Upper and Lower Abs, Upper Back, Flanks, Love Handles and Inner Thighs.....oh, My! - Columbus, OH

I am a little over a week out from my Smartlipo procedure. So far, not feeling nervous, just excited to (hopefully!) see some dramatic results. I am 36 years old, 5'8", 165 lbs; currently wearing a snug size 10. I am not overly concerned with the actual weight loss associated with this procedure; my main goal is to have a significant reduction in inches and a more "smooth" appearance overall. I have started taking Arnica as well as a daily multivitamin, and drinking plenty of water.

I am planning on only taking 2 days off work (ambitious, I know.). For those of you who have had this many areas done, do you think this is realistic? I work at a corporate office (desk job) so I will not have to be on my feet much.

I will be posting my before photos later today.

Wow, what a day. I had my procedure yesterday at 1p.m, so I am less than 24 hrs out. I have to be very honest and say I had a pretty bad experience :(. Not with my doctor (he was wonderful) but I did not tolerate the actual procedure well. I took one Xanex and one vicadin 1hr prior to surgery so I felt a little loopy when things go started. I found the numbing part more painful than most have described, but tolerable. It was certainly NOT pain free! The nurses re-dosed my meds (1 more Zanex + 1 Vicodin). Then my surgeon got started on the actual lipo (he started on my bra fat area). That's when things started to go down hill. I felt a tremendous amount of pain (even after being re-numbed). I started to feel very nauseated and asked for some meds to help. The nurses were extremely attentive and brought anti nausea meds quickly. Doctor resumed the procedure. Again, I felt pain, then broke out into a cold sweat and proceeded to vomit! It was terrible. I was so sick they had to give me a 20 minute break to try to recover. After sone crackers and a little water, I felt much better and the lipo started on my stomach. It was less painful than my back but I definitely still felt pain (again, after being re-numbed). The final area performed were my inner thighs, about the same as my stomach in terms of pain. Then, finally, we were finished. The nurses got me cleaned up, placed my binders on and had me sit down to rest. Immediately, the nausea returned and I started vomiting again. Nurses gave me Sprite and I stated feeling much better. My doc wanted to keep me for 30 mins to make sure I was truly okay before heading home. He was so nice about everything.

I am not posting this to frighten anyone, just wanted to be honest about MY experience. I think the pain meds on an empty stomach, along with the pain are what caused me to get sick. I typically have a tough time with pain meds and should have know this would not be any different.

As for my results, I have no clue! Have not looked at myself in the mirror once....just haven't had the energy. I want to focus on my healing first and foremost.

I will be posting my after pics ASAP, hopefully in 2-3 days!

Day 3 and thus far I am totally UNDERwhelmed by my results. Nothing looks different to me. I am aware that I am swollen, etc but I thought for sure I would be able to see some improvements. My lower abdomen is protruding more now than it was pre-surgery! I feel so sad right now.