Not Much of a Difference...this is Depressing.. - Beverly Hills, CA

Going into this already often described as a petite girl, I was expecting some real results, especially since the doctor reassured my doubts and fears, and guaranteed to only leave 1 inch of fat left when pinching.

Here I am today, 6 months later, unhappy.

I don't believe I had unrealistic expectations, as most people I showed my before and after pictures to wasn't exactly sure which one was before and which was after, especially from the side shot. My pant size is still the same, and my pants DO NOT feel any looser than it was before. In the beginning I thought, maybe I am just swollen, but at 6 months, I am pretty depressed and lost all signs of hope in still convincing myself that its just "swell".

I should probably give you some information first. I am 25 years old, 5'3, and weighed in at 106 when I decided to undergo the procedure of upper and lower abdominal and waist. About a year ago, there was a month where I decided to lose weight and ran about 6 miles each day, eating only yogurt and vegetables. I did not lose any weight and with anger, binge ate a couple meals, resulting in an addition of fat deposits on my stomach, even though the scale disagreed. Basically my fat re-arranged itself, but I was still the same on the scale. Afterwards, no matter how much exercise I do and how healthy I ate, this fat refused to shed. Even doubling up on exercises on some days and going RAW didn't exactly work. Constantly, I would be emotionally depressed due to the fact that I worked so hard and was tired emotionally and physically but saw no results. Finally, I gave in and decided to seek cosmetic aid to finally have to body I wanted. To my disappointment, I feel like even though there is a clear subtle improvement, as seen from the pictures, it wasn't much, especially from the side view.

Pain: I opted for the local anesthesia, meaning I was awake during the entire process. I am pretty good in dealing with pain, so although I did feel discomfort and A LOT of tugged tension, I just held it in. If you cannot at all tolerate pain, I do not recommend. After the procedure I didn't really take the Vicodin I was prescribed, but did consume around 3 capsules total when there was sharp pain.

Compression Garment: I wore this for up to 3 months, and this was probably one of the most uncomfortable thing ever, especially when you have to poo, or during periods if you don't use tampons. I actually tried using pads with it, but unless you wear panties underneath, it's almost impossible.

Swell: Maybe because the doctor only removed about 800cc total, there honestly wasn't much swelling. The day after the procedure, when I removed the compression garment to shower, I was surprised that there wasn't bruising at all. When I directed this to the nurse on my 1 week follow up, she just stated that some people don't bruise, but now thinking back, maybe not enough was removed?

Outcome: I lost 3lbs from the procedure immediately after, but my clothes honestly fits the same as it had before. People can't even tell that I "lost weight" or look any better. I have not gained weight since the procedure, but again, no matter how much cardio I do, the weight does not shed. There are some weeks I would work out 7 days or more, and eat extremely healthy, but I just don't lose weight. By eating healthy I mean, no white rice, bread, pasta, soda, fast food, coffee, tea, sweets, and not eating past 8. I was honestly always a really healthy eater to begin with, so it's hard for me to cut out on food. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying I don't eat these things AT ALL, but I eat it in moderation and have a fancy meal with bread and dessert here and there only a few times a month.

Today: I am due for a 6 months follow up appointment but the doctor that performed my procedure is actually no longer at this facility. I feel unhappy, but am not sure if I just had unrealistic expectations or you guys see where I am coming from. Just from the money and the pain, I expected to at least be happier you know? The word is that if I am unhappy, I can request to see another doctor at the facility to get some feedback, or see the same doctor who performed the procedure at a limited schedule of availability. I have a feeling that she won't agree with me, but I guess it's worth a shot.

Overall: I don't think I am unhappy with any other parts of my body, and thought that as long as the fat from my stomach was removed, ad my pants fit better, I can be a little more cheery. Honestly, with the results I see, it is definitely not worth the money and the pain. I plan on discussing this with a doctor, if not the same doctor, to get their feedback also, which explains why I did not name the facility or the doctor's name, to at least give them the benefit of the doubt before that follow up happens.

I hope this helped with your decision.

Note: I believe that due to the lighting at the doctor's office, the results look better than it is from my personal phone camera.