Letters From Past Patients

June 24th, 2006

Just a note of thanks for your "full of information" web site and your long distance support on my adventure!!!

Well it goes with out saying Dr.Lev, the Villa Gang, and Costa Rica was great! Even though the anesthetics are hard on me I quickly rebounded and really listened to Dr.Lev and YOUR advice about resting and being quiet and enjoying laying about the Villa.

The trip home was a little tiring, although I started feeling more like myself yesterday and was able to do a four hour job today, which is standing and moving about, I did ok...and I will rest for the rest of the weekend! Not to bad 3 weeks out of surgery!

Well Didi, I have already told atleast 12 people about Dr.Lev and your web site...I think I will be helping out Dr.Levs' advertising...which ofcourse he deserves because his work is so artistic! Seriously, I think a couple people may actually end up there...so I will make sure that my friends and family let you know! I think my sister (who has had work before, and really poo-pooed my idea to go to Costa Rica for surgery) is going to go! Ha ha ha...we get the last laugh!!!! She thought my work (which she saw me the dayafter I got home, so 2 weeks post surgery!) looked great!!!!

Well...good luck on your upcoming tune-up...Im with you, its maintenance! Lucky for us we love ourselves enough to give ourselves the best!!!! take care..Rosanne (the June 2 surgery!)

Thanks, Roseanne

September 15th, 2002

Dear Future Dr. Lev Patients:

I would very much like to share my trip to Costa Rica with you. It was probably the most beneficial trip I have ever taken, and will have a lasting affect on my life for many years to come.

The best part of the trip was hooking up with Didi. Her supportive nature and informative manner gave me the knowledge and understanding I needed to know before taking the trip and having the surgery. She was there at the very beginning, middle and end. I cannot express enough my gratitude to her for her constant support and encouragement. If it had not been for Didi, I would not have gone and if you saw my before and after pictures, you would know that I did a good thing by going.

The hospital experience was, for me, fabulous. I felt as though I was the only one in the hospital, and everyone there, was there just to take care of me. In fact, I was the only one there.

And Dr. Lev should be called Dr. Love for he is truly a genius when it comes to plastic surgery. He seems to know exactly how to sculpture your face and/or body to make it look really natural and good. He is a craftsman and committed to excellence. We were all thrilled with his work and the service he provided to us on a daily basis. I am not so sure he was as thrilled with us however, as we were not always as accessible for him as he was for us.

The entire Costa Rican experience was really great. Villa Plenitud was comfortable and beautiful. Having others around who were going through the same experience was extremely helpful and a lot of fun. The company and camaraderie made the experience less painful and more exciting. When we all started to feel better, we toured the country in a van. It took our minds off ourselves and made the days more enjoyable.

I don't know if Dr. Lev was real thrilled with our adventurous spirit, but he was a good sport. And if I were to do it again, I would not consider doing it anywhere else but in Costa Rica and with anyone else but with Dr. Lev.

However, I must tell you, that face lifts, tummy tucks, liposuction are all major surgeries and painfully uncomfortable. I know because I had it all. One needs to really want it to be willing to go through it. We were told before hand that it was very uncomfortable, that it would take around 6 months to heal. However, what uncomfortable means and 6 months for recovery are relative descriptions until you are there. It's almost like having a baby. You know at the onset that it is going to be painful, but you really don't have any idea how painful it is going to be until you go through the experience. It has been 8 weeks for me, and I am still dealing with the healing process. I, at times, wonder if I will ever be the same again.

However, honestly, I really don't care if I will ever be the same again. I went from a size 14 to 8, and I am very nicely shaped. I would never believe my body would look as it does today. And my face is natural and beautiful. I know I look at least 10 to 15 years younger. I could not be happier. My envious friends are now getting ready to take a trip to Costa Rica too. Perhaps you will all meet there and tour the country together. It will be an experience you will never forget.

Sincerely,

Adrianne Kirman

July 12th, 2001

Hi Didi,

I feel like I have been through a life altering experience, and it's all because of you.

