Ronald Freeman, MD (retired)

I wanted to build my confidence and was tired of the kangaroo pouch. The pros my stomach is FLAT. The cons I was out of work longer than expected because I had an infection in my stomach afterwards but I fought thru it and everything is worth it now. It was hard to walk for awhile and those drains were a pain. I recommend getting plastic cups to drain them so it's not a mess. I recommend that you take at least 4 weeks off work to heall because rushed healing can result in setbacks. Make sure your are fully elevated while recovering because I slept in a recliner but didn't pull it all the way up and my legs got really swollen. Take your meds every hour on the hour so you won't feel pain. Make sure you keep a log and set alarms. I HIGHLY recommend someone being there to help you the first week. Updated on 10 Jan 2016: Surgery went well Updated on 10 Jan 2016: I was able to move around still bend over but the swelling had improved..GLAD THOSE DRAINS WERE GONE!!! Updated on 10 Jan 2016: Still swollen but so far STILL impressed with the results Updated on 10 Jan 2016: I woke up to this lump thingy that felt hard and was painful. I instantly called my PS and was seen the next day. I was given antibiotics and they eventually drained the area. Updated on 11 Jan 2016: I felt much better a week after my fol low up with my PS. The staff was awesome and made sure I was treated very well. I took it very easy afterwards. Updated on 11 Jan 2016: They drained the area one more time and was ready to return back to work. I was still slightly bend when I walked sometimes and was still taking it easy Updated on 11 Jan 2016: Feeling great and still working on walking straight up completely. Still taking it easy. Have a little swelling still but still HAPPY Updated on 11 Jan 2016: Mission accomplished!!! FINE AS #### Updated on 12 Jan 2016: The transformation was beautiful

It was painful and I don't like pain...but worth it. Dr. Freeman will give you the medication you need to get through the pain. The nerves growing back causes discomfort but nothing you can't handle. Best thing I've ever done for me! He had me in the office the day after the procedure and the staff walked me right back. It takes about a week to feel better and about three months to feel your best again. Drains wearnt fun but...it just part of it. They hurt a little when they come out

Getting my insurance to reply was the worst. I first discussed this with my physician in September paperwork was submitted and we heard nothing back. I called office several times for update and they had no more insurance than me. I called insurance company every week day for 3 weeks and finally got the answer "APPROVED, except $1000". I get pre-op couple days before procedure, no big deal. I checked into out-patient @ 6:00 a.m. and checked out @ 1:00 p.m. surgery was about 2 hrs (but I don't do well with the waking up process). I went home with 2 difference pain medication and antibiotics. But honestly wasn't in a lot of pain at all. BUT I have a very high toleration for pain. I took a total of 2 pain pills one the night of surgery and the next night (because I was afraid of getting in pain) after that no pain meds was necessary. I was up walking(bent over), but walking the morning after surgery. I have f/u apt with Dr. he and I were both well pleased. He told me I could stay off work for 10 to 14 days, but it really wasn't necessary (FOR ME). I would and have recommended this procedure to my "fluffy girlfriends". Wish I would have done this years ago!!!! Can't wait until summer. :)