chips (RM28), happy hours (buy one get one free) vodka. Ray had a Malaysian chicken curry with rice and a pint of Carlsberg.

20th August

Ray didn’t join Jennifer & Julia for breakfast. He was unwell feeling hot & cold. Min called with Ray’s waist binder and our flight tickets to Sabah. She helped Ray to put his binder on, which has to be tight.

We quickly dressed in our best holiday outfit and Lennie took us to the wedding. A lovely sunny day, it was 15 mins drive. Azie (who works for GG) invited us to her family’s wedding, and was there to greet us. There was a huge marquee with tables, chairs, garland in red & white. The female family members were beautifully dressed in co-coordinating pinks, with the traditional muslim scarves and hey brooches. The tables were laid with a Malaysian banquet. Azie served us with food and made us feel very welcome. Music in the background with one of the relatives singing. We were introduced to great grandma who look fit and alert for 100 years old. Wan took us into the bridal house, first taking off our shoes. It was elaborately decorated in Gold & Pink sink and two gold throne chairs. Wan escorted us to the brides bedroom. The looked stunning in rich red gown with silver embroidered white scare topped with a tiara.

We met dignitaries- a member of parliament and the loyal mayor.

21st August

Ray has more bruising and swelling since wearing his waist binder. Jennifer & Julia’s stomachs are still sore and faces and lips very swollen. Julia has little bruising on her face but Jennifer lips are heavily bruised. Coughing and laughing is painful.

Late morning we went to Sungai Wang shopping centre by taxi. This cost RM 7 which is the most you would pay for this journey. We are learning that taxis are very cheap.

Sungai Wang is a very large shopping complex on several floors. There are mostly small shops but also some larger shops and a department store. It was very busy. The sale is on and there are plenty of bargains. Julia took her digital camera card and had her photos developed. It cost RM 36 for 60 photos and she collects them tomorrow.

We met another patient in the hotel, called Karen, who had had liposuction and comes from the UK. She said she wanted to go to China Town but didn’t want to go alone so we asked her to join us. We went early evening, Lennie drove us. It was a warm dry night. China Town is very busy with a large selection of stalls. E.g, fruit, bags, t-shirt, dvd’s, watches e.t.c. Stall holders will ask you to buy but are mostly ‘pushy’. Expect to barter for everything, cheap type goods, excellent souvenir shopping.

Karen felt better having spoken to Ray as them both having the same liposuctions treatment. Juia went out choosing not to wear her girdle. She immediately felt the difference; her stomach felt like it was dragging down.

22nd August

Jennifer woke up had a slight stomach ache otherwise felt good. Lennie telephoned she was arranging the evening meal for all GG patients.

Ray mentioned he would like laser to correct his vision, so Lennie arranged for Ray to see Dr Baljit.

The weather is lovely and sunny and we met at the pool with the two Australian ladies. One lady had surgery to her eyes the same as Ray and was recovering well. The other was her escort.

At 2p.m, we met Min and taken to the hospital for Ray’s appointment. Dr Baljit was very busy and had a full clinic. Ray was first taken for a sight test. Reading the eye chart. Dr Baljit was well spoken and smart appearance. She informed Ray he wasn’t a good candidate for laser because he had perfect long-sighted and if he had his vision corrected, it would impair this. She then proceeded to examine his eyes. She told Ray that his surgery was excellent, he was recovering well. His stitches were neat. After another week nobody would tell he had had it done. Min stayed the duration we were at the hospital and drove us back to the hotel.

We all dressed for our evening meal. Kathy drove us to an Italian restaurant; we met with the other GG patients who all looked better since seeing them at the wedding and were in high spirits. It’s a good night to share experiences of your surgery and recovery with others.

After a couple of bottles of wine the atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and we were all laughing and joking. The time flew. I was surprised how late it got; we were usually in bed by Ten, now it was 12 o’clock. We telephoned home when we returned to our rooms - it would be 5 o’clock in the afternoon.

23rd August

One week since surgery - haven’t had any painkillers yesterday or today. Just an occasional ache from tummy or thigh. Jennifer & Julia bruised are red instead of black. Julia isn’t conscious of her scars behind her ears.

Breakfast then walked to Sungai Wang. Again the weather is lovely and sunny. Took advantage of the sale. Next to Sungai wang is Lot 10. It has a department store and stylish shops. Bought two handbags with 70% off costing RM48 each. Julia collected her photo’s and we traveled back by taxi back to the hotel it cost RM 3.