I obviously was ready for this big change (face, that is) but the two weeks in Costa Rica was probably the best thing that I could have done for myself. I feel tranquil, rested and at peace. For me, this time away felt like a very spiritual awakening. It was really hard on Rick, as he finally agrees that he is very dependent on me, but the sweetness in coming together was wonderful. He was so cute----he met me at the airport with a dozen roses and a stretch limo----really brought tears to my eyes.

I'm sure by now that you have heard of Dr. Lev's accident. What a lucky man, he could have been blinded. We all felt so bad for him.

Over the two weeks, I grew particularly close to Sheryl. I just adore her. She looked absolutely gorgeous the last day. She did her hair and put makeup on. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Lot's of stories to tell, so little time. I'm sure we will be in touch, but just wanted to say THANK YOU again for all that you did.

Love ya,
Mickie

December 11th, 2001

Hi Didi,

It's so rare to meet people like Jose & Telma. They made me feel like they have been my life-long friends even though I have known them for less than a week!

I have to confess that my original goal in seeking a dentist in Costa Rica was simply to save money, but after experiencing the meticulous and artistic approach that Jose & Telma take in their work, they are truly in a class all by themselves compared with dentists I have known. I realize I am blessed in finding them.

I can't tell you how much your emails meant in persuading me to go ahead with my trip to see them. I don't know that I would have proceeded had it not been for your enthusiastic assessment.

All I can say is that I am so happy with the work they did, and for their friendship, and for yours too!

Please give Jose & Telma my warm regards when you see them, and you have a wonderful Holiday Didi!

Un Abrazo!
Steve

Hi Didi,

I got home Thursday night and yesterday I spent trying to get organized so I could get back into the world.

I just want you to know what a awesome experience the trip to Costa Rica was. It was much more that just getting a face lift. It was also a spiritual experience for me and a time to really nurture myself. I think the only day I was miserable was the day we were all miserable because it rained all day and we were stir crazy. Other than that I wouldn't have changed a thing. Dr. Lev is wonderful and I was sad to say good bye to everyone. I made a good friend in Maria and her presence contributed immensely to my peace and comfort.

Thank you so much for your contribution. It was everything you said and more. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

We will be going out of town on the week of Thanksgiving and we won't be home until December 2 so I will miss the meeting you are having on December 1.

Take care and once again thank you.

Love, Debbi

Dear Perspective Surgery Mates:

Here it is a little more than three weeks since I had my face lift and eyes done by wonderful Dr. Lev in Costa Rica. I am back in Houston, Texas. Otherwise, I would be at the party and greet you in person. What do I look like, you may ask? Well, my face is a little swollen around the periphery and I have a slight black and blue mark under my right eye which is fading fast. In all, I look pretty much like myself before surgery but all neat with no sags under the chin and eyes. And how do I feel about my experience? I feel very happy that I had the opportunity to go to Costa Rica to have this surgery.

Didi was so wonderfully supportive and accurate in her description of the process I would be experiencing. She was there for me in so many ways, including being in my room when I woke from the surgery and staying with me until the sweet, gentle private duty nurse arrived for the night. I felt very relaxed because I knew what to expect and saw others going through the same experience.

Dr. Lev and Dr. Greenwood, the anesthesiologist, were so warm and most important, so competent. They added tremendously to my feeling relaxed and secure which has got to be an essential ingredient of the healing process. Dr. Lev came to see us at Villa Plentitud every day that I was there and each time, he was reassuring, helpful and unfailingly kind.

Being at Villa Plentitud for two weeks was another important part of the healing process. Ron, the owner, is a good cook and a nice man. The Villa is comfortable and very clean. Costa Rican weather was sunny and warm most of the time when I was there so we were able to do some sightseeing in San Jose and surroundings. I was comfortable and well cared for there.

So what else can I say. I am glad that I had the surgery and would go back to Dr. Lev in a flash for who knows what.

Goldie Wetcher

Dearest Didi,

I'm hoping that you had an uneventful trip home Saturday and that you had no difficulties with your connections this time. Our flight home yesterday was perfect....just sat back, relaxed, read, and enjoyed the sunshine as I slept nearly the entire trip down.

