33 Year Old, Mother of 4, SmartLipo Patient - Atlanta, GA

As a working woman, 33 years old with 4 children, I try and treat myself annually to one major gift. This year I chose to have SmartLipo. I've researched the procedure for a few years now and I felt fairly confident once I selected a board certified plastic surgeon that all would be grand! During the consultation my plastic surgeon, who has raving excellent reviews, suggested a tummy tuck along with the SmartLipo for optimal results. As I was being budget conscious I opted out of the tummy tuck and decided just to do the SmartLipo. It would have been an additional 4500.00 and now 11 days post SmartLipo I wish I'd have gotten a tummy tuck as well. Anyway, my mother drove me to the Dr.'s office where the procedure was performed. I remember having all my preliminary questions answered, the anesthesiologist come in and start an IV line, and the Doctor coming in to draw on me. I had to have general anesthesia due to more than 3 areas being operated on. From there I remember going into the OR, having an oxygen masked placed over my face, then waking up in the most excruciating pain of my life. Did I mention I had 4 children via natural delivery, zero pain medication. After the SmartLipo procedure i was drowsy, groggy and could barely walk. I had to be wheeled to the car in a wheel chair, from which my nurse told me to stop at any fast food place, get something to eat and start taking my pain medications. I was placed on a regime of Percocet and Lyrica, of which I have finished all but 1 Lyrica and stopped taking the Percocet because I felt extremely high. The 1st 4 days I could barely move. My everything hurt. My mother had to assist me with basic tasks and I had no energy for the smallest of tasks. I had SmartLipo of the upper and lower abdomen, the side flanks, the back bra roll, and the Doctor took a little fat from the pubic area. All total he removed 2 2-Liter Coke bottles full of fat from my entire midsection. I didn't take off my compression garment at all for the first 6 days. ***** WARNING **** I had my procedure on a Wednesday and got permission from my nurse to shower on the Tuesday following the procedure. When I took off my compression garment for the 1st time, I passed out. Be very careful, and preferably have someone with you if you aren't sure. When I passed out I hit my head on the tub and eventually had to be taken to the ER. Although that had nothing to do with the actual procedure, just be careful removing the compression garment. I am now 11 days post-op and I am in severe discomfort the majority of the day. I cannot return to work or normal activities as I am unable to fully stand erect. I have a horrible crease in my stomach, from which I was fully advised to have a tummy tuck performed, but I've been assured it will go away. My entire midsection feels as if I have on a cement cast. It's hard to catch my breath sometimes and I cannot stand for long periods of time. I'm swollen from just underneath my breast to the labia of my vagina. I cannot bend over, it's hard to fall asleep and going from a sitting to standing position is a task. Prior to my surgery I was 157.8 lbs. My ideal weight is 140 lbs. As of 10/31/2015 I am 163+ lbs. I was told not to weigh myself as I will most definitely weigh more due to swelling. And I am still severely swollen. I am only able to wear sweats or my leggings and a sports bras. I have noticed the back bra roll is completely gone. My sides appear to have more contouring but it is hard to tell due to the swelling. This is not a complaint of any sort, I choose the procedure, I am happy with the plastic Surgeon I choose and I am dealing with the outcome of my adult decision. I just want to share my realistic experience with others who are considering smartLipo. I am not scheduled to return to work until November 9th. A full 18 days after the surgery. The Dr. told me I could always come back and have a tummy tuck, but of course the procedure by itself would cost around $6000.00. My plan is to take this time off work and genuinely rest and recover. Once the swelling goes down I will assess what areas I want to address and target my workouts to finish the contouring. It was something I wanted to do, so I did it. I am happy with the decision to do what I wanted to do. I hope this helps at least 1 someone.