Donald Sweitzer, M.D.

I have always head a fat belly, have a short torso, and genetically and age wise been in the wrong place and wrong time for a smooth tummy...so at age 58 even though I've had a lot of surgeries as a breast cancer survivor, I decided to go for lipo of my abdomen and flanks. My legs and arms have always been in proportion. I was very worried about the potential risks, and also about the pain and recovery. This site helped prepare me for the worst,
And I'm so glad it did.

The pain was quite a bit worse than I expected but I think my results will be good. My pain peaked at about 4 days and has been declining since then, thank God. The CG was a joke; it was like some medieval torture device. Totally impractical to wear and maximally uncomfortable. I wore it faithfully for five days removing it once to shower, it was that hard to get back on. They are ridiculously designed with side zippers that no person having had this type of surgery can possibly get back up by themselves.

My husband helped me bless him. On day five I told my husband to drive me to our local mall and I bought a maidenform flexee garment that was basically the same shape. Much better. I have a feeling my surgeon won't like it but I could not help it, I couldn't wear the first one any longer. It is hanging on my clothes line like some victory flag. I also read that many surgeons no longer think those garments are that critical, so I went with my own instincts. Have read that the results will be the same in the end whether you wear one or not, so why suffer so? I am looking forward to having a trim torso for the first time in my life. I think my results will be goodman I can already notice a big change.


Updated on 25 Mar 2013:
Headed to PS tomorrow for stitches out, and hoping he won't kill me for trading in the CG. Lots of itching today, used back brush in shower, applied lotion, then attacked my back with the pasta server later on! Have quite a bit of numbness and itchiness and also feeling like I have a band around my stomach, all of which I think is normal. Looking forward to having a nice hot bath soon, not sure if that is in the cards or not...

Updated on 26 Mar 2013:
PS Will try to get some pics posted soon

Updated on 12 Apr 2013:
I am doing pretty well at almost one month out. I am definitely smaller, and people are noticing. I have some loose skin, not sure if I will do anything about that, I've had so much over the last 20 years as a breast cancer survivor. All in all I am happy with my results. I still have significant swelling at the end of the day. My back seems to bother me the most. It still burns, tingles, and feels sore but numb at the same time! From what I have read this is all pretty normal. I only wish I had done this 15 years ago so I could enjoy the results that much longer. All pants are loose and many tops as well.

Updated on 3 May 2013:
Here are a few before/after pics: hope these help someone!

Updated on 10 May 2013:
I am doing very well, I feel pretty good not quite two months after. I still have swelling especially in my lower abdomen, and I still have occasional bouts of some pain and severe itching in my back. I am overall happy with my results. My midsection looks much slimmer, and I can see a difference in my back. It is a long process, and I guess I still have to be patient to some extent.