Junk in the Trunk and Too Much Around the Middle! - Baltimore, MD

First, I will include pictures later- my doctor has all my before shots! I've never taken a before shot because I was too ashamed of how I looked! I am nearly 44 years old, and once I hit early menopause, and due to my overeating when my father died, I gained about 80 pounds in six year period. I've been so depressed and upset at how I looked, and I couldn't take it anymore. I'd been working out hard, but when months pass and I hadn't seen any real results, I would lapse back to the old habits. Finally, I was checking my email, and I saw a groupon for one laser lipo treatment. I started dreaming about getting something done. I bought the groupon and went in to see the doctor. After talking to him, he referred me to his partner, because he was able to root out my real concerns- my midsection, flanks, sides and back fat! I went to see this doctor, and really, he put me at ease, so I felt like it was worth it to pay for a good procedure.

I don't know if it's the compression garment or the scars, but I'm very very itchy! I'm thinking that 2 weeks into my post-op, I may just take off this scratchy compression garment and exchange it for the silk ones I got to replace this big 'ole binder. I'm figuring most of my waking moment, I can wear the binder compression garment, and then I can relieve myself from the itchy one at night with the silk 2nd stage compression garment. Also, I am having a lot of swelling in my feet. I elevate them at night, but in the morning, they're still swollen. I drink about 45 ounces of water, and then another 40 ounces of juice. Since it doesn't seem to work, I'm going to talk to my doctor about it. Perhaps he might have some ideas on what to do.

So they sent over my second stage garments. They're made of silk- I'm not sure how I feel about them just yet. I'm so used to having the binders holding in my swollen stomach- this second stage just holds everything in place and is slightly firm, but not tight. I'm not sure what's up with how things feel now that it's all hanging out. :-/ I have very mixed feelings on the second stage garment. On the other hand, my home health aide came by today to help me with my dressings. It's the first time she's seen me in nearly 2 weeks, and she was shocked- she said I'm looking really good! :) So there's an upside to this.

The area above my belly button is starting to feel tender and sore. Yesterday, I took my shower, and I felt a little bit of stinging on my belly button. I'm not sure what's up with that because my belly feels numb, yet there's a slight stinging sensation when I shower and a little soreness.

I'm back to not really feeling much of an appetite. My stomach just feels a little jumpy today.