QUEENSLAND MEDICAL TOURISM GROUP TOUR JULY 2009
By Claire Licciardo, Queensland Director and host of the July Tour ex Brisbane.
The day had finally arrived, and dreams were coming true for eight
exited ladies all over Queensland. Together, we were embarking on a
journey-of-a-lifetime with the exclusive Medical Tourism Group Tour
Package offered by Restored Beauty Getaways.
There was an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation about the
journey that lay ahead, knowing this trip was going to change their
lives!
Wow, what an awesome bunch of ladies having a range of procedures
ranging from breast augmentations, breast lifts, breast reductions,
liposuction, tummy tucks, eyelid lifts, Botox, laser teeth whitening
and dental procedures teeth cleaning, crowns and veneers. Most of
the women were having multiple procedures.
The strength of the Medical Tourism Group Tours is having the
support of other ladies in the same position, as well as the
Restored Beauty Getaways Director and Host of the tour. This proved
very valuable to clients in terms support and her for advice on hand
for any issue that may arise.
Prior to the departure, all the ladies had received their final
documents with very thorough information including the necessary
details of their procedure, pre-operative advice, risks of surgery,
etc.
I was in touch daily with the ladies and available 24-7 to answer
any questions or clarify any concerns including reassuring clients,
husbands, mother and family members about the impeccably high
medical standards of both the hospital and the surgeons in the RBG
global network, as well as the genuineness of their care and concern
for all their clients.
The eastern philosophy and culture in Thailand ensures that you, as
a client, are the primary concern of our surgeon and hospital. You
will be made to feel like the most important person in the world,
because, as a client of Restored Beauty Getaways and Bangkok
Hospital, you are!
Our surgeons, hospital and we at Restored Beauty Getaways genuinely
care about you, your physical and emotional needs and understand and
empathize with the full emotions you are gong through, and take very
seriously the trust you are placing in us. We will not let you
down!!!
Day 1: Friday July 3
I was eagerly waiting at the VIP area of Phuket airport with Maam
and New, our very special hospital ground-care staff.
After an emotional greeting, our hospital staff loaded everyone’s
suitcases into a mini bus, and together we went directly to the
hospital for our consultations with the surgeons. Gasps of amazement
were heard, along with “WOW” and “Oh my God” were
heard as we approached the Bangkok Hospital in all it’s grandness.
Seeing was believing and everyone was impressed. I loved this
moment, when the trust my clients placed in me was re-confirmed when
at last the day had arrived and my clients finally have the
opportunity to see the hospital, meet their surgeons and experience
the incredibly high standards of the medical and personal care we
offer.
For every one of the clients, this surreal feeling combined with an
overwhelming sense of relief and reassurance that this was the best
decision they had ever made. For everyone that has experienced a
package hosted by Restored Beauty Getaways, all those negative
thoughts and comments about the standards of medical care offered by
our company were now laughable.
This view is supported by RGB thousands of testimonials from happy
clients and the exceptional standard of results. For further
details, please ask your RBG consultant who can show you
testimonials or you can speak directly to some of our very clients
to hear first-hand their experience. (link to testimonials)
We arrived at the hospital to the grand hospital; we were warmly
greeted by the hospital staff with cold towels, drinks and
refreshments. Consultation began with the surgeons at 11am giving
our clients the opportunity to meet their surgeon and have a private
and confidential chat about their procedures of choice and to have
any questions answered and concerns addressed personally.
Each client was completely reassured that these surgeons were of the
highest standards in the world, and every procedure they performed
was “spot on” with an overwhelming sense of calmness and confidence.
For myself, and witnessing this, this process gave me a great deal
of both personal and professional satisfaction- knowing that the
trust my clients placed in me and my role in this process had
facilitated such a huge difference to the lives of so many people.
We spent a long day at the hospital and were all becoming increasing
tired. The medial testing at the hospital is very thorough.
A couple of ladies were having their surgeries the next morning
early so had checked into the hospital, so now everyone else was
ready to venture down to Patong Beach and check into our hotel.
Everyone quickly dispersed after checking in, some dashing for a
Thai massage, others mesmerized by the buzz of the town while I
accompanied some clients and made a quick dash to the Sea Smiles
Dental Clinic around the corner for a dental consultation.
Exhausted and starving and in desperate need of a cocktail by this
stage, we had one more job to do before we could relax. So….we went
next to get a Thai number and some credit on our phones so we could
all be in touch with our families.
