POSTED UNDER Smart Lipo Reviews
Smart Lipo Recovery: Day by Day Journal - Boulder, CO
UPDATED FROM autumnrose
Well, this past week has been fine (3 weeks post...
WORTH IT$3,900
Well, this past week has been fine (3 weeks post op). Most of the swelling seems to have disappeared, although there is still some. In it's place I can feel a lot of hardness and some lumps. Both of these were to be expected and I was given notice to expect them. At first I was a little worried - they are not "visible" but they feel like little fatty lipomas under the skin. Other areas are very hard. The nice thing is that neither of that is visible :-)
Both the lumps and hardness will begin to diminish in their own time. Everything is still very tender, although I can go back to all my other activities and I've eased back into a workout schedule. I do appear to have a seroma (a billowy, soft area about 2 inches by 2 inches) on my right flank. Doc said it should resolve within a week or two.
I don't have any restrictions and I have been told to wear the garment during the day only until week 3, which is today! I think I may continue it for just a few more days as it feels good. The area that was done definitely doesn't feel back to normal yet. It's still tender and a little numb, but no pain.
Both the lumps and hardness will begin to diminish in their own time. Everything is still very tender, although I can go back to all my other activities and I've eased back into a workout schedule. I do appear to have a seroma (a billowy, soft area about 2 inches by 2 inches) on my right flank. Doc said it should resolve within a week or two.
I don't have any restrictions and I have been told to wear the garment during the day only until week 3, which is today! I think I may continue it for just a few more days as it feels good. The area that was done definitely doesn't feel back to normal yet. It's still tender and a little numb, but no pain.
autumnrose's provider
Replies (4)
June 5, 2011
How are you doing this week, autumnrose? Has your seroma resolved or at least gotten smaller?
June 6, 2011
Hi there,
No it hasn't. I'm not sure if it's a seroma or not. It's not wobbly or liquidy as most are described. It's the only thing I'm sighing about, everything else looks absolutely fantastic. I've gone from a size 10 down to a very comfortable size 7. Abdomen is starting to soften instead of feeling rock hard. Don't really feel any lumps to speak of, they have faded. Some areas are still a bit numb/sore but completely bearable. How are things on your end!??
No it hasn't. I'm not sure if it's a seroma or not. It's not wobbly or liquidy as most are described. It's the only thing I'm sighing about, everything else looks absolutely fantastic. I've gone from a size 10 down to a very comfortable size 7. Abdomen is starting to soften instead of feeling rock hard. Don't really feel any lumps to speak of, they have faded. Some areas are still a bit numb/sore but completely bearable. How are things on your end!??
June 7, 2011
I'm doing OK. I am using the massager on the hard areas when I can (usually only 1x/day instead of the recommended 3x/day). Maybe it will help that last lumpy bit (the possible seroma) for you? I am glad to hear your stomach is getting softer - you are a week ahead of me and I am still rock hard and numb so I know what to look forward to next week. I had major swelling yesterday (felt like I was back to day 1 where I was strangling in the compression garment) - I have no idea why. I am still the same clothing size I was pre-surgery although I have lost close to 5 inches now on my muffin top. I can not WAIT for the swelling to start going down. I was told that it would start to subside a lot in week 4. I am half way through week 4 and still waiting... :)
June 28, 2011
thank you so much for this detailed account of your experience. My surgery is scheduled for July 7th and I will take your credible suggestions. I do have a question about the Amica Montana of the brand you suggested. Does it matter that the only one they had was 30c? that is what I purchased. What is your recommended dosage of this strength?
June 28, 2011
Hi TexCyn - I replied under another post but I'll copy it here, too:
I went to Arnica Homecare. They say (for Arnica 30C): "Recommended dosage: 3 to 5 pellets, immediately after injury and then 3 times a day away from meals. For severe symptoms, dosage can be repeated hourly, reducing frequency with improvement."
I was told the lower numbers are for acute and the higher for chronic conditions, I think it will work fine either way (imho).
I went to Arnica Homecare. They say (for Arnica 30C): "Recommended dosage: 3 to 5 pellets, immediately after injury and then 3 times a day away from meals. For severe symptoms, dosage can be repeated hourly, reducing frequency with improvement."
