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37yo, No Kids, Tall 5'9 and Slender 148lbs, Gaining Weight, sx 10/31/16

UPDATED FROM dreamdove
18 days post

a little more than 2 wks po

D
dreamdove
WORTH IT$7,500
I started feeling good at day 3 and each day from that point has gotten better and better. Now that I'm a little more than 2 wks po I feel AMAZING. I don't feel like I've had surgery. I have a hard time sleeping comfortably but I sleep thru the night. I'm just sore and tight in the abdomen area.

Speaking of abdomen, I had my 3rd massage today. After the first 2 I wanted to quit. The pain was simply unbearable. I thought I could just say forget it but after seeing Dr. S a couple days ago, he gave me that look and I knew I was in trouble so I'm back on track now. They don't hurt as bad but they are still painful. The only comfort is knowing that it's helping. My stomach is hard in spots so we're working on those areas.

I'm in a smaller garment now (medium) and I got the ab board today.

Some days I feel like my butt is too small and way too natural, which is what I asked for, and then other days I can try on certain clothing and I think yeh! this is just right. So we'll see how it ends up.

dreamdove's provider

Moises Salama, MD

Moises Salama, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.7 | 2555 Reviews
PROFILE

dreamdove rating for Dr. Salama:

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Replies (2)

M
November 19, 2016
So happy for you. Appreciate the honest feedback of your journey. You look amazing and you're giving me hope. I'm two weeks away.
D
November 21, 2016
Thank you Luv. Just remember to have a clear vision of what you're looking for and convey that to Dr. S. He listens! You're gonna do great. Time will fly by!
M
November 21, 2016
I know what you mean. I'm
Super nervous for the post experience. God knows I'm
Not great with pain. But your results along with many others have given me hope. One question for you: did you get the dr Miami booty pillow? And really how long did I wait to sit. And if so what did I use. I know six weeks is super unrealistic for those that have to drive themselves to work etc. I can't be solely dependent for six weeks. All feedback is appreciated.
D
November 22, 2016
No to the dr miami pillow. I ordered the bootybuddy ($80 or so). But truth be told, I always forget it when I'm going places so I've opted for couch throw pillow that I'll sit on when I drive (which I started driving day 5). It stays in my car. And for when I fly which has been often, or go to a restaurant or just about anywhere i need to sit I'll use a neck pillow. It has become the most convenient little thing ever. Plus no one ever stops and stares or question my neck pillow. It sits comfortably under my thighs. If i had known better, I wouldn't have bought the bootybuddy. I could have saved that money!

NO sitting for 6wks. You will find alternative sitting and laying positions. It sounds harder than it really is. The no sitting isn't an issue bc of the pillows I use. Sleeping is a challenge. I lay flat with no head pillows so I don't get neck cramps. I'd suggest start practicing now! It gets easier.

I was on my own after day 5 and I got around just fine. I know everybody heals differently but I didn't have many problems at all after my mother left. I was driving and functioning, albeit slow, but I was still independent!

You'll be fine. Keep positive energy and positive vibes. Every time you look in the mirror you'll remember why the struggle is and was worth it! Make sure you do your research and speak vividly to what your ideal body is. Dr. S listens. He'll give you what you're asking for! Its gonna be great!
M
November 22, 2016
You. Are. The. Best!!!! Seriously. It's so hard to gain try honest feedback on here and I'm a nervous mess so your advice is so appreciated! I will start now practicing. I have a back pillow but still unsure of how to sit using it. I will be on my own askonafter day five so I'm happy to hear that you're doing well and did well on your own. I'm researching pics now trying to get a hold on what I want and expect. Your kind and positive words are so nice to read. I will definitely remain positive and keep praying for the very best. Afterall I'm pushing 39 and i want this to be my one and only surgery...god willing. One more thing did were you the first surgery of the day? Thanks again and I'm about to grab my pillow now and start practicing. Lol
D
November 22, 2016
Yes ma'am. I was the first sx. It was really cool bc any other time I've had sx I was in a lobby with other patients waiting for my doctor. But this sx when I got there it was just me and his team. It was so quiet. I really liked feeling like all eyes were on me. All attention was mine. He'll take u to his office after you've changed. He'll do ur pics and then ask what you want. That's your time to shine and let the man know! I showed him realistic pictures, he went thru all 6 or so and he said ok. I can do that. As for your pillows. As long as ur butt hangs off and it's not being squished at any time then the pillow is working. It may seem confusing now, but I promise, after sx it'll all come to you and you'll figure things out.
M
November 22, 2016
Again, thank you so much. Keep me posted on your continued recovery. I will let you know how I do. Happy Thanksgiving!
UPDATED FROM dreamdove
3 days post

My Surgery Day up til Day 3 post op

D
dreamdove
My talk with Dr. Salama the morning of surgery was uneventful. He asked what I wanted, I showed him pics, we had small talk, laughed a bit and then my anesthesiologist Alex came in. Since he has his own surgical facility it was small and quiet. I was the only patient there. So it was all about me. I was always confident in my selection of him as my doctor, but this solidified my confidence.

I woke up from sx shivering uncontrollably and teeth chattering. Nothing they can do, it's just an automatic body response. I was irritated by everything as my mother drove me home (5 miles from the center). I was in pain and nauseated. I have a high pain tolerance but this became unbearable. I took Percocet soon as I got home but I spent the first 2hrs in SEVERE pain. I couldn't get comfortable and everything hurt, especially my hips. The pain finally subsided and I slept off and on for the rest of the day and most of my second day. I kept my pain under control by taking Percocet about every 6hrs. Adding Tylenol helped a lot too.

Today, DAY 3 has been amazing. I felt great. I went to the doctors this morning, then drove around town running errands with my mother. We stayed gone for about 8hrs, in and out of the car. Now, I wouldn't recommend that for anybody, but this is how my day has gone. I need to take it easier, but I believe the Cell Saver has probably helped in my superior healing process. I really do feel good, I keep forgetting it's only been 3 days!

My 1st massage was today. Good God it hurt. Again, I have a high pain tolerance, but this is insane. I haven't been wearing a garment bc of a spot on my side that Dr. S was worried about so he wanted to keep the friction of a garment off of me for the time being. I've been swelling a bit so I thought there'd be a lot of fluid to get off, but surprisingly there was almost none Eileen said. But the massage hurt like crap. I took Percocet prior to my office visit, but that didn't seem to do a thing! It hurts ladies!! Please be prepared for this.

Replies (3)

M
November 4, 2016
Oh you already had it done!!!! Well all is great! You look well even with the bruising. Hopefully you'll get in the garment soon.
M
November 4, 2016
Keep updating pls
N
November 4, 2016
You look good I think the cell sever make it a lot different.
JR
November 4, 2016

I'm glad to hear you are feeling good, despite the massage pain!  Hang in there!

UPDATED FROM dreamdove
3 days post

Wish pictures...

D
dreamdove
I never wanted to go too big. Just enough to make a difference. Dr Salama doesn't care too much for pictures that are unrealistic. So when I showed him these he said "ok, that's something I can work from." So just make sure you research girls that share your same body structure so you and your doctor can be on the same page. Communication is essential!

Replies (0)