“I love my new shape!!!”

Having 2 wonderful children left me with the additional perks of stretch marks and stomach pooch - so, I've decided to do something for me this time, and invest on making my appearance better once again.  I had the procedure done on July 7th and I would have to say, it was not so bad at all.  My doctor began by giving me a shot of Demerol and started marking my tummy - I was getting my lower and upper abs done plus my flanks.  Then I was taken to the surgical room and given anesthetics on the sites, followed by breaking up the fat using the laser.  I didn't feel pain at all, except for when it gets around the rib area.  Then the fat was suctioned out with a small cannula - at one point, I got up so the Dr can check the areas - other final suctioning, and I was done.  I was wrapped and went on my way home. The whole thing took about 3 hrs, 2100 ccs later.  No pain meds prescribed, just Extra Strength Tylenol.

Surprisingly, my first night wasn't so bad.  I was tired, but not really in so much pain except when I had to get up from a sitting position and vice versa.  I was just sore like I had a big workout - I was exhausted, that I fell asleep in my recliner.  The next morning, I was going back to my Dr, for a post op follow-up - I took the city bus, and walked 11 blocks to get to the clinic, like it was nothing.  I got there - they helped me out with my wrap, took out all the yucky pads - I drained all night and that was it - He was very pleased with my results, and since I wasn't draining anymore, I just went home in my garment.

I would say at day 2 (day 3 including the day of procedure), I was able to move around freely with  very minimal feeling of soreness - I was able to flip from side to side while in bed, and it didn't even seem like I had anything done.  I have been up and about with my kids and so far it's been great.  I'm now at day 7 and I took off my surgical garment and started using the Flexees body garment which is way more comfortable than the one I was in.  It looks like a bathing suit, so at least I can be in my shorts - It does feel like it's giving me the same compression as my surgical garment.  I see my Dr again in another week.  I know healing is an individual thing - so far, I'm doing wonderful.

I have been taking pictures and I'll update them as I go - feel free to ask me any questions. 

Updated on Jul 14, 2008:

Updated on Aug 18, 2008:

At just over 1 month post op, I'm still very happy with my results.  At my last post-op appointment, my Dr. said that I'm only 25% healed, so I have a long ways to go.  Aside from some very little tenderness left on my hips, I absolutely do not feel any discomfort.  I do get some swollen days, so my tummy would look bigger than PO, but still significantly smaller than my pre-op.  I had 1 stubborn lump that I had to massage (during evenings)  to the left my belly button - but I haven't seen it much after week 4 - I have been very lucky not to have the lumps and ropes that other people describe, and my skin seems much smoother.  The flanks are just awesome, no swelling whatsoever - I'm hoping that my results continue to get better as time progresses. 

Updated on Sep 22, 2008:

OK - I'm a little over 2 months PO, and I have to say that's I'm still amazed with my results.  There are still days where it seems that my abs is bigger than my "NEW" shape, but that settles down too -- I guess that I'm still swollen inside.  At my last check, my doctor said that I'm only 60% healed, so I have a ways to go.  Anyway, I'm updating my pic.

Updated on Oct 8, 2008: