March 15th, "The Second Time Around" - Aventura, FL

I had lipo and fat transfer done in June 2011. I am not happy with the results. The local cosmetic surgeon has offered to do a revision at half the cost, but I am not confident in the skill ability. I actually joined this site in June 2011 and had STRONGLY consider traveling to have the procedure done, but decided against it due to my work and school schedule...surprisingly not because of cost (the price would have be almost the same).

I cannot say anything new or different than all of you have shared about your desires and motivation to have this procedure done...my reasons and motivations are the same. I will add that I am 35 years old, no children, I am 5' 4" and I estimate my current weight to be between 200 and 210lbs (haven't weight recently). My heightens weight ever, over the last three years has been 242lbs. At one point no matter what diet and how much exercise I was gaining weight every week.

In 2009/2010, I learned that I had a tumor on one of my adrenal glands. My doctors believe that cause many hormonal changes and the weight increase was a byproduct. I'll stop here and say that I've never been small and have always been "heavy", but the 242lbs was just awful! I will also add that the procedure in June (nor having my adrenal gland removed in 2010) was my first surgical experience. I have had two biopsies and a breast reduction. All were procedures that went well and had postive outcomes! I have, since June 2011, had other consultations and recently had a virtual consultation with Dr. Salama.

I have admired his work and the information shared by his patients. I talked to Ruben on Tuesday and again today, and have decided to have the procedure redone by Dr. Salama on March 12th. I am already excited and nervous. Dr. Salama recommends a tummy tuck in order to remove the excessive skin that will result from his liposuction technique. He will be addressing the abdomen, the flanks, the full back and inner thighs through liposuction as well as perform the tummy tuck and fat transfer. I am thinking about including the arms but Ruben said I can finalize that during the pre-op consult when I arrive the day before.

I am looking forward to a sexy figure, and hour glass shape and extremely prominent projection of my butt. Dr. Salama believe he can successfully add 1000 cc of fat to each side and I was pleased to hear that as my previous doctor said she was only able to inject 250 to each side (very disappointing). I was concerned about the tummy tuck because I have read review regarding the pain from both sides (i.e. it's very manageable v/s it's awful). I don't expect recovery to be a breeze, but I am an admitted "punk" when it comes to sever pain. So I'm doing as much research as I can on how to prepare for it and manage it. So based on what I've been reading for months (and it's so very much on here and the various other websites).

I am planning to do a great deal of things to prepare such as: 1) trying to encourage a friend to join me on the trip 2) exercising, not too loose weight so much (he wants me to be 200lbs or very close to that number), but to build up strength in my arms and abs and legs so that I can help ease moving around 3) being more mindful of my diet, making healthier choices, which is not new because I had been doing weight watcher for the last year 4) investigating the hotels recommended by Ruben and trying to find out the nearest amenities such as Walmart or Kroger so that I can buy fresh fruits, veggies, water, coconut water (instead of Gatorade, but same purpose) That's all I can think of for right now. But there is so much other stuff that I know I need to research and learn.

The wealth of information on this site alone based on the experiences and research is so overwhelming. One thing works for one person, but another reports something that works best for them. I wonder if the administrator can streamline all of the recommendations (just points and tips, not commentary) into a link under the FAQs? Like use this for this, make sure you have this at home afterwards to aid in this, or this makes this easier. That way site users don't have to search each person's posting or updates. Just a thought, but also more work (lol).

Any-who, I wish I had not allowed myself to be bound by work and school this summer, and had the sense enough to at least have a consultation with Dr. Salama. I am certain I could have saved myself $8000+ and been well into enjoying my new look by now. BUTT (spelled that way on purpose) life is a learning experience and I am glad to have Dr. Salama as a recourse versus being stuck with the results I have now. I will post before pictures when my surgery date approaches and I have someone take appropriate pictures of me (that allow me to maintain my identity). And of course I'll post pictures afterwards.

If anyone has tips and tricks to share, feel free to drop a message. Finally, I will be traveling from Chicago. Most likely leaving on Sunday, March 11th. I have read where others who have/are traveling alone offer to link up and share the cost of hotel and to have the company. I am interested in doing something like that if I am unable to convince someone to tag along. Please reach out if you have a surgery date near mine, will be traveling alone and are interested in "collabrorating". To all who have dates coming up soon, best wishe! Peace and Blessings!