Upper/Lower Abdomenal Laser Lipo - Chevy Chase, MD

I'm nervous about going in for this one because my abdomen is still bumpy from my procedure a month ago. I know, I know, it can take up to 6 months but it is still nerve wracking!!

Upon arriving at the Doctors office, I was told to take a pain pill as well as a Valium. I was escorted back to the room and given the operation "garments"!! Once in them the "before" pictures were taken. Dr. Khalifeh came in and went over the procedure again and then marked me up. I was numbed up, which was uncomfortable but not bad - felt weird. Once numbed up, the laser lipo began. Again, this was a little uncomfortable, but very manageable. Then came the lipo suctioning and again, not too bad. There were times I just wanted to crawl out of my skin, like right under my breasts and on the sides, but really not a bad procedure.

Now for the post op -- I had zero drainage, which made me happy, but ... OMG, It has been 6 days and I am STILL in pain -- sometimes shooting pain. I tried to go without any pain killers today, but around 3:00 I caved in. The pain is mostly on my sides and below my belly button. If I'm sitting, it's ok, but when I stand up, I have to stay hunched over and straighten up slowly. Sleeping at night is not too bad, other than when I want to turn to the other side, or get out of bed. Oh, and don't get me started on the damn garment you have to wear 24/7 for 2 weeks!!! Going to the bathroom takes forever to get all put back together.

Someone please tell me when this pain will go away, and if I look any different in the photos???

I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I see sooo many happy people and also people who have gained wright right after in odd places. I'm having my upper/ lower abdomen done tomorrow; then back in two weeks for outer thighs and flanks. I did take before pictures that I will post when I do my update after the procedure.