I've been lifting, running and into fitness for the last 15 years. Despite working out minimum five days a week and keeping up steady, healthy habits with letting loose some on the weekends, metabolism slowdown, stress of work and having a sick parent, hormones and age caught up to me over the last 2-3 years and I put on weight that no matter what I tried - macro counting (which I still do), increasing training, supplements, etc. - would not budge.
I had chin/neck lipo performed last year a few months before my wedding and adored the results, so this year I took the ultimate plunge and plunked down the cash for lipo of the U/L abdomen, flanks, hips and back. I went with Dr. Neil Goodman, who is based here in the West Palm Beach area. He specializes in liposuction and after going to a couple of other consultations I felt that Dr. G and his team would be the best choice for me.
My procedure was postponed due to COVID, but as Florida re-opened in early May, Laurie from Dr. Goodman's office reached out to me and scheduled everything for May 29. My husband (who is extremely supportive and my freaking rock throughout all of this!) accompanied me. The procedure took about three hours. It's not terrible, but there is some discomfort. The most painful part was having the anesthetic and tumescent fluid injected into multiple sites. Plus, there were a couple of "ouch" parts when the cannula was moved into spots that were right at the edge of not being numb.
After the initial procedure, Dr. Goodman had me stand up so that he could take a 360 look and check for symmetry, along with mark spots where more fat could be removed. Another 10 minutes of touching up and I was done. Nurse Crystal wrapped me in padding and stuffed me into my compression garment (now that was a challenge) and sent me home.
I had a ton of fluid drainage into the afternoon and night. My CG was soaked and as the anesthetic wore off, the pain and soreness took its place. I only used Tylenol 3 (with codeine) the first night. The pain and soreness has been very manageable since.
About 24 hours after the procedure I removed the CG so I could wash and dry it, plus shower. I was freaking shocked to look in the mirror and see immediate results... I may have cried a little! Now, in the 45 minutes that I was without the CG while I hand washed and dried it, plus showered, I did start swelling a bit, which is to be expected. But I notice a massive difference in my belly, my front and side profile, and my back.
I'm only on day two of this journey and I know there will be ups and downs, but it's worth it! I'll be so thrilled to have back the self-confidence I've been missing these last couple of years. I'm already excited to get back into the gym (taking a full seven days off) and improve upon what are already amazing results!
I'll continue to update in the days and weeks ahead.
Updated on 3 Jun 2020:
Had my first post-op appointment today. Went great! Doc is pleased with my progress and stated that I’m where I should be in my healing. He removed approximately five pounds of fat during the procedure. Of course I’m still experiencing swelling, especially in my hips and lower belly, but I know that and the rest of the swelling will continue to subside in the weeks and months ahead.
Lots of bruising, but I’m using arnica cream daily after showering and it is helping. I think I’ll be feeling well enough to do light workouts starting Saturday. Really missing CrossFit, but resting and healing is the priority right now!
Here are a few “coming along” pictures. In the pictures of me sitting and being able to pinch my lower belly slightly, I’m really hoping that’s just continued swelling and that it will subside, and not fat that should have been removed. Any input/thoughts would be great. Otherwise, looooving the way I’m progressing so far. What a journey!
Updated on 9 Jun 2020:
Phew, what a process! My bruising is slowly but surely going away, and I’ve scheduled my first lymphatic drainage massage for tomorrow. I bought a 3-pack in hopes of the massages helping reduce swelling, which is obviously still very prevalent. Most of it is in my hips and lower belly, and my hips are really tender. I’ll have to report back!
Started working out again, taking it light and using good judgment of my capabilities. I bought a bodysuit style faja for working out and wearing under day clothes for a bit and it’s worked out great so far. My showers have apparently also become laundry time for my garments as that’s when I hand wash and then dry them, and wash them in the washer with regular laundry twice a week.
Anyway, here are some progress pics I snapped after a shower. I don’t think there’s a huge difference in just a few days, but my husband thinks so! Not going to lie, putting on the denim shorts felt odd after being so used to the CG. I did feel less “squishy” wearing them now than before the procedure so I’d say that’s a good thing and that all is headed in the right direction :)
Updated on 19 Jun 2020:
Hit the 3-week post-op mark today! Feeling good with some residual soreness of course. I’ve transitioned into a (much tighter, ugh) Stage 2 faja for 12 hours, and wearing the Stage 1 CG for 12 hours. The Stage 2, day by day, gets slightly easier to wear, which means I’m getting smaller. Also continuing with lymphatic massage, which is working WONDERS for swelling and pain.
Including some progress pictures including some between my first and second lymphatic massage.