Our consultation with Dr Jalil was 6p.m. Dr Jalil telephoned; he had an emergency surgery at another hospital so the consultation was postponed. We went to the pub for our last meal of sandwich and chips.

24th August

Woke at 5.45am. Airport limousine arrives to take us for the flight to Sabah. Kathy phoned to make sure everything was ok. Took off at 8.55am, we were all very excited.

Lumin (GG sabah rep) collected us at KK airport and it took 45 minutes to get to Rasa Ria resort. A band played to announce our arrival. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. Sat with a cool drink while guest relations organized our check in, everything about the hotel was explained by Faye and Salenah who would be there to help with any problems. Taken to a superior room.

Wow! - what a room and what a view. The balcony overlooks tropical grounds and then the ocean.

We were very impressed, couldn’t wait to see the rest of the resort. Ray’s abdomen is very swollen and painful. We couldn’t figure out it was cause by the flight, the long day or the waist binder. Hoping he will be better tomorrow. Jennifer & Julia are fine, just the occasional ‘twinge’.

Ray had a long soak in the bath and then we went for happy hour at the pool bar. Setting next to the beach with a nice warm breeze from the sea. We are so lucky to be here. We enjoyed cocktails and beer before retiring to our comfortable room in lovely surroundings. Telephoned home using our talk card. We will have over 2 hour’s talk time on our card, which is unbelievable value for money. We were all excited and Jennifer & Julia took sleeping pills to ensure a good night rest.

What a welcome and such a superb hotel. They sounded a ceremonial

25th August

Ray slept well and felt much better. The excessive swelling had gone down and his stomach was how it was before the flight. Jennifer noticed the bruising around her mouth had almost gone and Julia’s eyes after only 9 days have healed beautifully.

Today was the first day. Jennifer & Julia wore their bikini’s using sarongs to cover the bruising on the legs. Ray took off his waist binder and sunbathed in his swim shorts.

On the beach we are given a red flag which we raise when we want a drink. During the day we were offered cold towels and water melon.

We are overlooking a long stretch of white sandy beach. At the edge of the resort, by the beach, there are three separate large gazebos with hammocks and dining table. These are available to hire.

Had dinner at the coffee terrace restaurant. We had a choice of buffet or ala carte. The filler steak Jennifer & Julia had was delicious. Ray had chicken tikka masala and we all finished with mouth watering cake.

We then went to watch the resident band in the lobby. Then to bed, all took sleeping tablets.

26th August

Ray’s stomach is still very tender. Jennifer & Julia occasionally sore but generally feeling great. After breakfast Jennifer & Julia joined the resort information meeting in the lobby. Went to see what activities were on after. There is jet ski, paragliding, bicycles, helicopter ride, river cruises, horse riding and nature trail are among the numerous recreations available. The helicopter ride sounds fantastic but unfortunately none of us feel up to it.

We booked for the nature trail, which includes seeing the Orangutans and the sunset cruise.

Strolled down the beach and had a paddle in the warm and shallow sea. Ray went in further and had a swim. The weather was hot and sunny. Ray used a high factor sunscreen around his eyes and Jennifer & Julia kept their head in the shade but worked on tanning their bodies.

At 5.30p.m, we boarded the Rasa Ria catamaran for the sunset cruise. We gently cruised out into the South China Seas and watched a brilliant sunset. The evening suddenly darkened and we returned to the beach at speed which was quite exhilarating. All the resort lights were on by then and the shoreline looked wonderful.

The weather changed at 7 p.m. we had torrential rain which was the heaviest weird seen. Dining was restricted to inside. The rain stopped after an hour. We ended the evening with a Californian iced tea cocktail, retired bed, happy.

27th August

Awoke to clear skies, very hot and sunny. Couldn’t wait to lie down on our sun loungers. Everyone feels well.

Julia went for a foot reflexology at the treatment hot on the beach. It lasted ½ hour and cost RM 70. It was an in depth message with lots of pushing pressure points, not really her cup of tea. The after services provided are hair braiding, nail art, tattoo’s, head, shoulder and back massage.

At 2p.m, we made our way to the hotels nature reserve centre for our tour. This cost RM50 each. We had to follow a steep path to get to the orang- Utan viewing platform. This put our fitness to the test and we all passed. We realize how fit and well we are to be able to do this only 11 days after surgery.

The reserve has 5 orangutans. The keeper called each of them by name, they appeared from the surrounding trees and we watched them feeding. They are very cute, the youngest only 18 months old.