We arranged to meet everyone in the hotel lobby at around 6.30- 7pm.
So now, everyone had the option of joining us for dinner and a
drink, or doing their own thing as we headed to a glorious spot on
the beach and ordered a cocktail.
It was an incredible moment as the sun set across the beach and we
ordered some dinner. Finally, after a long day, we relaxed……
This is the moment were all waiting for, however by this stage we
were all so exhausted that the conversation wasn’t as interesting as
it possibly could have been……. But already, we all sensed that were
had developed a very strong bond of having this experience together
and a moment we will look back on with fond memories.
Claire confirmed with the hospital that all Neshamah and Maggie will
be ready for their multiple procedures in the morning including
liposuction; tummy tucks breast lift/ augmentation/ revision.
Claire was adamant that the ladies go down to the beach for a
massage and some dinner prior to their procedures in the morning,
and promised the surgeons the ladies would only have only one drink
and arranged for them to be back at the hospital ready for surgery
early the next morning, while everyone else relaxed in their hotel
after dinner.
Day 2: Saturday 3rd July. Surgeries begin…
An early morning, Claire accompanied Shelley, with pick-up at the
hospital at 6.30am.
As we arrived at the hospital, Shelley was whisked into her room and
into surgery, as Claire went to be with Neshamah and Maggie prior to
their surgery. For both ladies, the reality hit, making this “very
surreal” experience very real. Claire was there for them, holding
their hands and wiping away any tears reassuring them that
everything was okay. At Restored Beauty Getaways, we understand the process and your
emotional needs and personally empathize with our clients.
Claire says: “It is a great honour and a privilege to have he chance
to be there for my clients in their time of need. I understand the
emotional and physical process of this incredible journey, and
understand it from having the surgery myself, and also from the
perspective of witnessing it through the eyes of many other clients
and also from the perspective of the hospital and surgeons.”
“It is a pleasure for me to be there to support these ladies. I
understand the emotional process.” This support proved invaluable to
clients as they were whisked into surgery….
With everyone doing well and confirmed schedule and appointments for
the next day, it was now time to enjoy Phuket with some ladies.
Together we ventured out for a little shopping and exploring in
spectacular Patong, had a cuddle with a monkey on the street, then
stopped for some wonderfully delicious and cheap Thai food and some
cocktails and Thai massages.
Day 3: Sunday 4th July
Donna is having her upper eyelid lift today, Pat having a face-lift,
Carole is having a breast lift and implant and Lauren is having her
some liposuction to her abdominal area with a breast augmentation,
reduction/ lift and implant.
Donna was thrilled! She said:
“I am greatly amazed at the wonderful services provided by all
staff, hospital, doctor, hotel and not to forget the lovely drivers
(Maam and New) who transport us to the hospital and back to the
hotel.”
“The beautiful manners and cleanliness of the Thai people amazed me.
Claire, you are a truly lovely compassionate lady who was not once
nervous or worries because you were very calm and a professional at
your jobJ”
“The upper blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) was pain free, with only
very slight bruising and swelling but heals fast.”
I am very excited another lady is arriving from the Gold Coast today
and joining our tour. So, I accompanying the hospital staff and met
Lani at Phuket airport.
Together we went to the hospital for her to have her consultation
with Dr Pongsakorn and have her pre-operative tests while I went on
checked upon the ladies in their amazing suites.
Neshamah- WOW!!!! After an extended tummy tuck, liposuction to the
thighs, stomach and hips, as well as breast reduction, lift and
augmentation. She looked amazing but complained a little about a
headache. UNBELIEVEABLE!
She was feeling a little uncomfortable and restricted about her
position and its awkwardness, but mentally and physically and was
amazed at her recovery, both physically and mentally. Please see her
very personal account of the emotional and physical account of her
experience at http://bigbeautifulgirl.blogspot.com
She did not look like she had just come through very major surgery.
This is a credit to her own strength and the incredible skill of Dr
Witoon, coupled with the incredible post-operative care she received
in the hospital.
Pat had her pre-op tests and scheduled for surgery in the afternoon.
She was scheduled for surgery at 3pm and could barely contain her
excitement and patience as she tried to wait patiently in her room,
watch some television and read her book, as her focus drifted….
By about 11am, Lani was checked into her room, and we were
finished!!!! We were given VIP service, Bangkok Hospital-style , as
per standard practice for Restored Beauty Getaways clients and
driven down to the beach. We went to my hotel room which Lani will
check-in after her release from the hospital for me to change into
something a little more casual as we went out to enjoy some Thai
food and beer.
