Just Got It Done Yesterday! Upper/Lower Abs and Flanks -Northern VA

I'm in my thirties with 3 kids (just had my third not too long ago!), athletic, with the same trouble areas my whole life that got even worse after my babies. Just went in yesterday. I got there at one (just given one small dose pill to help calm me), procedure started at 2 and it took about 3 hours. The nurse and doctor created a very relaxing and comfortable environment and the time went by pretty quickly. They seemed to have really take their time and review everything thoroughly. I only felt a few "pinches/pokes" a couple times, but otherwise everything was painless and went smoothly. I had to change my padding for the leaking a few times throughout the evening, things were a bit messy, but that just means everything is healing! The tight garment, though it made it a bit difficult to change the padding last night, hasn't been as uncomfortable as it has been for others that I have read. The pain/discomfort has definitely been manageable, I've only taken extra strength tylonol. I was happy when it reached 24 hours so I could shower and see how things looked so far. I can definitely tell a difference. The only area I'd be a little concerned about is right above my hips/lower part of my flanks-there seems to be a lump/bulge on both sides; almost like they didn't take anything out there. But I'm going to try not to worry about anything for a few weeks. I'm very thankful for reading all the reviews, I feel it helped me to really know what to expect; and everyone seems to say that in another week or 2 it will look like everything went back to how it was because of swelling,etc, I'll get frustrated with lack of results, and then things will start looking good. So the main thing I learned from reading reviews is patience! I am going to take it easy for a few days then slowly start exercising again. I think if I continue eating good and exercising as I was pre-surgery, I'll eventually get the results I really want. I'll keep posting updates as the weeks go by, as I found this site very helpful for me!

I'm 3 days post op now and feel good. It's only painful if I get bumped or something, but am able to go about my normal activities. I am concerned about my flank area- I definitely think the doctor took out like a straight line of fat, but nothing below or above, it looks like a huge groove in the middle of my hip, like when you wear something tight that digs into your hips; and it's very deep and very noticeable. I don't know if they have a "touch up" policy. I'm happy with everything else so far though.

I have read and read and was told repeatedly by my nurse and doctor that I have to be patient for results. 10 days post and it's kind of hard to look and see yourself looking basically the same, except for a large indent/groove in your left hip. I do see a slight difference still in the bottom of my abdomen, which is reassuring. I am sore, my whole midsection just feels like a huge bruise, but nothing that isn't bearable. I have been doing light to medium exercise; elliptical and stair machine and some light weights and it's been fine, no problems. I've been able to go about my normal activities otherwise right after also. I've continued to wear my garment 24/7 (minus shower in which time I hand wash/dry my garment during that time). The directions said 24/7 for at least a week and 12hr/day for at least another week -but it seems to help. I have my 2 week post op appointment this Friday.