I had several hours on the flight and since I've returned to reflect on how the experience of the past two weeks has truly changed my life.....and of course, I owe that all to you, my dear friend. I certainly was anticipating this adventure with much excitement......and perhaps with some anxiety as well; however, never could I have fully imagined how completely life-changing it would be for me.

The surgery not withstanding......everything was awesome. It's been a long time since I've taken quality time like that for myself....time to focus on my own needs and time to rest, absorb the sunshine, listen to the birds sing, the dogs bark, be soothed by soft music in my ears (when I could finally hear again), and just generally "take in" my surroundings in such a meaningful way.

Never in my life did I ever anticipate having such a complete and meaningful adventure. I knew we'd have "fun" with the girls....knew we'd laugh a lot and enjoy one another's company, but the overall experience went way beyond that for me. It was an emotional as well as physical transformation, and I think they both were as significant.

I realized that I needed that time of healing to do more than just recuperate from surgery. That time was intended to be an opportunity for me to let go of everything for a time and appreciate the beauty and the spirit of my new environment. Didi....I owe all of that to you. I never had any reservations about having the surgery. Your comforting words, lists of "must haves", constant support and availability had me completely at ease....and I trusted Dr. Lev from the moment you first described him to me.

I'm deeply grateful that the surgery itself went so well, but I'm equally grateful for the integral part you played in making that happen. While I continue to have memory lapses thanks to the wonderful DORMICUM, I have had flashes of things as the days have gone on. I remember the ice chips you placed in my mouth, the ice packs on my eyes, and the sound of your voice by my side. To say that was a great comfort to me would be an understatement.

Knowing that I was halfway across the world having surgery with such complete confidence and security is still mind-boggling to me, but that calmness I had was due to you. How do I ever just say "thank you" for being so incredible, Didi?

As I said on Shabbat, those who know me know that I'm rarely at a loss for words most of the time, but the impact of this experience with you has left me speechless. I know that a mere "thank you" seems grossly inadequate; however, I find that I haven't a vocabulary large enough to describe what my heart feels. I have such love and devotion to you....as a friend and as a woman who feels deeply passionate, dedicated and committed to enabling others to have this experience with peace and tranquility. You have provided all of that.....not to mention your extraordinary sense of humor and wit....your whole package just makes "sweet music" and it was a comfort to us all.

Alejandro is a unique human being....filled with empathy, sensitivity, warmth, and incredible talent. I have such respect for him as a doctor and equal admiration for his nurturing personality. I was delighted that Paul had several opportunities to spend time with him as well.....he watched all the various stages of stitch removals and was completely amazed at the whole process. Personally, I could never even fathom why anyone would consider having plastic surgery here, but I think one has to experience something like this to have the full impact of the process. I have tried to explain what happened to a few friends today and I realized that it loses so very much in translation. You just have to participate in this experience to really get it.

I absolutely adored every moment spent with Ron. I found him to be an extraordinary man....one also filled with compassion, warmth and humor. His cooking was fantastic and I relished every meal. He was creative in his meal planning and certainly prepared foods that were healing, nourishing, and could fit into our mouths!! That was a feat unto itself. It takes a unique kind of person to be in a service business like his.....and a recovery environment is unique unto itself. When you're dealing with many personalities, people at different stages of healing and pain tolerance, etc. it can become difficult at best. I felt Ron handled everyone so respectfully and with such dignity, and I shall forever be grateful to him for that.

I suggested several times during my stay that he come and do one of his seminars in L.A. We would be delighted to host a meeting at our house and would do whatever we could to offer our support and encouragement. It would be a small way to reciprocate for the incredible care and attention Ron took with all of us....for sure.

So my friend.....I hope that you are "coming down" a bit from your whirlwind tour and will know that your sharing this secret of CR with me was the greatest gift in the world. I thank you for everything, Didi, and know that I will cherish the memories of this wonderful adventure forever and will look forward to returning to that beautiful country.....much sooner than later. Paul was overwhelmed with the whole experience as well, and shares my sentiment about returning very soon.