Then we went for a massage, then wondered through the shops looking
for the ‘secret rooms’ for some gorgeous Louis Vuitton handbags and
Channel earrings and Calvin Klein knickers we simply could not
resist, then back to the same little spot for more yummy food and
beer.
It was now around 4.30pm, and after Lani’s long flight she was
exhausted and I arranged for her to go back to the hospital to get
some rest prior to surgery. The hospital was early awaiting her
arrival.
That is the service that we offer our clients. Above and beyond what
people expect in every way. The Thai way…
Day 5- Monday 5th July
The next morning I had the opportunity of meeting some clients of
mine from Cairns that were there having their surgery. I had only
spoken to them on the phone so it was great we had the opportunity
to finally meet! I accompanied them to the Aesthetic Centre for
their appointment, then went up to Lani’s room, and waited with in
preparation for surgery.
As she was whisked away, I hugged her and reassured her it would be
over as soon as she knew it and I will call and check on her
tomorrow.
Together with Dr Piyapas, I went to see Maggie after her surgery. I
was incredibly moved by Dr Piyapas’s very sincere compassion and
empathy in his care of his patients.
He took the time to explain in detail and reassure her, as he held
her had, and wiped her tears, and offered support and understanding
and humanness rarely demonstrated.
Maggie had a face lift, breast revision, liposuction and tummy tuck
and said: “I am very happy with my outcome. Dr Piyapas was the most
kind, gentle and understanding person I have ever met. He has kept
in constant contact with me also since I returned home. The hospital
was also outstanding. I am very happy with my outcome.”
I was there with Maggie as she awaited transportation back to her
suite, reassuring her and mostly talking a lot to get to know her
and distract her from her physical body to take her mind elsewhere……
Then I went to see Neshamah, who again, the biggest complaint she
had was a headache. So, I discussed with the nurses and Dr Witoon,
confirming she was allowed to take her own medication. All good…..
Next was Pat, who had a face lift. Again- major complaint as a
headache. Probably due to the tight compression bandages from her
face lift. She had the physiotherapist with her so I left her to it
and would check on her later…..
Carole - breast lift and implant. Off the morphine, no pain, bounced
back incredible with her bright smile and gorgeous sparkle in her
eye…… No pain, no problem at all.
Carole says:
The trip was an experience & very interesting. Staffs & Doctors at
Bangkok Hospital are awesome friendly, my results are incredible &
amazing, l couldn't be more happier!!!! Thank you for looking after
us!
I accompanied Shelley back to the hotel for her discharge at 1pm
back to the hotel. She looked and felt amazing, if a little tired,
so I advised her to rest and take it easy for the rest of the day.
Shelley said:
“My face is looking better by the day, so exciting, have wanted this
for a long time. The entire “Getaway Tour” package was very well
organized and I enjoyed every minute. I felt safe and secure and
definitely going back in 2 years time!
I, on the other hand, had to make a mad dash to the Sea Smiles
Dental Clinic to accompany some clients and also have some
procedures for myself including crowns and teeth cleaning. I grabbed
a yummy coconut Gelato on the way home and had another Thai massage
and checking on all clients at the hospital and hotel just to see
how everyone was doing.
Maggie and Neshamah were both doing pretty well. Maggie was sounding
exhausted, but good. I called Pat who sounded a hundred percent
better. I told all the ladies I would see them tomorrow and get
plenty of rest and take advantage of the incredible round-the-clock
care they were receiving.
By this stage, everyone had lost track of days completely. It was a
blur and what we love about Thailand! In combination of the flurry
of procedures, doctor’s appointments and keeping track of everyone’s
process, this feeling of loss of reality was compounded.
Day 6- Tuesday July
I was up again at 5.30am, and again, the first for my big breakfast
of eggs and fruit and coffee after coffeeJ I arranged myself and
Donna to be picked up from the lobby at 11am so the ladies could
visit their sisters.
Yet the morning had surprises… Donna showed up with a fabulous
tattoo on her left shoulder and as we waited in the lobby, Lauren
mad a surprise entrance looking amazing!
IMAGE: 166
I was in awe at the brilliance of these surgeons, and continually
amazed at the phenomenal recovery process of each and every one of
these ladies.
Donna and I went to see Pat, who after a facelift yesterday came out
of surgery with a headache due to the tight compression bandages. I
spoke to her last night and I was relived to hear her sounding much
better. And today different lady today, as the bandages were off,
and she sprawled out on the lounge with her feet up looking
fabulous!!
