Awake Liposuction —I found Dr. Gabbay and researched the heck out of him.

Lymphatic massages and a tighter compression garment have absolutely been helping with my swelling. I’m technically allowed to only wear the garment 12 hours a day, but I’m definitely still wearing it more-sleeping in it too. My lower back is still in a good amount of pain (well, more soreness the last few days) and my ribs go in and out of pain. My abs go between sore and numb. All of this ya to be expected with the amount of fat taken out and work Dr. Gabbay did on me.
I’m back to working out, but taking it slow-2-3 days of weights vs my pre surgery 5-6 days, plus my cardio. I JUST tried a little ab work this week. 50 seconds on the Bosu plank...probably pushed it, but it feels so good to be working out! I also tried jeans on this week...I’ve NEVER felt this comfortable in jeans! I will share more pics in a bit. I still have a lot of recovery to go and a lot more swelling to go down, but this is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself (besides marrying my husband and adopting our furbabies!)

I am definitely still swollen and I started lymphatic massage this past Saturday. It’s been a god send! I’ll be going at least twice a week (I already went back Tuesday.) Highly recommend. I feel SO much better after-she also has shown me things I can do at home. Also-and this may be because I have GI issues anyhow-additional bloating and bathroom issues are real. I already feel “full” from my swelling and the bloating doesn’t help. I’m already eating a high protein diet and need to add in some fiber. Keep those things in mind if you decide to do the procedure!
My waist is definitely becoming more defined day by day. Follow up with Dr. Gabbay today! I’m hoping he says yes to some yoga and light weights, too. I’m obviously still walking every day as he asked, but I’m ITCHING to get back to my workout routine, ASAP.

So, it's been almost a week since surgery. I was pretty numb, but also sore (if that makes sense?) until my local wore off..and, I'm not going to lie, I have had some PAIN since then. Sleep has been rough--I'm a back and side sleeper and, as Dr. Gabbay ended up working on both those areas, it's really hard to get comfortable. I haven't had a full nights sleep since surgery, even with Ambien. I also do have pain meds--which I usually try to avoid, but I've definitely needed them and more than I expected. Even then, the pain meds more dull down the pain than really kill it for a bit. I had a breast reduction last year (different doctor) and the recovery and pain from that was WAY less than this. Definitely prepare yourself. Standing is rough, walking it rough, sitting is uncomfortable...all of it. Granted, I also had A LOT taken out (more than originally planned, I believe) but still, be prepared.

With all of that being said--I am still very swollen, but I see it go down just a little every day. I have also had a lymphatic massage, which was awesome--moments of pain, but I felt like a new person for a good 6 hours after. Dr Gabbay, Kelly, Melissa, and Stefanie have all been awesome and I know I can reach out if I need anything. I've been following advice and getting at least 30-45 minutes of walking a day, which definitely has been helping, as well. My bruising is not terrible--however, I also take arnica on a regular basis and genuinely believe it helps.

I have been out and about a little bit, since Friday night-my husband and I went out for an early dinner on Friday and I did okay (close to home) and we also went and got a cheese board at one of our fave spots yesterday. I just have to make sure I get up and walk every hour or else the pain/soreness becomes beyond uncomfortable. Also--if you have a spring/summer surgery or live in a warmer area, order a bunch of maxi dresses to hide the compression garment! I'm a shorts and short dresses person, so quickly had to order a bunch. Happy to say I'm an XS in them all....and that's while still healing.

My first follow up appointment is in two days, so more after that!