Going for a shapelier midsection through SmartLipo and will get a fat transfer to my butt in the process! - Austin, TX

I wanted to post a review right after my surgery, but with the pain meds I have been sleeping on and off for the past few days. So far, I'd say the smart-lipo was a success! I was worried that I wouldn't see immediate results (as some people don't), but I saw an instant change in the shape of my waist and I can't wait for the rest to settle.

The day of surgery wasn't bad at all. The facility was very efficient and got me in as soon as I got there. I wasn't nervous at all (thank God)...probably because of the Ativan I was prescribed! The first part of the procedure was the worst. The nurse gave me what felt like 50 shots around my belly and while the needle was small, whatever she was injecting to numb me up stung as it went in. There were some places that were more sensitive than others (directly under my bust, around my belly button, on my sides). Once I was numb, she started injecting the tumescent fluid. There were a few moments where this was painful, but it wasn't unbearable...it took about an hour to get my upper/lower abs, flanks and waist. Next, the Dr came in and started his work. I was pretty numb at this point, so I didn't feel much, but there were points where I could feel what he was doing (especially around my belly button). The surgery itself lasted an extra hour than originally quoted, but I had no idea that was the case until we were actually in the car leaving.

My recovery has been great so far. No major pain, no major bruising. I've slept most of the time. The pain medication makes me pretty sleepy and was making me nauseous! I hadn't been able to keep anything down until today (my surgery was Wednesday...today is Saturday)...even with the anti-nausea meds. That has been the worst part of my recovery so far!

My doctor has me wearing a compression garment and a binder. Neither are exceptionally comfortable, but they're not as uncomfortable as I thought they'd be. I took my first shower yesterday and it wore me out! Today I was feeling a little cooped up, so I went out and ran a few errands with no issues.

I posted some pictures that I took yesterday to show the results I saw immediately. I'll post some more next week. I'm pretty sleepy right now, so I think it's time for a nap. I'll post more later :)

Tomorrow is my big day and I figured I should add my pre-surgery measurements/stats before I forget! I've found it very helpful to see people's height/weight, etc so I can compare results of people who have a similar body type to mine...so here it goes!

2/5/13
I'm 32, 5'4" and as of this morning, I weigh 172lbs.
Bust: 43"
Directly under my bust: 36"
Two inches above belly button: 37"
Belly Button: 40.5"
Two inches below belly button: 43.75"
Directly above pubic bone: 43"

I've had an interesting week in terms of emotional ups and downs leading up to my surgery, but today I've felt fairly calm while taking care of preparations. I have all of my pre/post surgery meds together in a small cosmetics bag. This consists of the prescriptions, along with a "surgery recovery pack" that I bought when I wrapped up my pre-op (basically an AM/PM multivitamin, Bromelain with Quercetin and Arnica Montana). I purchased an inexpensive throwaway sheet set for my bed (in case the drainage is really bad), plus a shower curtain to put in between the fitted sheet and my mattress pad. I'm doing my laundry right now and will lay out the clothes that I'll be wearing tomorrow (favorite black fleece pants, loose fitting black tank top, flip flops and a black fleece zip up jacket). My nurse recommended that I bring a drink and snack in case I get hungry during the procedure, which I thought was a little odd, but I'm going along with it! I'll make a snack pack with some almonds, grapefruit slices, coconut water and gatorade. Maybe some chips in case I want something crunchy and salty, which I sometimes end up craving. Outside of that, I'm not sure there's much else I can do tonight.

I've downloaded a few books to my iPad and have gotten a few magazines that I haven't read yet in case I feel like reading. I also spent some time downloading songs for a new playlist...entitled, "Miss New Booty"! I included songs that celebrate big butts and hot bodies to amp me up!! :)

I'll update tomorrow as I'm able to...hopefully I get some sleep tonight!

I have a whole list of questions that I want to ask the Dr. Nikolaidis during the pre-op. I've listed them below, but if there are any that I missed or questions that you would've asked before your surgery...please message them to me! My pre-op is scheduled for 1.30.13!

How many smart lipo procedures (in the areas I'm interested in) have you done? How many fat transfers to the buttocks have you done?
Do you recommend taking Arnica Montana or Bromelain before/after the procedure?
What about my existing medications?
Do I need to stop skincare regimens?
Do you take before and after pics? If so, do you send me a copy?
After assessing my body, how much do you think you'll be taking out (in terms of pounds)? How much will you be using for the fat transfer?
Will I need drainage tubes?
How many incisions and where will they be located?
Will the fat transfer smooth out the "cellulite" look that I've got going on with my butt?
What type of garment will I be wearing (I'm doing smart lipo on lower/upper abdomen, flanks and waist, then having the fat transferred to my butt).
Would you recommend I take a stool softener? (I remember being very constipated after my breast reduction).
Are massages included in the price? If not, what type of massage is recommended and how often should I go/when do I start them?
What (if any) are the additional costs that I should expect?
Does drinking alcohol affect the results?
How long before I can play sports?
How long will the results of each procedure last?

I also plan on taking in some "wish list" type pics so that he can see what my perfect end result looks like...and can let me know whether it's realistic or not. I also want to take some pics of what I DONT want as far as shape, so he has something to work with between my "wish" list and my "don't wish" list (couldn't think of a better name for it!)