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I Am Back from November

32 posts
Comments (69)
Updated 9 Apr 2009
Posted 4 Nov 2008
Worth It
Spent: $1,500 in Idaho

I have been reading reviews on Real Self for quite some time. I made my decision to move forward with SmartLipo after reading the reviews. It really helped set my expectations.  Here is my story plus some of the things I would recommend for you.

Yesterday I had SmartLipo with Vaser on my Upper/lower Abs, love handles, and underarms.  I weight about 163 and am 5'9.  I wear size 10 (always have a muffin top) and have NEVER worn a sleeveless shirt because thanks to heredity, my arms are very large and loose.
I work out daily, lift weights, but will probably remain this weight +/- 10 lbs because I love to eat, drink, and have fun.  Waist is 30" around smallest part and 35" around largest area.

I had my consultation Friday and my Lipo Monday.  I financed the procedure thru a popular company at 12 months no interest.  My doc office took care of all of the paperwork.

My procedure started at 9 AM and I was done by 2:30. I didn't take and medication because I wanted to drive myself home and they wouldn't let me drive if I took a sedative.  My Dr. gave me 4 perscriptions ahead of time.  1) Antibiotics, 2) Pain Pills  3) Anxiety Pills  4) Nausea pills

They started with my Abs and it was very uncomfortable-but manageable.  After the abs, my love handles and arms were a breeze.  I watched a few movies on my IPod and my Dr. said I was his best patient so far.  I think it was because I had something to do (movies) rather than think about what was going on.

After the procedure I was able to drive myself home.  I stopped by the store to get pads, tape, etc.  Do not skimp on tape, buy a ton-maybe 4 boxes of 12 or more of the bandage pads. Also, I would recommend getting everything you will need ahead of time.

Also, here was a surprise-after reading Real Self I thought leaking would be a drip here a drop there.  No!  Leaking is more like a river of water pouring out of your wounds.  I had to change pads about every 2 hrs for the first day.  It took me about 1 hr to change them, so basically all I was doing was changing pads.  My body looked like I was in a bad car wreck and the water from the procedure (that they pumped my body with) had accumulated in my underwear zone. YUCK!  Way freaky. So, I made dinner for the family, walked the dog and then I took a pain pill-not because I was in pain-I just wanted to go to bed and say goodbye to the day.  The pain pill knocked me on my behind which normally doesn't happen.  Went to bed, slept like a baby and now it is day 2.

So day 2 has started and as I was changing bandages I noticed 1) I am not leaking like a river, just a drip here a drop there!  and 2) I LOOK INCREDIBLE!  I still look a bit freakish-but I have a flat flat stomach, arms look like they are going to be a LOT smaller.  I wasn't expecting to see such wonderful results so quickly.

On soreness today-I am sore but still not like I thought.  Arms and side aren't sore at all.  Abs a bit uncomfortabel when I get up and walk.  I plan to work all day.  I do look like a giant marshmellow though-with all the pads under my girdle type thingys.

Also, I am a inches/pounds person.  My doctor said to expect a 5 lbs and around 3 inches in my waist.  They took 300 CC's out of each arm and said I had 2 1/2 somethings of fat removed.  Not sure what it meant but I saw it and it was equal to one pitcher of cool-aid.  Yuck.  My waist is already smaller on day 2.  Haven't measured-it is just SMALLER!

I would highly recommend this procedure and plan to update you as I progress.  I will try to get before/after pics from my dr. and post them.  Also, my Dr. and his assistant rocked!



Updated on Apr 9, 2009:

Hi there. I swore I would never traumatize my body again after going thru Smart Lipo on my abs, love handles, and arms last November. My doctor recommended that we do my flanks in November-but I declined to save money. Plus, I didn’t really know what flanks were.

For the past 4 months I have been fully aware of those chubby flanks surrounding my new fat-free abs! So, I scheduled an appointment for Smart Lipo, which I completed two days ago.

I dreaded the flank reduction procedure because what I went through in November was a lot worse than I had anticipated. If you read my old posts-I cursed the people that made recovery sound so easy-“the lunch time procedure .” I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised! I spent 3 hrs at the Dr office Tuesday to get rid of the flabby flanks. I watched a movie on my IPod and was home by noon. I work from home and was able to work for the remainder of the day. I made dinner, walked the dog, did everything I do in a normal day. I expected the next day to be horrible-but it wasn’t.
So far, this has been great! (Again, I don’t want to oversell anything, Smart Lipo is pretty major but depending on the number of areas and the areas involved-recovery really varies.)

