What to Pack for Your Recovery in Colombia

Beyond the obvious travel documents, packing for a surgery trip is different from packing for a normal vacation — you're preparing for a recovery period with real physical restrictions, not sightseeing. Here's a practical breakdown.

Documents and medical paperwork

• Passport, with any visa requirements confirmed in advance
• Pre-op lab results and medical clearance paperwork, if completed at home before travel
• A list of current medications, allergies, and relevant medical history, ideally already shared with your surgeon but worth having physically with you too
• Travel or medical tourism insurance documentation — see our insurance guide
• Your surgeon's and recovery house's contact information, saved in multiple places (phone, written backup, shared with a contact at home)

Clothing for recovery, not for going out

• Loose, front-opening or zip-up tops — you'll want to avoid raising your arms overhead for procedures involving the torso or breasts
• Loose, comfortable bottoms that won't press against treated areas — especially relevant for BBL and lipo patients avoiding tight waistbands
• Slip-on shoes, since bending down to tie laces may be restricted early on
• A robe or loose dress for easy garment changes and mobility around the recovery house

Comfort and practical items

• Your own pillow or travel pillow, if you have a strong preference — recovery houses provide bedding, but personal comfort items matter more than usual during a longer stay
• Phone charger and a portable charger, particularly useful if you're spending long stretches resting
• Entertainment for a slower-paced 10–15 days — books, a tablet with downloaded shows, whatever keeps you occupied during restricted mobility
• Any medications you take regularly, in original packaging, plus a few extra days' supply in case of travel delays

What most recovery houses already provide

Compression garments are usually provided or purchased through your surgeon rather than something you bring from home — ask specifically rather than assuming either way. Meals and basic toiletries are typically included at most recovery houses; confirm this specifically when booking.