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Don't
bring heavy luggage with you as there isn't anyone to carry it up to
the apartment or down again when you leave. Taxi drivers can't leave their cars unattended and they don't carry luggage apart from out of
the boot - so you are on your own!
More
important when leaving, and you shouldn't be lifting or carrying anything,
so keep it light! There are washing machines in the apartments,
so you don't need to bring much at all.
Bring
mags and DVDs to read and watch in the apartment - passes the time,
keeps your mind off your surgery, and you have time just to chill and
relax and indulge yourself. If you have a Kindle or similar that's great and doesn't take up the room that books do in your suitcase.
If
you are having a tummy tuck, and flying back to an airport like
Gatwick, seriously think about booking 'Assistance' - it makes a
big difference and you have someone to lift your case off the carousel
which can be difficult after a tummy tuck op.
Don't
forget to bring a couple of Euro electrical adaptors - especially
if bringing more than one item of electrical equipment - not easy to find
them in Budapest without a lot of effort.
I
was worried about missing my fave TV programmes, so Carolyn suggested I
bought and installed 'Sling Box' on my laptop (PC World etc - but I bought
mine off ebay) - fantastic and can watch it whenever I want
Definitely
bring a laptop with you - a lifeline - and make sure you have Skype
installed so you can talk to and see your family and friends. Made a
huge difference having this with me - watched films, did some work, caught
up with emails to friends - time passed so quickly. (and don't forget the
charger etc!!!).
For
after a Tummy Tuck it would be useful to have a spare 'corset' (the
support garment they put on you straight after the surgery). You can
buy one from the clinic and you can then alternate them and wash the
original one.
I
brought a small neck pillow with me and found it helped me greatly to get
comfy in bed and when sitting on chairs. I had a facelift and
it made all the difference.
I
suggest, after a Tummy Tuck, that you sleep for the first few
nights, and when you are having a rest during the day, etc, with a pillow
folded in two under your knees - gives great support and relief and good
to be in this position.
Soup
in Budapest consists of Knorr packets - not our favourite flavours -
and worse still very salty which isn't good for you. There is one
shop selling tinned Heinz and Baxter's soups but very expensive and a bit
out of the centre so bring some from home. After facelift surgery soup is great for the first couple of days - as is scrambled eggs, etc.
Nothing hard
and nothing chewy!
If
you are having a facelift which means a support bandage on your head
for a few days, then bring an old pair of specs with you as otherwise you
will end up bending the arms to fit the specs over the bandage -
same with sunglasses - and make them big and wraparound to cover as much
of your bruising as possible.
In
the summer a big floppy loose hat is absolutely vital - the sun in
Budapest was amazingly strong and you just cannot go out (even if you have
not had surgery) without a hat!
My
feet swelled after my op (maybe as well the heat didn't help) so bring
some wider fitting shoes as I had a struggle to get on my shoes when I was
going out - suppose sitting around didn't help either. It's important to follow the surgeon's advice and walk about as much as possible, as
well as taking rests through the day.
Don't
change any money at the airport either here in England or in Budapest
- the rate is a rip off. I was warned but I did it anyway - and it was a terrible rate I got. There are ATMs everywhere and the best are those where after the bank closes you put your card in the door to get inside - and inside you feel really secure - much better than standing on the street
with people watching you!
Take
the advice of the experts and don't be in a rush to go home.
One of the first questions I asked was how soon can I go after the op, and
now I realise this was wrong - should have asked how long should I stay .. Some clinics in other countries said I could go home 4 days after a tummy tuck and lipo - in Budapest they told me to stay longer (at least 7-8 days post
op) and I can honestly say that was the best advice - as although I wasn't
in any pain after the op, I felt very stiff and uncomfortable, and most of
all tired. The post op checks that you have with the surgeon are
very reassuring, and he won't let you leave until he is sure you are
ready. Anyway being in Budapest in a nice apartment doing your own thing and being completely selfish and not having to think about anyone
else is good for any woman!!!!
After
a tummy tuck a leg massage is great - try one of the many Thai massage
parlours. I am an ITU nurse so can vouch for this as being safe.
It is so relaxing and makes you feel so good - but tell them that you have
had surgery. I had three during my stay and felt so good afterwards.
Do
the Hop on, Hop off, sightseeing bus tour - it takes you on both
sides of the river, and you see all the main sights. You can stay on it for the full two hours (which passes oh so quickly!) and just relax
and look at Budapest. Greatly recommended. The best bit is the view from the Citadel, across the river - cannot describe the view - but make sure you take
the camera!
River
Ride a must - great fun! It does a tour on land of Budapest (think the Pest side) and then at one point drives down into the Danube -
and off it goes - 2-in-1 - land and water - fantastic!
Although
you get a free boat trip with the bus ticket, still worth having an extra
trip at night on the boats with the glass domed tops - difference is worth
the money - these boats just glide along and you get a glass of wine,
beer, or soft drink thrown in. Very relaxing, and what you see on
both sides of the riverbank is just stunning. I would definitely recommend that
you go at night - try and time it to take the boat that sets off at dusk -
when it turns to come back it will be dark and everything is specially lit
- cannot describe how beautiful it is!
There's
a fantastic hairdresser in town - near to the apartment I stayed in
- cheapest ever - no appointment needed - just literally wash and blow and
go! Had a haircut - one of the best ever - and it was oh so cheap
- so almost every day went for a wash and blow dry - kept me feeling good
and I enjoyed the pampering. Also had a manicure and pedicure - meticulous it
was and again oh so cheap! No frills there, but they use good products - and always busy but you never have to wait long.
I
left contacting my mobile phone company right to the last minute
before I came out - to make sure I could use it abroad. They promise
d to do it - but didn't - and it was a nightmare. You should do
well before you come out and check again with them - as some of them are
hopeless and it is a real pain trying to do it once in Budapest!""
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