When Diet and Exercise Just Don't Cut It - Cary, NC

I'm 46 years old, never had children and struggled with my weight most of my life. In about a month I'm going in for liposuction for my stomach, flanks, lateral chest wall (bra overhang) and thighs. I hope to do this once, so I might as well go big! Lipo was never on my radar, but I'm not embarrassed to say I need a little help with shedding the fat.

I eat well for the most part but I do slip up, however, I'm very diligent about exercise which I do at least 5 x week. To help shed the fat I hired a personal trainer. I decided to ramp up my cardio and started running. I completed 2 marathons and 5 half marathons. I was sure the running would get me the flat stomach and improve my problem areas. No such luck. Collected some great looking medals and an assortment of injuries. Just this year I realized time is not on my side. I've put in years of hard work, sacrifice and money. I'm happy with my size, but no matter how hard I work there are some areas that will not improve. That's when I had the epiphany.

As the procedure gets closer, I will post before pictures (eek!). In the mean time, I hope to drop a few more pounds. Because the weather will be warmer, I'm really hoping the swelling won't be worse than normal and I'll be able to sleep in a compression garment. I would appreciate any advice on what to prepare for and expect. Thanks in advance and good luck to everyone!

I had my pre-op appointment with Dr. Stoeckel last week. Where has the time gone?! It was so long ago when I booked the procedure, now it's next week! I was scared but after talking with him, I am getting excited.

I promised before pics *gulp* and I'll have them posted this weekend.

I'll add photos of my stomach soon.

Had my procedure on Friday and I promised myself I would be patient. I didn't get to see myself before the compression garment was put on, however I see some differences.

I'm very swollen and I look like I've been in a gun battle with all the liquid coming out. I'm dying to take a shower and I may do that tonight. Dr Stoeckel and his staff are top notch, you can't ask for a better team. 4800cc's were taken out, but he expected to take more, so I'm happy about that.

On a scale of 1 being no pain to 10 being the worst ever, right now I'm at about a 3. Dr Stoeckel followed up and said right now I would be going through the worst, so he was pleased that I am not in a lot of pain. The pain feels like a hard leg workout. I don't feel anything in my stomach. My only complaint about the compression garment is that it's so dirty now, however, it's not very uncomfortable.

And I've hit an emotional roller coaster. I thought I was prepared for what to expect after reading so many other experiences a lot of you have shared. I was fine days after the surgery. I stayed on top of my meds so the pain was manageable. The expected itching lasted just a couple of days and I really thought I was going to have a good recovery.

Maybe it was the vicodin that was keeping me in a good mood. I stopped taking it after 6 days and switched to Tylenol. The swelling started a couple of days ago and I was not prepared for that. Basically my abdomen is fine, some swelling and not much pain at all. My thighs feel like cement bricks and they're sore walking, sitting and lying down. I'm used to working out and doing stuff for myself and now I feel so tired and helpless.

I know it'll get better but man this part of the recovery SUCKS!

This morning is the first day I woke up feeling almost normal, with the exception of the outrageous swelling. I hope this is the start of getting back to me.