I had 1 liter removed from the flank area. Probably ¼ blood and the rest fat! I am black and blue but am recovering nicely! I am not swollen like I was in November.

I promised myself last November that I would come back and post about my long term Smart Lipo results. Most people post while going thru their procedures and we never hear from them again.

So to give you an update of Abs, love handles, and arms from November:

I couldn’t be more thrilled. Abs and love handles look fabulous! (I didn’t ever expect perfection and had a lot of room for improvement-I got what I expected.) Arms are a lot smaller. They are a nice shape. But even after 4 months there is still some discoloration. I expect that to go away in the next few months. It still bothers me to rub my arms.

Weight and inches:

I am 3 lbs down from pre-op weight in November. Haven’t changed habits (shame on me) But, 3 lbs is still 3 lbs.
My waist (before my flank reduction) went from 31 to 29. I expect to lose another 1” from Tuesday’s flank procedure. Doesn’t sound like a lot-but makes a HUGE difference with everything I wear.

So, all in all I am very happy with the results. My doctor and his assistant are wonderful and come highly recommended by me.

The last thing I want to add is once you get an area completed you notice that it doesn’t match up with your other flabby areas. So, now that I have abs of steel-something has to be done about these thighs! 

Good luck to all of you
 

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

My Doctor:

He is professional but also has a good personality. He took good care of me and was concerned about how I felt.
Vote: 32 members found this review helpful

Comments (69)

