42 Years Old, 2 Kids, Trying Coolsculpting over Surgical Procedures! 5'7, 138 lbs- Huntersville, NC

I was scheduled to have a tummy tuck 6 months ago but backed out (didn't want huge scar or fake belly button). I lost 10 lbs but still hate my stomach (and need to lose another 10 lbs!), but I thought I would try coolsculpting. I go for my first session (lower abs) today. I am having my lower and upper abs, flanks, and inner thighs done over the next few sessions. Not cheap as far as cost! But I hope to see some good results. I am going to track them here. Maybe you can let me know what you think!? I am a bit nervous about pain, before and/or after. I am supposed to wear an abdominal brace for 5 days. I read it is not supposed to help tighten skin, but I am hoping when the underlying fat is reduced, my skin will retract as well...

I want to track my measurements, so here is where I started today:
Hips (widest part): 36 inches
Waist (smallest part): 30 inches
Waist at belly button: 34 inches
Thighs (at widest part): 22 inches

I am going to be giving you my unbiased, honest opinion over the next few months!

Had my lower abs done this morning on both sides 60 minutes each. When the applicator was put on, the first 5 minutes or so, it did hurt. I liken it to a mammogram (squeezing pressing pain). But I did go away in a few minutes. The rest of the time I played on my phone or read a magazine. When she took the applicator off, like other post had said my fat/skin was a block of ice sticking up! She did massage it down for a few minutes. After that there was about a minute of tingling freezer burn feeling which almost had me panicking, as it thawed out. And bright red skin but that went away in 20 minutes. The other side was the same as the first, probably not as bad because I knew what to expect. Afterward I feel fine, hopped right up. She recommended a binder for a week. A few hours later I took the binder off to inspect what was done. It feels tingly and numb on my whole stomach. I think I am starting to swell also. But with the binder on its not bad at all. She said it's really going to swell up in a few days so I'm just waiting for it to get worse before it gets better! Here are some pictures 2 hours after the procedure. Couldn't get all the marker off...

I havent been wearing the binder much because it is annoying. I actually called Sona yesterday to ask of i really needed to wear it (they said yes, mostly for comfort, not that that it helps improve results). Up until today i really didnt need it. But today my lower abs are still numb, but more itchy, swollen, and uncomfortable. Not the end of the world pain, but annoying! I almost feel panicky that i will never gave feeling in my stomach again. And i also think i am crazy freezing fat for the sake of looking good, ugh! Trying to stay positive...