After years of going back and forth, I've finally come to a decision. I chose Dr. Fondacaro at Doctor Park Avenue in Brick, NJ because I saw several photos that showed me he is familiar with working on body types similar to mine. My consultation was yesterday. The office is very clean & cozy. It has a very relaxed setting with a couch. The staff were polite and explained everything thoroughly. Dr. Fondacaro asked me questions to determine if I was a good candidate for the smartlipo procedure. I told him my main problem areas are my lower abdomen, love handles, and bra roll on my back. He said he will be able to do all three! I also later inquired about armpits too but he said it would be too much lidocaine. I appreciate the honesty and that made me feel at ease. After I talked with Anna, who went over all the prices, and before and after care. She also helped direct me of where to go for a post surgery garment, even though I already purchased one online, I will probably get another. I paid for my procedure in full and my surgery date is September 17, 2020! I am so excited! I can't wait to be a doll!!
Updated on 15 Sep 2020:
I can’t believe this is finally happening in 2 days!! I have purchased 2 fajas, tylenol, gauze, bandaids, a pee funnel, pee pee pads for the bed, and a few more outfits for comfy wear. Today Anna called to check on me and make sure I have everything I need. I almost forgot ice packs! She said it will help me the first 48 hours. I will pick them up tomorrow. I also asked her if I will need lymphatic massages because I wasn’t sure if I need them or not with SmartLipo and they never had mentoned it. She said it’s possible but I won’t need them until about 2 weeks after. Yesterday I started my arnica pills, 5 under the tongue 3x a day. They’re a little annoying because they take forever to dissolve but they actually taste good. I had some concerns about sitting for extended periods post-op.. I am a transportation worker. She told me to take off just one day after and I should be fine. I had planned to take off about 3 days so I’m in good shape. My boyfriend is going to be driving me to and from my surgery and I’m thankful he is being supportive. Even though he isn’t necessarily happy i’m going through with this he knows that I am happy and is still there for me. Girls, I am so excited! I have never had a flat tummy. I can’t even picture how I will look. Can’t wait to finally be a doll!!
Updated on 17 Sep 2020:
I can’t believe this day is finally here. i’ve been waiting years for this. yesterday I kept telling myself that this is my last day in my fat body. by the end of the night I cried a little because it really hit me that I will never be in this body ever again and that my fat will finally be gone. it was almost like I was grieving the loss of my old body and welcoming my new body. even though I’m so excited for what is going to happen today I was still sad last night thinking that I’ll never see this body ever again, when this is the only body that I ever knew. i’m ready to welcome my change & new me. When I woke up this morning I feel ok, less nervous than yesterday. I fully trust my doctor and can’t wait to see what he does. my procedure will take five hours for the three areas of fat that I will be getting removed (Lower abdomen, flanks, & bra roll). Meet you dolls on the other side!!
Updated on 17 Sep 2020:
The photos of me in the orange shirt we’re taking yesterday, the day before my surgery, The photos in my underwear were taken about two weeks ago.
Updated on 19 Sep 2020:
When I got to the office, Dr. Fondacaro gave me 2 Valium and 1 Klonopin. I was only given local anesthesia. For whatever reason, this wasn’t enough for me and the pain during the whole thing was horrible. I was crying almost the entire time and just for the life of me could not understand why it was hurting so bad. It felt like someone was repeatedly stabbing me in 90 percent of the areas. In some areas I was numb and could just feel the pressure. I’m assuming that’s how the whole thing would have felt if the lidocaine had actually worked. At one point he tried to give me more and it just poured out of me. He said I was at the maximum amount. I’m not sure if my body just didn’t react well to the lidocaine or what. Overall the procedure was extremely painful for me when that is not what I was expecting at all. I would recommend general anesthesia to anyone getting any of these types of procedures. Dr. Fondacaro helped me put my garment on before leaving. Afterwords I just felt dizzy, and mainly sleepy.. a little sore.
Updated on 19 Sep 2020:
Updated on 19 Sep 2020:
Sleeping was really difficult. I was trying not to move a lot because I didn’t want the bed pads to move. It was sore to get up, but I got up and managed to walk 3 miles. My back was the most sore area. I didn’t look tired, I’d say I was pretty alert and didn’t seem like I had just had surgery the day before. I was just moving a little slower.
Updated on 24 Sep 2020:
I resumed normal activities without any issues I think it was on Monday. I never ended up with any bruising surprisingly. Today is 1 week since my SmartLipo and I’m feeling great! The office called to check on me this morning. I am up and moving around with no pain or discomfort. I can already see a difference, but I can’t wait for all the swelling to go down so I can see my new body. Even though I’m still swollen, I am already feeling so much more comfortable with my body image. I’m really thinking how happy I am with this decision. Wish I would have done this sooner instead of second guessing.
Updated on 2 Oct 2020:
Yesterday was exactly 2 weeks from my surgery and I had a checkup with Dr. Fondacaro. He took some photos so we could compare my before photos to how I look now. We went to another room where he put the photos side by side on a large screen. I was amazed to see the difference. It’s hard to notice when you look at yourself everyday, but the pictures don’t lie. There is definitely a significant difference in my lower abdomen already. After seeing the pictures I could also see the love handles and bra roll difference. He cleared me to start exercising and going to the gym (which I’m so excited about!) He also said it is safe for me to start waist training. he told me that at this point the only thing that could hurt my results is not wearing my garment. I have been and will continue to wear it religiously. I’m trying hard to remember I’m still swollen and won’t see my real end result for quite some time, but so far I’m pretty satisfied.