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Brieana (9 posts) 4 Nov 2008
So is the leaking from the wounds redish like blood or yellowish like flem from the noise? How many incisions were made in your tummy area and in the arm areas? Thanks for writing your story, I will be getting mine done November 23.
gardencity_gal (32 posts) 5 Nov 2008
Hi there. The leaking is mainly red watery stuff. Pretty bloody. I have holes every where. Since I did upper/lower abs and love handles I would say 4 or 6 holes for abs and 3 each side on love handles, 3 under each arm. I am completely done leaking now and it is day 2. No more pads or tape. Yippee. The girdle thing that I have to wear on top and bottom is pretty uncomfortable. I put a silk cami type top under it and it feels much better. I am pretty bruised and could make a small child cry if they saw me naked. (or a grown man...-yikes.) I go in today at noon for my first check up. I am amazed at how I look already (minus the holes, dents, bumps, and bruises.) I have never really looked like a girl-instead have ALWAYS been athletic with a good personality :) This morning I woke up and looked more girlish than athletic! What a great feeling. I am not one to cry. I cried and cried with happiness. (that didn't help the puffiness!) What a wonderful gift you can give yourself.
gardencity_gal (32 posts) 10 Nov 2008
Hi there. Today is day 7 of recovery. Thought I would write to help set expectations if you (the reader) is preparing for surgery. Today I feel like I thought I would feel day 2 post op. My brusing is almost all gone. My swelling is starting to go down. I look smaller, arms and abs.. When I measure abs-I am still a few inches bigger than when I started due to swelling though. I can tell I am going to be smaller! I have a feeling this will be the week that I will start seeing a difference in inches. So, reflecting back on week 1. It was tougher than I thought. Bearable but tougher. Getting out of cars, getting up from the couch, etc was more of a chore than an after-thought. I am so excited to NOT have to wear these compression garnaments next week. They are for the birds! I am still tickled pink that I went through this operation. I am still questioning if I have it in me to do my thighs in 1 week . I may need a few months in between operations.
jamieileana (38 posts) 10 Nov 2008
my husband had his flanks and chest done nov 4th and he too is seeing some great results already! his tummy though swollen is much smaller already and his chest where before he looked like a womans now looks normal or more so at least and he said that he would not be embarrassed to wear a tight shirt today with his chest, flanks are another story though. nov. 11th are flanks and jowls. cant wait!
Brieana (9 posts) 10 Nov 2008
Thanks for the update! I'm so glad to hear you are doing better and still have a positive outlook on this life changing operation. I'm looking forward to mine in less than 2 weeks.
gardencity_gal (32 posts) 12 Nov 2008
Hi there. Today is day 9 in recovery! I had a thigh reduction scheduled in the 19th that I canceled yesterday. I need more time to recover and can't imagine spending another day getting the life sucked out of me. I am still sore but it is getting better every day. Bruises are 87% gone. Wounds are healing with the exception of 1 that looks infected. I am putting neosporin/bandaids on it. I started taking long walks yesterday but couldn't possibly work out yet even if the doctor okayed it. Taking my shirt off right now is a work out. I am up 4 pounds since surgery and I measure +1 inch in both areas I had done (abs / arms) BUT am still pretty swollen. I have been losing a lb and an inch a day for the past few days. My groin area is still really swollen. Even though I am +1 inch I can tell this is going to turn out great. My stomach is flat, my arms no longer sag-I think I am going to be very very happy. Still, I would recommend this to a friend. My message today is make sure you have the right expectations for recovery and be patient.
Erinlee (1 post) 15 Nov 2008
I am so grateful for your comments and detail of your procedure. I have been looking into different procedures for a little while. I can't tell you how much I hate my body. the problem is that im not real big. I have scoliosis which makes everything look worse and I have good genetics when it comes to legs. what that leaves me with is a potato with skinny legs. Anyway, it's nice to know what to expect because i have to do something about my love handles/stomach and lats. The healing process has to be better than hating what I see in the mirror every day. I just hope I can find an office in my area as good as what you've had
darlana (1 post) 12 Nov 2008
Thanks for you very detailed, honest, and helpful account. Sounds alot like traditional lipo to me, which I have had, but without the general anesthesia and maybe has a shorter recovery time. I am thinking about it for love handles, abdomen and maybe some "bra fat" removal, and although I am thin and in shape, I am 48 years old!! So there is the elasticity issue. Did you or anyone else out there notice a tightening in the skin? Or is that something that will come with total healing? All the best to you....D.
gardencity_gal (32 posts) 13 Nov 2008
Hi Darlana: Two years ago I talked to a traditional Lipo Dr about my large wiggly arms and he said they don't like to do arms because once they remove the fat there is just skin left hanging. They would need to do an additinal surgery to remove skin and that would leave scars, etc. I don't like my arms but they aren't that bad... I may not be the best to answer your elasticity question because I am only 9 days post op-but..I see a huge difference already. Also, I have a friend that has done SmartLipo/Vaser. She had her large wiggly arms done. Now they are small, tight, and beautiful. That is what inspired me to have this done. I am 40 and my skin isn't that elastic. I will be a good test to see if the tightening really does work. I will keep you updated as I progress. I would love to hear what others have experienced! Good luck if you go through with the surgery!