I was told the lower numbers are for acute and the higher for chronic conditions, I think it will work fine either way (imho).
June 29, 2011
You're welcome! 30C is just fine. Take it 3 times a day starting several days before your surgery. As with all homeopathics, take it alone (no liquids/foods 15 mins before or after) to allow the vibrational frequency to act unhindered.
This website has a great section explaining homeopathy, and this page specifically will give you a good overview of how the "dosage" works: http://www.thebodyhealer.com/healingsystems/homeopathy/howremediesaremade.asp
This website has a great section explaining homeopathy, and this page specifically will give you a good overview of how the "dosage" works: http://www.thebodyhealer.com/healingsystems/homeopathy/howremediesaremade.asp
UPDATED FROM autumnrose
8 Days ------ Soreness and stiffness is settling...
8 Days
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Soreness and stiffness is settling it, and has been for the past day or two. It's similar to when you have have a really hard workout and everything is stiff and sore, leaving you feeling very inflexible. My back is aching the worst (flanks) but doc said this was completely normal and to be expected.
Other than that, very uneventful with no problems at all. I like it that way :-)
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Soreness and stiffness is settling it, and has been for the past day or two. It's similar to when you have have a really hard workout and everything is stiff and sore, leaving you feeling very inflexible. My back is aching the worst (flanks) but doc said this was completely normal and to be expected.
Other than that, very uneventful with no problems at all. I like it that way :-)
Replies (4)
May 14, 2011
I had it done yesterday - I am still pretty groggy (slept most of yesterday), but only seem to be really sore right under my ribs in front. Thanks for the list of do's and dont's! I am following them as closely as possible.
I didn't realize that you shouldn't eat/drink for 15 minutes on either side of taking arnica - good to kow!
Btw, I think that #2 under "After" must mean drink 1/2 your body weight of water in ounces?
I didn't realize that you shouldn't eat/drink for 15 minutes on either side of taking arnica - good to kow!
Btw, I think that #2 under "After" must mean drink 1/2 your body weight of water in ounces?
May 14, 2011
Hi there!
That's awesome!! I slept most of the first day too. To be honest, stiffness and soreness didn't start to set in until around day 6-7. Now it's reeeeaally stiff. I was told that was perfectly normal.
Yes sorry - 1/2 your body weight in ounces :-)
With homeopathics, as it's a form of vibrational medicine, transfer the pellets directly from the container to your mouth (rather than touch them with your fingers that may not be completely clean, or touch other surfaces). This is why I love the boiron brand - you just twist the cylinder five times and 5 pellets are deposited into the cap, which you then tip into your mouth.
Let me know how your healing goes!
That's awesome!! I slept most of the first day too. To be honest, stiffness and soreness didn't start to set in until around day 6-7. Now it's reeeeaally stiff. I was told that was perfectly normal.
Yes sorry - 1/2 your body weight in ounces :-)
With homeopathics, as it's a form of vibrational medicine, transfer the pellets directly from the container to your mouth (rather than touch them with your fingers that may not be completely clean, or touch other surfaces). This is why I love the boiron brand - you just twist the cylinder five times and 5 pellets are deposited into the cap, which you then tip into your mouth.
Let me know how your healing goes!
May 15, 2011
I'm doing well if I can just get comfortable in this flipping compression garment :) I slacked on the water a bit today and have been lightheaded so I'm trying to catch up. I wonder if YouTube has a video on lymphatic massage - that sounds interesting...
May 16, 2011
I agree, I hate sleeping in the bloody thing :-)
I'd strongly advise going for 1 lymphatic drainage massage. That way you know exactly what to do yourself. It involves gently pumping the lymph nodes at the top of your legs and under your arms, then applying gentle pressure on the surgery areas in the direction of the lymph nodes. Super easy once you have had it done.
I'd strongly advise going for 1 lymphatic drainage massage. That way you know exactly what to do yourself. It involves gently pumping the lymph nodes at the top of your legs and under your arms, then applying gentle pressure on the surgery areas in the direction of the lymph nodes. Super easy once you have had it done.