I hope that Steve's journey was a good one and that you two can now begin to anticipate your wonderful cruise together and can make up for the time you were apart. We missed having your husband with us, but I guess that's the price you pay for being a big "marcher"....I know that he'll look forward to the quality time he'll spend in January.

I will speak to you soon. I'm just catching up around here this week and I'm delighted that I gave myself an extra week off as I'm not ready to return to work yet....I feel terrific, but I want more reflective time to capture and relive this experience. I brought in about 8 rolls of film today and I'm having extras made along with the "You've Got Pictures" so be looking for your email to be overflowing soon.

My heartfelt gratitude, appreciation, and much love, Didi....

XOXOXOX Kitty

Barry met me with flowers and a camera!
He was very considerate and sweet. (thanks for his prep-sheet for Diane's reentry!)

He has been really supportive talking me through my insecurities about being seen by patients and how I might seem to others. I've been going out and gaining confidence. He does keep talking about the improvement in my chin (it's ok for him to stop that now... lol)

I wore a teeny t-shirt (racer back) yesterday - and did so proudly. (no big shirt over me to hid the humongous boobies!!!) Friends don't seem to think that my face looks weird - but then they haven't stared at me in the mirror for 50 years. Each day the swelling gets less and less and new places are beginning to wake up.

I really do see myself in there and again each time, I am looking more like myself - just YOUNGER!

Jeana says that Kenny is thinking that she looks terrific - and her patients are noticing as well! (by the way, I shared my letter re: Ron with her). RE: Ron: I was going to send a copy of that letter on to him (Ron) - but I decided that it would just mess up things for any people in the future (including friends of mine that might choose to come down...)

I'll be in touch...

xxxooo Diane

Hi Kitty:

My name is Susan Whitmore, and I'm a friend of Didi and Steven's and was the third one to go to Costa Rica with my husband, Wendell, to have a facelift.

I know you are going very soon and I am assuming you are getting nervous, scared, excited, and even more. I wanted to introduce myself and tell you that I, too, was extremely anxious, nervous, terrified, and everything else. In fact, my story was quite funny because while being wheeled into the operating room to have my facelift I tried to talk my husband out of letting me go in there. Looking back, I realize it was because of the fun drugs they give you before surgery that make you quite drugged, so I don't remember saying much of what I did, but evidently I spent quite a long walk down the hallways trying to convince my husband to stop the wheels from turning. Poor guy.

Anyway, let me assure you of this. Dr. Lev is a gifted and skilled surgeon. He is loving, compassionate, funny, and wonderful in every way. I would send my daughter and mother to him only for plastic surgery. Wendell and I both had surgeries and we both look fantastic. I constantly get compliments from people when they find out that I've had a facelift. People always tells me how natural it looks, how they would not have known, how they thought I was 35, not 50, etc., etc. You will be happy with the results. The only complaints I've every heard about Dr. Lev is this, "I wish he had done more." But that's the sign of a good surgeon.

The hospital is wonderful and brand new. It is as nice as most hospitals I've ever been in. Dr. Greenwood, Dr. Lev's schoolboy friend and YOUR anesthesiologist, is a doll. He is so wonderful and good at what he does.

Although I have not personally stayed at Villa Plenitude (we stayed at La Florecilla when we were there, which has since been sold), my friends have, and I have gotten to know Ron via the internet and telephone, and everyone tells me that the place is wonderful--much better than La Florecilla was. I understand the food is incredible, the accommodations great, and you cannot beat the price.

To add a bonus on top of all of that goodness, Didi will be there with you! What more could a woman (or man) ask? Plus, you will be with a group of people all supporting each other. What a terrific environment to go through this transformation process in. ON TOP OF ALL OF THAT (can you tell I'm excited?), facelifts don't hurt! Yep, it's true. I didn't believe it either, but it's true. There is some discomfort for a while where you feel kind of achy around the stitches area and you are quite swollen, but it is NOT a painful surgery. I don't know why exactly, but it's one less thing to worry about. In fact (ask Didi to verify this), I was the worlds' biggest pain in the ass about this surgery. I was terrified. I had more questions than Weakest Link. Everyone was so nice, and one of my concerns was pain. But I only took Extra Strength Tylenol the entire time I was in Costa Rica. So, that tells you something. But don't hesitate to take the pain pills for comfort and sleep if you need to. I do recommend bringing some Ambien with you, since they don't have sleeping aids like that in CR.

Didi has put together a comprehensive list of things you need to bring. I looked over it and couldn't think of anything to add. It really doesn't matter, since you will look like hell the entire time you are there and won't care anyway. Just bring things to wear that are really comfortable and cool, since June can be kind of warm. Something to ward off the mosquitoes is really important.

Well, Kitty, I wish you the best. I know you will love this adventure and be a part of our wonderful group when you return. My husband and I intend to have a get-together at our home in Pac Pal in the fall, so you will be hearing from me. And I would love to hear about your adventure when you return.

Take care. It was nice meeting you (sort of).

Susan

Dear Didi,

I hope that Cheryl is feeling better. I'll write her as soon as I finish the ninety e-mails I returned to. I had a different experience at Villa Plenitud. I could see the friction between Ron and Cheryl and your e-mail back to her was very kind, and explanatory about chemistry and different personalities.

Sometimes you got to take, sometimes you got to give. Most times you got to give. Unfortunately they both needed a little take at the same time. Yes, Ron is in the service business and that means being patient with the patient.

Cheryl was feeling alone and uncomfortable and trying her best as well I suspect. I however think that for the most part Villa Plenitud is just that. Plentiful with everything that a patient needs for the recovery process. The place is so clean you can eat off the outside floors never mind about the spotless inside of everything from the pool to the dining area.

Rooms cleaned and changed everyday even if I only used the bed to sit up in and TRY to sleep. I could go on but I'll close with this. Having Dr. Lev so close that he showed up everyday (save one) and plugged his little light in my room and examined me right there enabling me to toddle off to dinner and join the others right after was a big plus.

Ron is very good at what he does. Think about it. How would taking care of whining women and men in pain both physical and emotional, answering the same questions, holding our hands if need be and making sure that we ate well had hot nourishing food, not to mention asking us if we took our anti-biotics?

Sometimes we need to get over ourselves enough to get on with life. As for the healing. I'm still tighter than my fathers wallet and puffy puffy puffy. Geez, it was a five hour surgery! Rome wasn't built in a day nor was Jessica Rabbit. Enough said.

Anonymously yours,

P.S. Cheryl is going to be absolutely gorgeous. You could tell on the night she went to the theatre with the dentists. She looked radiant.

Dear Didi,

Well you were so right that this would be a life changing experience. Never would I have dreamed that I would lose ten years in two weeks. But it actually happened and in the most pleasant way that the mind could conceive of.

First of all Costa Rica is not the third world country that my mind imagined it to be. The medical care there was state of the art. And dr. Lev was the most warm, compassionate, real gentleman that i didn't think was left in this world. Especially in the medical community. He is an artist.

I am so happy with my results that i want to burst. Even though I was the "poster child" for plastic surgery, i was so impressed at the way he handled Bonnie's problem.

Plus I made four life long friends in Bonnie, Charlene, Goldie and Deborah. What wonderful women!

And my teeth came out great thanks to Telma and Joseph, whose expertise and hospitality go unrivaled. Randall their driver took us to Sarchi to see the woodworking capital and the rainforest where we saw the falls and the butterfly farm. I guess I'll just have to start running my own trips down to C.R. since everyone who has seen me wants to go to Dr. Lev.

The last but not least thing i have to say is a thank you to you from the bottom of my heart. First for being such a beautiful example, second for giving me the faith to go, and third for being the very special human being that you are.

I love you Didi and hope to see you soon when we introduce our progeny to each other in May.

Love,

Your ten years younger buddy from PA, Janie