jamieileana (38 posts) 13 Nov 2008
how to post before and after pics on here for others to see? this is not a busy board at all is it? i dont see hardly anyone on here and i wish there were more people on here. :(
Sharon at RealSelf (Community Manager - 4,028 posts) 13 Nov 2008
Hi jamieileana, You can post before and after photos when you write a review. Much of our traffic is spread amongst the different reviews, not a centralized forum, so you'll be able to get lots of opinions and feedback by writing a review. Cheers, --Sharon
bunny slope (unregistered guest) 13 Nov 2008
are you lumpy on your abs? i'm scared that i'm going to have that wheni get mine done, i heard that your stomach gets all lumpy.... is that true?
jamieileana (38 posts) 13 Nov 2008
ok...i will try that. thank you!
gardencity_gal (32 posts) 15 Nov 2008
Bunny Slope: So far (day 12 of recovery) my Abs are not lumpy. They look great. Flat, no lumps. I guess I am lucky so far as I have read that a lot of people are pretty lumpy. But, if my compression garnment slides down and puts pressure on my stomach-I get a lump above my belly button. It goes away after awhile. I HATE these compression clothes but think I will continue wearing the one for my abs for a week or two after my 14 day required time-just to protect my investment. If the rest of me looked like my new abs-you could find me on a beach somewhere in a bikini. Unfortunately, my thighs may scare off the crowd. :) Day 12 update: Still sore, still swollen (a bit.) Almost bruise free. All incisions now look just like a scratch, except one that is just starting to heal-and kind of freaked me out because it was a little infected. My body is tired from not exercising. I sleep on my back and when I wake up my body is tired from not moving. I would die to do yoga however, my arms probably wouldn't bend and stretch yet the way they should. I am starting to look pretty good. Arms are down about 1" and so is waist. I expect about 2 more inches down on waist. Every morning when I wake up there is a huge improvement from the day before. I canceled my thigh lipo appt because I couldn't imagine going through this again. Now, I almost wish I wouldn't have. I am going to wait 2-3 months and then have them done. -Definitely by the same Dr. Still would recommend this as long as you know that it is not even CLOSE to a "lunch time" procedure.
gardencity_gal (32 posts) 18 Nov 2008
Hi Erinlee, I definitely think it is worth it-as long as you are prepared to spend some time recovering. Today is day 15 and I feel good enough to go to the gym. My arms are so tight that I probably cannot lift weights but do feel I can hit the stair stepper and do leg weights. I went on an 8-mile bike ride yesterday, which was great. However, when I rode over bridges or bumps my arms were uncomfortable even though I wore my compression clothes. I woke up this morning and was down another inch on my waist. It makes all of this so worth it! And... on the lump thing. I AM getting lumps. They are not there in the morning but as the day goes on, I get them where my pants hit, or my compression clothes end-etc. I have on eon the left side of my waist that actually sticks out more than my love handle did. They are solid and are about 3" (length) x 1" (height) in size. If I were to wear a tight tee shirt, you could probably see them. -Just another step in recovery!
Gabbagirl (11 posts) 19 Nov 2008
Hi Gardencity, I have looked forward to reading your update everyday! On the 29th I am having my upper arms, upper and lower abs, flanks and chin/face done. With all the before and after pics I just dont know what to expect. I had a tummy tuck done about 11 years ago so the abs are not that bad, just have some flab from weight I have gained over the years. Like you the arms are a family trait I cant wait to get rid of. I am a little nervous about having loose skin afterwards since I am also 40 yrs. old. It sounds like you are having very good results so far. Do you think it is a bit of a reach to come back to work the second day after having it done? I do sit at a desk so I was going to try. Do you have any before and after pics? Thanks agin for updating us , it really helps! Gabby
gardencity_gal (32 posts) 20 Nov 2008
Hi Gabby-my doc has my before pictures, I will see if they can email them so I can post them. I had my 2 weeks check up yesterday (am at 18 days post op today.) I just took some "after" pictures and will try to figure out how to post them this morning. They do not do justice to my recovery-I can't figure out how to take a good picture of the back of my arms. To answer your question about work-I think you can make it to work day 2 if you have to. If you can take the day off, I would. You are having many areas done. You may be draining on day 2 and it is nasty-which would be a drag to do at work. If you cannot spare a day off-it is definitely something you can manage as long as you have a sense of humor. You may want to play it by ear and call in sick if you have to. Day 18, my arms are bruised still but they look like I was born with normal skinny arms. They are not flabby or anything. I am dying for summer to come so I can wear a sleeveless shirt for the first time in my life! Abs are completely flat and looking good in the morning and then get a bit lumpy and hard in the afternoon. I am still wearing spanx and my arm compression things. Gabby, I am excited to hear how everything goes for you on the 29th. It is exciting!
Gabbagirl (11 posts) 20 Nov 2008