Bruising around to her eye area and face was to be expected, but
mentally and physically-WOW!!! She was really for discharge and
feeling very pleased. She said there were heaps of people she
planned to keep in touch with, but at this moment was feeling like
escaping to her own private bubble and listening to her body and
just detaching from the world. I completely agreed with her. After
her procedures- I advised her is the perfect time to be entirely
selfish and let her mind and her body rest, recover and rejuvenate!
Next, Donna and I went to see her sister Carole. So sick of her
large breasts, she had a lift and implant to a smaller size which
resulted in high, perfect results. She kept peaking at them, just
dying to see the results. But Carole’s smile said it all- her face
was beautifully lit.
Success after success
Next I went upstairs to see Maggie. Her flowers had arrived as a
gesture of love and support from her husband Tim, and filled the
room with a wonderful smell and warm glow. She was gradually feeling
better- but after her extensive procedures, her recovery was to be
expected. The biggest complaint for Maggie was being uncomfortable.
In general, I think people don’t appreciate the freedom in their own
body until this is taken away……Her movement was restricted, the
position uncomfortable, her appetite not completely restored. But
she was looking, and sounding, and feeling, better by the day.
People’s rate of recovery, the pain and discomfort they experience
and the rate of healing is so individual. Like everyone else- she
was dying to rip of the bandages and see the results!
With any cosmetic/ medical procedure, there is a high degree of
swelling post-operative, and as your body recovers from the trauma,
heals naturally and rests and recovers, in the fullness of time, the
results are extraordinary.
So next I went upstairs to check on Lani post-operative. She had her
lunch and follow-up, so she was ready to check-out.
Lani said:
The entire trip blew all my expectations I had out of the water. I
was amazed at the quality of the hospital and it’s staff. Everyone
made me feel so comfortable and special, in fact I felt like a
princess. Dr Pongsakorn was so warm and friendly but also
professional it took all my hesitation I may have had. I would
recommend it to anyone if they are considering any cosmetic or
dental procedures. I would do it again for sure!
I went to see Neshamah, who was dressed in her very glamorous yet
comfortable night gown looking fresh and totally amazing, with a
gleam in her eye and the due satisfaction. Her recovery was
incredibly quick, both mentally and physically. Her energy was
bright, with an aura of peaceful and surrounded by a healthy, orange
glow.
All in all, very positive!!! Together, Pat, Donna, Carole, Lani and
I all discharged from the hospital and we taken back to the hotel.
Everyone was very keen to check into their rooms and have the space
to do their own things, whether it is just relax, talk amongst
themselves in private or explore the streets of Patong.
I assisted Lani in checking into her room at the hotel, and together
we went to sit down and eat something and have a drink. It was
Buddha’s birthday, so Bangla Road did not have it’s usual buzz with
no alcohol and bars opened, but probably a good idea since Lani had
just been released from hospital.
The shops were a dream, with an abundance of everything you could
wish for including handbags, wallets, t-shirts….it was endless!
There is a buzz and energy to this town that envelops you and glides
you through the recovery process.
The heavy rain of the morning had stopped, and the humidity and heat
was moderate. After we ate, we wondered around he shops and explored
the markets, shops, and bought some Ed Harvey t-shirts and soaked in
the atmosphere.
Ah the shopping! You have to be on your game with getting the best
deal, while being fair and reasonable with both parties satisfied
with the price. In my opinion, they are such a generous culture of
people that are warm and generous, that I feel the right thing to do
is offer your generosity back.
Day 7: Wednesday July 8
All procedures completely successfully. I spent the morning
confirming schedules, appointments at the hospital for follow-ups
and flexibility around all client needs.
Breakfast again at 6am and feeling very refreshed and rested after a
good night sleep and I walked past the pool which looked way too
tempting, so I grabbed my bikini and headed down for a swim and some
sun for an hour.
I spent the day at the hospital with Neshamah and Maggie attending
to client needs and catching up on emails and back at the hotel by
4pm. As I arrived back at the hotel I saw some of the ladies
wandering about, so I quickly dropped my things at the hotel and
went out for a beer and some food and wondered around shopping……
Checked on everyone before I fell asleep that night, hoping the
weather would be spectacular for tomorrow.
Day 8: Thursday July 9
Because recovery is such an individual process, it is a good idea to
play it by ear according how you are feeling with any tours after
surgery. Today everyone wanted to take it easy and were not up for a
big day in the sun, so I went to Phi Phi Island for the first time.