May 16, 2011
Thank you for this information. I have read lots about the long term results for this procedure but can't find anything concrete. When you spoke to your doctor, did he say whether or not the results for the treated area are permanent? It would be good to hear off somebody with knowledge of the procedure. I'm looking to get either Smart Lipo or VASER Lipo this Summer :)
May 16, 2011
Hello,
Well from my exhaustive research and from talking with a lot of people, here is what I have learned:
1. Get your weight off first (i.e. get down to what you would consider close to your normal weight.
2. Use Smart Lipo to get rid of areas that are very stubborn and are not really responsive to exercise. I'm not overweight but I have a muffin top that just will not disappear even though I work out over 5 days a week.
3. Once the fat cells are removed, they are gone. They don't come back. But if you put on weight, the remaining fat cells will expand (and there may also be a a propensity to put more weight on in different areas where more fat cells are prevalent.)
Well from my exhaustive research and from talking with a lot of people, here is what I have learned:
1. Get your weight off first (i.e. get down to what you would consider close to your normal weight.
2. Use Smart Lipo to get rid of areas that are very stubborn and are not really responsive to exercise. I'm not overweight but I have a muffin top that just will not disappear even though I work out over 5 days a week.
3. Once the fat cells are removed, they are gone. They don't come back. But if you put on weight, the remaining fat cells will expand (and there may also be a a propensity to put more weight on in different areas where more fat cells are prevalent.)
May 17, 2011
Thank you for getting back to me :)
I am in decent shape as I am a powerlifter (a self conscious one) but, as most people do, have problem areas being love handles and lower abdomen, I'm sure once that's gone there will be a blazing 6 pack rushing to get out! Thanks for the advice, it's good to have direct information from somebody who knows! :)
I am in decent shape as I am a powerlifter (a self conscious one) but, as most people do, have problem areas being love handles and lower abdomen, I'm sure once that's gone there will be a blazing 6 pack rushing to get out! Thanks for the advice, it's good to have direct information from somebody who knows! :)
UPDATED FROM autumnrose
Today I'm coming to realize that none of my pants...
Today I'm coming to realize that none of my pants will fit me anymore. It's quite shocking actually to realize that there will be no more muffin top. No more constantly pulling up jeans to try to cover it. No more self consciousness about that fat rim. It would be nice if Smart Lipo came with a clothing allowance...! :-)
I went on the scales today and it shows me 2lbs lighter. Considering all I've been doing is sitting around with no physical activity I was worried i'd put on a ton of weight. Most people report little to no weight loss after having lipo which seems odd (perhaps because of the water from the swelling? something to ask at my post-op).
The areas worked on are still sore/tender to the touch. I'm still very protective of them being jostled. The massage therapist said I had more water retention on my flanks than abdomen (because of sitting and sleeping on my back, that's where it's pooling) so I'm trying to vary sitting and sleeping positions. Not much else to report. I'm *really* wanting to get back to a workout schedule - I'm feeling lazy and unfit not having any real physical activity.
I went on the scales today and it shows me 2lbs lighter. Considering all I've been doing is sitting around with no physical activity I was worried i'd put on a ton of weight. Most people report little to no weight loss after having lipo which seems odd (perhaps because of the water from the swelling? something to ask at my post-op).
The areas worked on are still sore/tender to the touch. I'm still very protective of them being jostled. The massage therapist said I had more water retention on my flanks than abdomen (because of sitting and sleeping on my back, that's where it's pooling) so I'm trying to vary sitting and sleeping positions. Not much else to report. I'm *really* wanting to get back to a workout schedule - I'm feeling lazy and unfit not having any real physical activity.
"A seroma is a fluid collection in an area following a surgical procedure. This is different from swelling. Swelling will respond to massage but seroma will responds to either compression or aspiration" ~Dr. Seify (Plastic Surgeon)
"Seromas are collections of fluid under the skin. Seromas should be drained, and not be allowed to resorb on their own. If left untreated, seromas can become permanent and form a capsule that needs to be removed surgically. They can also become infected." ~ Dr. Moelleken (Plastic Surgeon)
Thanks so much for the research. With this seroma, I guess my doc said most resolve/absorb on their own within 2-4 weeks. I have another appt. in 7 weeks as a final follow up. Hopefully it will be gone by then, and if not, they need to do something about it :-) Unfortunately it's right below my right hip so I can't wear anything too low rise or it's visible.... sigh.