“SmartLipo MPX- Great Results So Far!”

I am 23, 5'3 and right now I weight about 155 lbs. I have always carried my weight in my stomach and have had a ton of trouble losing weight from that area, despite being an active runner and into kickboxing.

After a year of debating it and two consultations, I have decided to have SmartLipo done on my upper and lower abs.

I am slightly nervous about the procedure but am hoping for good results! I will keep this updated and post pictures before the surgery.

Updated on 17 Nov 2011:
Having the procedure done tomorrow! I will take my own 'before' pictures tonight and post them. Hopefully all goes well tomorrow! If anyone has any helpful tips I would really appreciate them!

(Also, has anyone else taken Arnica before a surgery and had it make their throat and mouth really realy dry?)

Updated on 18 Nov 2011:
Just got out of the office from my procedure! The pain was actually less than I expected, I was up and talking to the doctor and nurse the whole time. So far so glad that I did it but we will see about pain later once the numbing stuff wears off. I also ha e before shots!

Updated on 19 Nov 2011:
I am one day out and I still have not 'peeked' yet because I know I am way to swollen to see any results. I did look down while changing the bandages and I am extremely bruised. I am also 'leaking' a lot of fluid still. The pain has been very manageable though, I was able to sleep last night only waking up once. I did use the Vicoden I was prescribed at night however, taking two doses through the night. During the day I am sticking to Tylenol and so far that has been ok. I added the before pictures and will try to add some afters next week.

Updated on 28 Nov 2011:
So I am 10 days out and so far so good still. I am really liking what I am seeing and do have some pictures to post.

The day after the surgery I went out and did a little bit of shopping at Home Goods just to walk around some and that was just fine.

I have been up and active since then, and trying to walk on the treadmill as much as possible. I tried running slowly two days ago but it was still to jarring to my stomach so I stuck to fast-paced walking.

I am still pretty swollen but have been wearing my compression garment religiously even tho it is pretty uncomfortable at times. My doc said two weeks in it, so I have to stick it out until Friday, and will then switch to another kind of garmet most likely.

Updated on 2 Dec 2011:
Woohoo! I am two weeks out so according to my doc I can ditch the garmet he gave me! I switched over to a spanx-type garmet today even though I apparently don't need a compression garmet at all- it is just more comfortable.

I started running again two days ago! It was pretty slow but I made it a 1.25 mile before I walked, then finished out my 5k doing a sort of run/walk. I have also been eating pretty well and keeping track of what I eat and my excercise amounts on an iphone app I have. I have a follow-up on the 16th and plan to ask when I can start doing ab/core workouts and return to kickboxing- I am really missing it.

So far I am really happy with the results I am seeing, especially under clothing. I am getting the hardness that people talk about though-the majority of my stomach feels like a rock and I am noticing some spots that are harder than others. I have been sort of massaging it myself, although I am still pretty sore to the touch. I am also thinking about a lymphatic massage, as I hear this can help a lot after it.

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on it, especially the immediate results pics I have up- I know I personally can tell a difference but am wondering if that is just me or if it is really noticable to others as well. I will also post more pics at the 3 week mark.

Updated on 20 Dec 2011:
I am now 1 month and 2 days out from my surgery. I had my follow up a few days ago and Dr.K told me I still have a good amount of swelling but says the results are looking great so far and that he can't wait to see my results at the 3 month mark and especially the 6 month mark when he says the skin tightening will be really obvious.

I added some new pics and I think that it does look pretty good for 1 month out. I am hoping that there is still a lot of swelling though, as I would like it to be a lot flatter. I have also been working out a lot, running about 3 miles a day 4 or 5 days a week and doing some strength training as well. I have also returned to kickboxing and didn't have any problems with it, which was great since I really missed it! I have lost a little bit of weight, but not much, probably because I am strength training and not just doing cardio...Although I am happy with it as I think any weight lost and not gained during the holidays is an accomplishment!

I will continue to keep this updated with pictures and posts, hopefully this is helpful to you!

Updated on 29 Feb 2012:
Its been about 3 months and a week since my surgery. Overall I guess I am happy with the results. Clothes fit me better now I think. I haven't seen a huge change from 1 month to 3 months though, or at least not that I can see. I am hoping for some visable skin tightening over the next few months.

I am also working out a lot- running about 3 miles a day and strength training a few times a week, which has also helped I am sure.

My biggest fear is that I can see the indent that is very obvious in my before photos (sorta like the middle of a "w") coming back, and I am terrefied of that happening! That was probably the part of my body I was most uncomfortable with and I am afraid it is going to be the same again. I plan to ask my doc about it soon.