Testimonials continued...

I hope this isn't too long but I know it is going to sound like an advertisement…and it is not! I just got back from three days in Costa Rica. Things went well because of all I have learned on this board and I wanted to share my recent experience.

I did not have any procedures done. The trip was to satisfy my mother that I wasn't going to some "god forsaken third world country." My sister is very opposed to plastic surgery out of country and had brainwashed my mother.

As the plane lifted off in Miami (I'm from NY and my mother lives in Florida this time of year) my mother bit into a candy bar and her three front lower teeth came out. Now she is 75 years old, has had years of gum disease and only has 6 teeth on the bottom. She tried in vain to get them back in for the next two and a half hours. She was very upset. I told her there were very good dentists in San Jose but she reminded me that it was Sunday and we would be leaving very early on Wednesday morning….certainly not time to get a dentist appointment.

When we arrived at the airport our very friendly driver was waiting and took us to Casa de la Mariposa. Andi met us in front of her beautiful house and inquired about our trip. My mothers told her the sad story of her teeth and without missing a beat Andi said that she had a dentist appointment tomorrow morning at 9:00 and my mother could come with her to the dentist to see if there was anything that could be done. Later that day Jeannie came in, took one look at my mother's teeth and called the dentist (on Sunday afternoon) on his cell phone. Both women stressed that they didn't know if anything could be done but at least she could be looked at.

Maria, the cook, made my mother a nice soft dinner and kept my mother in hot green tea, my mother's favorite. As upsetting as the day had been, we fell a sleep on very comfortable beds while we talked about how lovely the accommodations were: light, bright, clean, tastefully decorated and spacious.

The next morning, on the way to the dentist, Andi received a call that the dentist had an emergency and was running late. Andi took us to the office where she rescheduled her appointment so Dr. Flikier could see my mother when he was available. Just minutes after 9:00, Dr. Flikier came out, spoke with my mother (in excellent English) and escorted us to an examining room. He said he could make no promises but he would do the best he could. By 10:00 he had her teeth back in, had explained what the options were for the future, took x-rays, called in the oral surgeon to look at her and her x-rays, gave us a quote on the most desirable way to proceed and joked around a little too. Now, my father had just had one tooth put back in last summer in NY so my mother thought she had some idea what it was going to cost. My father's was $800 so she expected $2400 for the three teeth plus the x-rays and any emergency fees. I though I'd have to pick her up off the floor when the bill was less that 5% of what she expected…not 5% off…just 5%!!!!

From here things just got better and better. We were able to call my father from our room and let him know that my mother was happy and not in pain. After one of Maria's fabulous lunchs we went to the clinic for my consultation. The plastic surgeon's office, like the dentist's office was spotless and state of the art. Dr. Rashi was a sweetheart…..listening carefully to my concerns and answering my questions. He never tried to "up sell" anything.

From there Carlos took us to the mall because my mother needed to buy sneakers and a warmer sweater. While the temperatures were the same as Florida, she was a little cold and we planned on doing some touring in the hills the next day. We came back and had great pedicures, another very tasty meal and watched a movie in our room.

On Tuesday Carlos took us on a three in one tour that included a coffee plantation, Poas Volcano and LaPaz Waterfall Gardens. I could go on and on about how great it was and how great Carlos was but this is already very long.

As we went to bed that night my mother said, "Oh dear, your sister sent me here to talk you out of this and now I've gone and fallen in love with these people…I can't wait to come here again."

We left early Wednesday morning knowing that we will be back. We were impressed with the retreat, thrilled with the doctors, loved the landscape but the best part of all were the people. I can't say enough about Andi (or you will think I'm being paid ;-) but the other guest were so nice too….Nancy from Orlando, Robin, Jeannie, the couple who thought they had reservations at a different retreat and didn't so they ended up at Andi's. The drivers were outstanding; Maria's cooking was first class.

Now I am busy trying to rearrange my schedule so we can return in July for PS and dentistry for my mother. I so appreciate all of you that write regularly. You gave me the confidence to make this trip and now I will make more. Thank you so much.
~ Linda

Dear Andi,

I don’t know how to begin to thank you for the wonderful time my mother and I had at your place. You were so welcoming and everyone there was so friendly and kind. Maria’s food was outstanding AND she was soooo sweet and caring. Carlos, Albre and Charlie made us feel like royalty.

As we left my mother said, “Oh dear, your sister sent me here to talk you out of this and now I’ve fallen in love with the people here and I can’t wait to come back!” And come back we will!!!! I’m trying to rearrange my schedule so I can come in July instead of November. Now my mother wants to come and have her teeth done and most likely have Gabby do her eye brows. My husband is now also interested in some lipo. I guess I’ll be there for four weeks with my mother with me for two and my husband for the other two. I’ll let you know as soon as I confirm everything.

Again, thank you for everything. I’m working on something to write for the group but everything sounds like an ad!
~ Linda

I feel like I'm leaving my new family. My intimate setting of recovery will be gone in a few hours. I feel like crying but dont want my eyes to swell. I am leaving with vertually no swelling or bruising.

I am going to miss "my" Casa de La Mariposa, Andi and her amazing staff. They all came to work early to say goodbye to me and brought gifts. What big hearts they have. Full of love and support. Although I have to say I may have to diet when I get home from all the food Maria cooked for me everyday.

To anyone coming to CR and recovering and wanting an amazing facial...... Andi has a lady that works for her that does some amazing work. I had it last night as one last treat for myself. It was amazing and my skin looks totally refreshed.

I have to pack up my laptop now, grab the kleenex for my trip to the airport.
~ Krista

It would take writing a novel to list all the good things about Andie's place. I stayed there for ten days in July for an abdominal procedure. The care was EXCELLENT, the food was EXCELLENT, the staff was EXCELLENT and Andie is like a long lost friend you already know.

The retreat is located very close to Rosenstock clinic (about a ten minute drive). The drivers she employs are extremely dependable and knowledgeable. The house is in a good location and the rooms are well equipped for recovery care. There are hospital beds, mini fridges, tvs, dvd players, phones, hospital tray tables, all the necessities and alot of little extras you dont even thing about (dvd collection, books, etc). Everything is very clean and well attended.

There is internet with free us phone calls in and out (be aware, internet does sometimes go down in costa rica and thus the us phone line will go down too). The food is delicious and they were very flexible with preparing what I liked. When I needed comfort food, they made a better grilled cheese than I can make at home. The landscaping is beautiful. Never had to worry about coming or going or getting somewhere, Andie takes care of all that so you can just recover. If you go early or stay late, the drivers and/or Andie can arrange personal tours that suit your abilities/restrictions. The whole group has a very good working relationship with the clinic which can come in handy if you get sick, as Andie can get them quickly and have you taken care of in a hurry.

One advantage I think Andie has to some of the other retreats, is that she is a patient herself and has been through the recovery process. She is also an american and understands the unique needs/fears of having your procedure done in a foreign country.

This was the second time I have used Rosenstock clinic. First time I had breast augmentation with lift (about two years ago). This time I had revision of a nasty csection scar and lipo. I have nothing but good things to say about them and I checked around thoroughly before deciding on a surgeon. I would have no qualms about returning if I needed to.

I am a nurse and my newly ex husband is a physician and he spoke with both docs prior to my procedures and felt very comfortable with their plan of care.
~ Jeanne