Smart Lipo: Stories

I'm definetly super nervous about getting Smart Lipo this coming Wednesday. I'm 24 y/o 155lbs 5'6. I haven't been able to get rid of stubborn belly fat since I gained nearly 35lbs from birth control after having my baby. I have able to get rid of 25lbs after getting rid of birth control. I still am still struggling with additional weight and I've tried different programs but its become tougher because of an ankle injury I sustained from running. I've begunto cycle and swim and hope to continue that after procedure until my ankle issue is resolved.

A week before my procedure, I decided to get an additional consult and second opinion from another plastic surgeon. He told me that I might have loose skin and I might not be happy with my results. I don't have wrinkly bellyskin or anything like that. He recommended that I get conventional lipo with skin removal. I was a little confused by what he said because my other Dr told me that my skin should tighten up quite nicely. I def don't want a scar, so, right now, I'm more confused than ever. I have researched this for about 6 months.

I'm going to the store today to get some arnica and going to start drinking lots of water. I have the clothes picked out that I'm going to wear. I'm really praying that all goes as planned.

Yesterday I had SL done. It was initially supposed to be on Wednesday morning, but I had to push it back to Friday morning because of an important work meeting.
Ok, so, got to the hospital in early am. Dr marked me up about an hr before surgery. I wasn't really aware he was going to put me to sleep; I thought I was going to be awake the entire time. I'm happy it worked out that way. It was cool. they put me to sleep and I woke up about 3 or more hours later and Bam! DONE. I was released to go home after being able to walk around and go to the restroom without any problems.
I went straight to bed when I got home and tried to sleep. I would sleep for a few hours and wake up. I have been drinking tons of water and constantly up to use bathroom. Early this morning I threw up, but I feel a lot better.
This morning I'm pretty sore. I'd say my pain is about a 3 laying down and around an 8 getting up. I haven't seen my stomach yet and I'm really excited to see results. I'm probably pretty bloated and swollen. I'm dreading taking off garment. I was told to wait 72 hrs before I can take a shower. Yuck! Garment isn't too uncomfortable, which kind of worries me because everyone complains about it. I wonder is its supposed to be tighter. Guess I'll have to ask my Dr when he calls me today. Well, that's all for now. I'll update again soon!

Sorry, not 72 hrs. Wait 48 hrs before showering.

Today is day 2 post-op and I'm feeling better. It's easier to move around and I was able to sleep through the night with no problems.
I ate breakfast and drank a bottle of water before removing my garment to take a shower. It was soo weird taking it off and removing white foam padding that was placed in between the garment and my skin. It wasn't painful taking it off, but it looks like I have a large scrape/cut on my upper back. I have no idea how it got there. I did not feel dizziness initially, but once I started to walk around, it hit me. I had to sit down for a minute. I don't know how long I stood in front of the mirror staring, touching, feeling my stomach, but it was awhile. lol I have little bruising so far and my skin is numb. I've been taking Arnica and drinking water/gatorade religiously. I washed my garment and took a shower. The water really stung the area where the mysterious cut was found. I have my post-op appointment on Tuesday. I'm excited to hear what my Dr.says. I weighed myself and scale says 161. I gained 6 lbs and gained one inch around waist, but I'm not discouraged; I know it's normal. So far, I like results, but can't wait to see what I look like a month or two from now. That's all for now.

Day 4
Just can't believe it's only been 4 days since my surgery. It feels like it's been at least a week.
I'm still sore and my post - op appt is today! Yay. Can't wait! He called me yesterday and told me he took 2 liters worth of fat from my abs alone and about a liter on each side (flanks). He said he thought I'd be extremely happy with my results once all swelling goes down and all touch ups he can perform in his office free of charge. :-)
I'm going to ask him today when would be a good time to start getting lymphatic drainage massages. I've already begun to rub some areas.
I'm going to post some before and after pics on here soon. Oh and last night I slept on my stomach without it hurting. I hate sleeping on my back! I've been sleeping on my sides for the most part. I'll update again after my appointment =)

It's been 1 week since my procedure and I'm feeling good. I saw my Dr a few days ago and he's impressed with the results so far. He was really surprised that there is virtually no bruising. I've been taking that Arnica religiously and rubbing Arnica on myself after taking a shower. I'm having some itching spells and decided to start taking benadryl. I'm happy with results so far. I get to start exercising almost like normal in another week. :) Can't wait!

Week 2
I had my two week checkup yesterday and my Dr said everything is looking good. There's just an area above my belly button that he hopes will tighten up. I'm not worried about it because it's only been 2 wks. I went shopping for a tighter garment yesterday and I went on a bike ride with my family last night; it felt great! Oh and I talked to someone about doing lymphatic drainage. If anyone has any experience with getting it done, please let me know if it's worth it! I've been getting worse at drinking water, but I am definitely going to make more of a conscience effort to drink more water. I'm still a little sore. I'm stomach is flat and I'm loving the results so far. I am a little lumpy, but I'm not to worried about it.

Week 3 Just wanted to post a quick update. My skin feels like it's getting tighter everyday and my stomach is looking better aside from a little lumpy and swollen areas. My flanks haven't shown too much improvement... Very numb and lumpy but you wouldn't be able to tell in a picture. I think I read on here that flanks take a while to heal. I'm getting more sensation back in my lower abdomen. My incisions still itch at times and I'm bad because I itch them! LOL I've been putting Maderma on them to help with scarring. I've been making a more conscience effort to drink lots of water. I think I've been doing good, but I could do better. I've been taking multivitamin pack and it seems to help with energy levels. It seems like I am constantly rubbing my stomach to make sure I break up lumpy areas and it seems to have helped a lot. I think I'll take some picture before I forget. One more week and I'll be a month post procedure! It's exciting! I have apt with doctor this coming week. =) there are a few small areas I think he's gonna have to touch up but that's later down the road.

It won't let me post pics from phone.. Will post later

Okay, getting my 1 month pics up. Now looking at them side by side, I don't see too much of a difference. I thought there would be a bigger difference (compared week 1 and month 1) which kind of is discouraging. I guess I need to get more serious about eating habits and exercise to see real results. Thought and comments are greatly appreciated!!!!