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Ever since my 2nd child, I have struggled with...

Ever since my 2nd child, I have struggled with weight loss, especially in the abdominal area. That is wear I gained the majority of my weight with that pregnancy, and that’s where it stayed! Then, 2 years later, my MIL had a major stroke, which led to many a fast food meal, heightened stress, and no time for exercise for 4-6 weeks. I gained a grand total of 10 lbs with that. She recovered wonderfully, and I began the weight loss journey. I tried everything from low carb which had worked for me after my first pregnancy, to Nutrisystem, Weight watchers, and the DASH diet. I exercise regularly (5-7 days per week, 30-45 minutes of cardio). I would lose a few lbs, but my “problem area” wouldn’t budge.

Finally in April, 2014, I decided to make a change. I went to Sonobello for a free consultation for TriSculpt (power-assisted lipo, followed by laser for smoothing), and then scheduled my procedure for 2 weeks later. (I could’ve had it done sooner, if I had wanted!) I didn’t want perfection. I just wanted to be ME again.

Here are some of my experiences at the different stages:

Day of Procedure (Friday):

Mild discomfort during procedure (not more than I expected). Dr. De Souza was great about moving to a different area if I had too much discomfort.

3.5 L of fat was removed! It took about 1 ½ hours.

Weekend after:

Drainage for about 48 hrs. By Sunday morning, it was very little. The first 12 hours was quite messy. I removed the compression garment the night of the procedure before bed, to change the pads. I felt a bit lightheaded and dizzy, and later read in the paperwork that was expected (Clearly I had forgotten that part).

Don’t touch me! Kids have a wonderous ability to ram their heads or hands or feet right where it hurts – and it hurt. Otherwise, I could get around fine. I got up and got my own food, drink, went to the bathroom, went up and down stairs – slowly, but without pain.

I started to go for short walks on Sunday (2 days after). I would not want to walk a 5K or walk briskly.

Back to work:

On the 4th day (could’ve done it the 3rd day, but glad I didn’t). I didn’t tell anyone at work, and no one suspected anything was different. The swelling was minor (still smaller than when fat was there!) I did, however, have some nausea – the point of vomiting at the end of the work day. The next day I was fine.

Swelling:
I had evening swelling every day until about 2 weeks after. Salt intake definitely made a difference. After 2-3 weeks it was rare that I would have any noticeable swelling.

Discomfort:

For maybe 3-4 weeks, I’d have discomfort if the kids bonked into my treatment areas. Otherwise none.

Clothes:

By 2 weeks, I was a pants size smaller. I wore 10-12 before (squeezing into 10’s). Now I wear size 10 loosely. I could squeeze into 8’s but choose not to, so as not to cause indentations.

I could wear more fitted shirts within 2-3 weeks. I wore my first swimsuit last week (5 weeks), and felt totally self confident! At about 3 weeks I had a mom from my son’s school tell me I looked great, that I had lost weight.

At 6 weeks, I feel so self confident – just feel like ME again. I would still like to lose a few lbs, to fit more comfortably into my 8’s, and lose some weight in my thighs, arms, etc. But my proportions are normal again, so even if I didn’t lose another lb or inch, I am content and happy. I am 5 lbs lighter, 2 inches smaller in the waist, and and inch and a half smaller in the hips. AND I’ve been told my chest looks larger, since having the upper abs done.

The whole experience was so easy, I’ve considered having my thighs done! For financial reasons, I will stick to good ol’ diet and exercise for now!

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Everyone, from the consultation specialist, to the nurse, to the surgeon, was absolutely fantastic. I have felt completely informed with every step. They send regular emails to remind you want to expect at each stage. I'm very glad I chose Sonobello.