43 Years Old. 4 Kids. Need to Improve Self Esteem

My decision to go down the smart lipo path started when a friend shared a link for cool sculpting on facebook. She swore by it. I looked into that, but there are no practitioners where I live, and it sounds like you need multiple treatments to make a difference. Too much travel. And it seems like it works best for people who are pretty close to the shape they want to be (I'm not).

One of the clinic websites I researched cool sculpting on also offers many other procedures. I had always thought that traditional lipo was too invasive, and was turned off by the downtime. Smart lipo sounded better with shorter recovery time, and I like the sound of the skin tightening side effect of the laser method.

I read good reviews of Dr James Chen, and his clinic is not too hard for me to get to. So after a go ahead from my husband, and a preliminary appointment with Dr Chen, I felt good about booking the procedure. My date is set for June 1. Just over two weeks from now. (!!!)

I will be staying alone in a hotel about 10 minutes drive from the clinic. I kind of wish I'd have someone with me, but I don't want anyone except my husband to know I'm doing this, and he needs to stay home with the kids. I think I'll be fine though. I've read a lot of reviews on this forum and I think I know what to expect. I expect to be very uncomfortable for those first few days, and honestly kind of like the idea of getting them over with in peace and solitude. Initially I didn't plan to do a review (I'm a bit of a private person) but since I'm not telling anyone about this, I feel like I will really appreciate some forum support through the whole experience!

I will fly home on day 4. It's only a short flight. And go back to work on day 6. I'm equally excited and nervous! Has anyone got good tips on how best to prepare myself for a quick and smooth recovery?

I know how helpful others photos have been to me! So adding a couple of my before pics. Feeling excitement mixed with trepidation!

It's the middle of the night and I'm awake because I went to bed super early not because of discomfort. What better time to write up my surgery experience?!

What a fascinating day! I arrived at the clinic at 7.30am. Filled out paper work and then the nurse gave me Valium to make sure I was calm.
Dr Chen came in and did his lovely permanent marker artwork on my body. He's nice and I didn't feel uncomfortable. I asked him if this was the artistic fun part. He laughed and said it actually was :)
I relaxed for a short while on the bed there in the nurse's room before they took me through to the theatre.
After placing my cannula I was given the medication that put me under twilight anaesthesia.
Beyond that my recollections are pretty sketchy. I heard quite a lot of interaction between Dr Chen and his nurse, but really don't recall any of it. There were a few times when the treatment was uncomfortable, but if I made any noise or squirmed at all they asked me if I was ok. I was awake enough to respond and they would top up the pain relief, which took effect immediately.
After we were finished the Dr showed me 7 (!!!) bottles of fat that he took from my body. I could see that a bit of it was fluid (blood mixed with tumescent fluid?) but.... WOW! I am so impressed and can't wait to get a look at my results!
I'm staying in a place with no full length mirror, so can't really check it out yet. I did see my reflection in a window though, and am very happy with the silhouette!
My discomfort is quite manageable so far. I have taken 2 doses of Panadeine Forte, but the last one was 6 hours ago and I still feel ok. It's very much like others have said -- feels like I've done a massive workout.
The garment is pretty full on. I don't mind it though (so far). It makes me move stiffly but I'm sure I'll get used to that.
Honestly the ooze from the incisions is the main annoying thing. I was expecting it, and am only 12 hours out of surgery so it's way too early to expect it to stop, but it is very messy! I'm more conscious of it because I'm not at home making a mess of my own stuff! I'm staying with my sister in law and family, and don't want their kids to know, so pretty much have to stay in my room.
I have a follow up appointment tomorrow, so will likely have more to say after that.