It was a long and exhausting day, but WOW!!!! What a day. Pure
magic!
We were picked up and crammed into a mini bus then to a meeting
point, where I grabbed some flippers and snorkeling gear and some
bread to feed the fish and a diet coke to try and pick me up. The
boat ride took about an hour and the first stop was Phi Phi Island.
I swum in the gloriously warm and crystal clear beach for about 20
minutes and then together with the rest of the group quickly
explored the island.
Next stop, Monkey Island. The tide was high so we didn’t get to get
out on the sand, but stopped only inches away from these incredible
monkeys in their natural environment where we handfed them bananas.
I snapped and snapped away, getting myself labeled the “Paparazzi”
by the very funny and lovely host of our tour. Oh well, I got some
amazing shots!
Next we sailed to another island where I sat outside the front of
the boat, soaking in the natural beauty of the islands. Next island,
I grabbed my flippers and put on my mask and jumped into the water.
As people fed the fish, I swam around and with them as they engaged
in a feeding frenzy. It was surreal and magical and truly out of
this world. I felt like a mermaid surrounded and a part of this
beauty of nature.
I touched the fish as they swum around me, swum with them and in the
other direction, and swum to me. There were thousands upon thousands
of the most beautiful fish I had ever seen. It was intensely
beautiful, peaceful and magical.
Back on the boat they kept passing around delicious Thai cookies,
and with a free flow of coke, 7-up, water and beer, and we were all
starting to get very hungry. Next we went to another Phi Phi Island
for lunch for an hour and a half. The food was a buffet with Thai
soup, and what seemed like high fat Asian cuisine. Next stop we had
another boat ride to another island where we all sort of dozed a
little after full bellies and the humidity.
As I awoke and we pulled into shore, my phone rung (on the island!)
and I was delighted to hear from Maggie and Neshamah after their
discharge from hospital and confirming plans for dinner tonight at
7.30pm.
What a day!
The wonderful host host kept us all very entertained and happy with
his upbeat and genuinely lovely disposition, and we watched in awe
as her made some beautifully crafted flowers out of straw. He made
me one, and I offered him a tip for another one for both my
beautiful little girls at home who I was missing terribly.
Arrived back at around 5pm, I had a shower, got ready for dinner at 7.30pm. I was a bit early, so I went for a quick walk down to Bangla Road for a cuddle and photograph with an Iguana.
I arrived at dinner with Maggie & Neshamah and had the most glorious
feast and spectacular drag show I had ever seen. Very impressive and
lots of fun. It was nice for the ladies to be discharged from
hospital and feeling so good.
I was in bed by around 10pm I think!
Day 9: Friday 10th July
I accompanied Lani for her appointment at the Sea Smile Dental
Clinic at 11am and follow-ups with people at the hospital. Pretty
cruisy day at last for everyone.
Day 10: Saturday 11th July
Donna and Carole had their follow-up with their surgeons and then
will be leaving early back to Australia so I accompanied them to the
hospital for their final check-up.
Lani and I had another appointment at the Sea Smile Dental Clinic,
so after a lazy day we went, first stopping at Starbucks for a
Frappicini double shot, the after the dentist finding the most
delicious Thai Restaurant with amazing food. I had a lemon, chilli
and garlic steamed fish and rice and we indulged in a decadent
Mango, ice-cream and sticky rice dessert.
There was a huge down pour and Lani was tired and went back to the
hotel while I struggled through the rain for some last minute
shopping and gifts, getting totally soaked.
I found DVDs for my kids and a couple of things before falling
asleep early as usual.
Day 11: Sunday 12 July
Up at 5am packing, with check-out and pick-up from hotel foyer at
8am. The group was leaving (already!) with a Singapore stop-over.
Neshamah and Maggie were required to stay a little longer due to
them having multiple procedures Lani was also staying with her
return in a few days via Bangkok.
What a whirlwind!
It was sad to leave beautiful Thailand- the land of smiles! The
surgeons, the hospital, Maam and New, the hospital staff, the
people, the food, the animals. Ahhh beautiful Thailand…..
We arrived in Singapore around lunchtime. Everyone was so exhausted
by our incredible adventure that our experience in Singapore was
very low-key.
Neshamah said: “This was excellent!”
“Claire was outstanding, caring, lovely, truly a beautiful person
who put herself out of the way to ensure everyone had a good time
and their fears were alleviated before they arose”
“The customer service is 1000% outstanding!”