CoolSculpting in Highlands Ranch, CO

On Monday, October 30th I had CoolSculpting performed on my stomach. I am 5'5" and 125lbs and have had two children. In the past few years I haven't felt comfortable showing my stomach in a bathing suit or wearing form fitting thin shirts because my stomach is not what someone would want to see in those things. The clinic recommended that I do a total of 2 treatments because that is what most people need to feel satisfied with their bodies.

The procedure: The hardest part, for me, about having this done, was trying to breathe once the large applicator sucked my skin in. It was easier after the first minute, but the whole time I was taking very shallow breaths. It wasn't a big deal; it was just startling. I really didn't find anything else uncomfortable white the machine was on. When she removed it I had a huge bulge of frozen fat formed into a mountain. It looked quite disgusting.

The massage: I know that some people say they really couldn't handle the message, but I didn't think it was that bad. It was slightly irritating for me, but I was pretty numb too, so that helps.

Leaving: After I got up and was scheduling my next appointment (for 2 months out) I began to feel nauseous and dizzy. I was told to sit down and was offered either meds or a shot. I decided to just drink a bit of water and remain seated for a couple of minutes. I was told some people experience this as blood is returning to the treated area. I was fine after that and was able to easily drive home with my numb stomach.

That evening: My stomach is very swollen. I look pregnant again. The only problem I had was that it was very uncomfortable to lie on my side (which is how I normally sleep). But I was able to sleep on my back without problems.

DAY 2: I woke up in pain. It was kind of a bruising feeling along with a hard workout feeling. I went to work, but struggled to do my job because I teach dance. Every time I bounced around I could feel the pain in my stomach. *I am taking ibuprofen every 6 hours and icing in the evenings.

DAY 3: Pretty much the same as day two, but perhaps a little more pain. I think MAYBE a little bit of swelling has gone down but I still look pretty bad!

DAY 4: About the same

DAY 5: Nerve pain has really started to set in. It reminds me very much of shingles (if you are so unfortunate as to know what that feels like.) There are random little shooting pains that tingle in a bad way. It's bad enough that I took my ice pack to work, and then got more ice throughout the day. It's mostly bearable if I sit and don't move. Unfortunately my job doesn't really allow me to do that. On the way home I call the place where I had the procedure done and am advised that I can get a prescription for something that is supposed to help with the nerve pain.

I pick up the prescription and read the instructions. There's medicine for the next 7 days. I am supposed to take one pill today, two tomorrow, and then 3 pills for the next few days before working down again. I took the pill about 7 hours ago, and don't really know if it's working. I have felt the pain go up and down but I think it could just be that this is how the pain is.

I will continue to update as the days pass...

Hoping this is all worth it! :)