We dressed for dinner and went to “The Coast" restaurant on the resort. Wow! What a beautiful, sophisticated place. A must to go, with a piano and singer gently surrounding in the background. Very lovely and romantic.

We then had our final last cocktail (Californian ice tea) in the lobby bar and were then ready for a good night sleep.

28th August

Plan to visit the Sunday market but it rained heavily all day. Instead we just rested in our room.

Lumin collected us at 5.30p.m and took us to a seafood restaurant in Kota Kinabalu. It was about 40 minutes to get there. The restaurant had various fish in tanks, snappers and troot, and king prawns and giant lobsters. Ray chose river troot with special seafood rice and Jennifer & Julia had fried chicken.

We were entertained by a traditional Malaysian show with band and dancers. We were then taken to a river side bar. There were several bars by the waterfront and was mostly muslim. Everyone was extremely friendly and we had a really enjoyable drink. Jennifer & Julia had a ‘deep blue sea’ cocktail and Ray had a pint of Guinness.

We ended the night back at the Shangri-la resort watching the ‘kitchen band’ who consist of the kitchen staff and chef’s playing rock n’ roll mostly using only kitchen implements, pots and pans, etc. It sounds like it wouldn’t be good but it was excellent. The best band all week.

29th August

Hot and sunny all day. Laid on the sun beds until 1.30 pm. Jennifer & Julia collected by Lumin and taken to KK for a shopping trip. Very inexpensive shopping malls. Julia had more photos developed and also put on a CD, costing RM 39. Ray stayed in the hospital and went on a helicopter ride.

We rendezvoused back at the hotel at 7pm. and got ready for dinner. Ray said his stomach felt better than any other time since surgery. There is almost no bruising to his eyes and under his chin is healing well.

Jennifer has no pain or aches and very little bruising to her love handles and thighs. She says she feels very well.

Julia says she feels as if she has not had surgery at all. We all got changed and enjoyed another lovely evening within the hotel.

30th August

Wake up to a beautiful sunny morning, all of us feeling really well. After breakfast relaxed on by the beach.

Lumin drove us to the crocodile farm, which is only 3km away from the hotel. We watched the crocodiles being fed, a cultural show and saw bears, ostriches and fish. It was excellent value for RM 15 each, spending two hours there.

Had our final meal at the hotel. Everyone is sad to leave tomorrow; we have had such a great time! Today has been tiring but rewarding.

The Rasa Ria resort has the highest standard of personal service we have ever experienced, and we definitely have no problem in recommending it.

Sadly, we had to leave but what wonderful memories! Everyone is so warm and friendly, a wonderful and eventful day.

Went to the business centre in the hotel. To use the computer, Julia sent an email home to let them know we were all well. It cost RM 20 for ½ hours, internet access. Went to the pub and watched MAN UTD playing live on a big screen. We later sat in the lobby, ordered cocktails and listening to the band, which was excellent.

31st August

We are leaving today to return to KL. We have had such a great time, with memorable experiences. GG has chosen a top class hotel in a beautiful setting.

It’s Independence Day in Malaysia. The restaurant was decorated with their flag and the staff dressed in their national costume.

When we checked out the staff in reception surprised and delighted us by joining together in singing their farewell song. This was special because they do not do this for everyone.

Lumin arrived to take us to the airport. It was with sadness we said our goodbyes. We have enjoyed our holiday so much and hope to return.

Arrived back in KL and taken to the Shangri-la. Check in at 6.30p.m. Lennie rang to say she would pick us up at 7.30 p.m for our consultation with Dr Jalil.

It was good to see Dr Jalil again. Check Ray over first and reassured him that the lumpiness and hard sports under the chin and on the stomach were only blood clots and would go. This would take around 3 months It was important to continue to use a compression garment as often as possible.

He then checked Jennifer over. Her brow, fat transfer and tummy tuck and showed her how to massage her thighs to speed up the healing process.

He then moved on to Julia and said her eyes were perfectly healed and she could start to use eye make up again. Julia had complained of a wobbly sensation just above her tummy tuck scars and Dr Jalil said this was a build up of fluid and would go but then decided to remove it. He took out two large syringe of fluid, which was painless and definitely reduced the tummy swelling.

He then gave us all botox injections to our foreheads and eye lines.

 

 

If you would like to speak to Julia, Jennifer, Ray or other clients, please contact us at Gorgeous Getaways.