Icannot Imagine being able to wear a sleeveless shirt! I am excited to hear how good your arms are turning out. I don’t go for my post-op until the 22nd and I really want to know how long they said the lumpy stomach will last. Are the lumps fat that has not broken down or which was not caught by the suction? I guess I’m really nervous about having a lumpy tummy indefinitely. Yikes!
LadyJake (11 posts) 20 Nov 2008
Hi Gardencity! I just found this website and I have found your posts to be VERY beneficial. I am scheduled in the AM (Friday 11-21). I am so nervous/excited/nervous! After reading your story, my question is that it sounds like your recovery for your arms has been much worse than your abs, is that the case? I am having a "wrap". lower and upper abs and i guess flanks. Is flanks like the hip areas? Anyway, thank you for sharing.
gardencity_gal (32 posts) 21 Nov 2008
Hi LadyJake-that is exciting! I think the arms are easy to recover from compared to the abs. Except for feeling dry, they are back to normal. I had my upper/lower abs and love handles and skipped my flanks to save $. Flanks are the muffin top in the BACK of your jeans. I need to get that done now that my stomach and sides are flat and small from surgery. In addition, the Dr's assistant said I will probably drop another inch or pants size if I do it! Gabby: On the lumps, not sure what they are-scar tissue or something. They are not permanent. I am on day 20 post op, mine appeared around day 18, and mine are already starting to go away. The lumps are what you massage once you are not sore. (I am still sore.) I was trying to think what this “stage” in recovery is like. I decided to call day 20 “THE TINMAN STAGE.” I have read that people have dry skin and I thought, "Gee, who cares? Dry skin is not so bad." Then I realized what they were talking about. Dry skin post op is serious. For example, it is a very big task to take my shirt off (because of my arm surgery.) I thought it was from internal healing. I can barely lift my arms up even 3/4 of the way. Then, I put baby oil and lotion on my arms and they move freely. Just like the tin man. It is weird. Anyway-my suggestion is oil up! Day 20 overall... LOST 5 pounds from pre-surgery weight. That is HUGE to me. (The day after surgery I was way UP in weight and even though I knew it was temporary it was discouraging.) I am comfortable enough to go to the gym and do anything at this stage except lift weights. I am going to start that next week. Still wearing the abs compression thing (Dr said I do not need to) and I threw the arm compression thing away yesterday!
gardencity_gal (32 posts) 22 Nov 2008
Hi-a quick update. I think I got my days mixed up because it has been 2 days since my last post but it is only day 19 since surgery. I went to a surprise party last night. I wore regular clothes and although I still have the major numbness, once I got out I felt like a regular person and not a crash victim. My skin is still tight and I can definitely tell I have just had surgery but able to go out and feel like a normal person. To all of you in recovery-there is an end in sight! One more thing I wanted to add. I had my annual gyno appointment yesterday. I did not tell my Dr. about my surgery. She checked my stomach, felt the lumps, and just about fell over. I have never seen anyone so shocked. I had to confess that I was recovering from SmartLipo. I thought I could avoid that conversation.
LadyJake (11 posts) 22 Nov 2008
Well, I had my upper & lower abs and sides done and I DO NOT KNOW HOW I MADE IT THROUGH!!!!! I used to have a high pain tollerence but I guess I don't anymore. Today is day 2. I can handle the "pulled muscle" feeling no problem. What I didn't like was how long the whole procedure took. They started around 9:30am and finished around 3pm. I had had enough but I didn't cry. I get to go back Tuesday for inner and outer thighs. I'm not going to chicken out but I am very nervous and if they cancelled I would be ok with that.Dr said he would redo the lower abs in about 4 months(I had alot to do). I can handle the recovery but I just hope the procedure doesn't take long. Did anyone notice about how long the thighs take? Also, does it hurt more if you are a bigger person? He removed 4 of those containers- I'm guessing they are about 1000cc each(or 1 liter).
Gabbagirl (11 posts) 23 Nov 2008
Hello laddies, Yesterday I went to my post OP and the Dr. suggested we add my hips since I would end up regretting it if I didnt. This does make sence since I am getting pretty much everything from the waist up. I do want to go back after for my thighs. I cant wait till next Sat. to get this done. However I am not looking forward to how I may feel after. Well like they say no pain no gain! lol. My Dr. is using the latest laser out on the market. 6 weeks ago they started using the 32 watt. I am told by one of the girls in her office that you can really feel your skin tighten with the 32 watt not always comfy but effective. First time she had LS it was a 18 watt I thing. Do you ladies know what your dr. used?
ROBERThale (1 post) 23 Nov 2008
Your post were very helpful, thanks. I had my neck, chin, upper and lower abs done as well as a laser resurfacing done 10 days ago. I was and still am a bit sore but the most uncomfortable thing is the swelling and edema around my waist! Its as if I have a five pound water ballon under my skin! I'm lumpy and distended. It's freaky. I can feel the fluid under my skin. Does anyone else relate?
jamieileana (38 posts) 30 Nov 2008
when did you get your chin done? my husband had his done two weeks ago this coming tuesday. he still looks bull froggish but you can tell it is coming around and going to be nice but will take about two months the doc. said. he also had chest, tummy and flanks done within the last 4 weeks. he is looking much better but he still hurts too. it sure takes time for the pains to go away but they are always tolerable and he says it was worth it too.

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