I am so glad I finally did the Smartlipo. I researched this on the web all the time, but was worried about the results (and my husband didn't think I needed it, but said he would support me if I really wanted it) When my friend who had Lapband surgery told me her doctor also did smartlipo I went in for a free consult. I liked him and the office so I decided to go for it.
I did my stomach and love handle because every time I tried on pants the waistband would be too tight and my love handles would hang over. I would also have to wear loose shirts to not show the muffin top.
The actual procedure itself was easy, I was awake but relaxed from the medication. The time seemed to fly by, the nurse Nellie was very entertaining and gave me snacks and drinks, I even went to the bathroom during the procedure. At the end she put on maxipads for the drainage and the tight garment. I went home and felt great--for a couple of hours until some of the numbing wore off. I had to take the pain pills, and my husband had to change my dressings a couple of times during the night.
Long story short I was swollen for about two weeks, I had to wear sweat pants, couldn't stand a waistband. I was the same size as before and very impatient wondering if I did the right thing. They told me it was normal and would get better.
After about 3 weeks the swelling was almost gone and I lost about 5 pounds. All my clothes were finally loose, some even way to big around the waist. I am still massaging and have a couple of hard areas but they get better every day. I love to try on my clothes, I feel so skinny. I wish I did this before my vacation, I didn't even want to wear a swimsuit-now I can't wait to go swimsuit shopping next year. Will add pictures later!