Finding Myself Again!!

Growing up, I was always a runner and into fitness, eating well and being healthy. Over the years, I’d lost myself. The true me was gone. I got married, had kids, quit working out, ate like crap and felt awful about myself. At 40 years old I was 5’4” and 196 pounds, which was more than I weighed at full term with my son. My blood pressure was high, my BMI reflected I was obese, and I hated everything about the way I felt and looked. So. I decided to quit making excuses, got up off my ass, quit complaining and did something about it. I got a gym membership, started the paleo diet (kinda) and looked, really looked at myself. There’s nobody else to blame but myself and I knew I needed to make some huge changes. This is when I decided that in addition to what I was already changing, I wanted to get rid of my ugly tummy, muffin top, tire roll....whatever you wan to call it. I wanted it gone. It didn’t matter the amount of core training, cardio, paleo...it just never would go away. That’s when I called Sono Bello and set up a consult. At my first visit, they asked what I was looking for, why and gave me my options. Julie was my consultant and she was like a gift sent down from the heavens!!!! Such a sweetheart and made me feel so comfortable!! After the first visit, I st up my next one or a week later, which was for the pre-op. At this visit, I met with Dr. Volk and he felt like I was a great candidate for the liposuction and laser to the upper and lower abdomen, with removal of the excess skin in the lower abdomen (since I had sagging there). I scheduled my appointment for the following week and had the procedure done. When I got there the day of the procedure, they gave me Xanax and Percocet prior to numbing me up. Then they did the numbing, and out of the whole thing, this was absolutely the worst part. Once I was numb and the liposuction started, I couldn’t feel anything but a little pressure and some pulling (kind of like during a c-section). Thy played my choice of music and talked throughout the procedure. I was very comfortable and knew I was in good hands with Dr. Volk and my nurse, Jasmine. They did an awesome job!!! I’m still in the recovery process, but I’m looking forward to the results!!!!

It’s been a little over two weeks since my procedure and I’m already seeing results!! I have had to go in four times to have excess fluid removed. I was really nervous about that Bc it’s a big needle hey put in your lower side of abdomen!!! Good thing is, my doctor did it first time and awesome nurse Elizabeth the other times and they numbed me up before doing the big needle. It was fine!!! My pain level overall is much better as well. I’m only taking Advil now. I am still pretty swollen and it’s hard to stand up straight. Most of the swelling is in the lower abdomen, legs and sometimes ankles by the end of the day.

The swelling is still here, it’s moved down to my lower abdomen and mostly right around where the scar is. I’m trying to eat less sodium because I notice I swell up and retain a lot of fluid. Dr. Volk and his nurses and staff have been amazing!!! They are all very friendly and have made this whole journey comfortable and fun!! I’m really trying to notice a nice shape round my hips and throughout my abdomen. There’s still a few little bumps and some uneven areas, but that will all improve with further healing. I’m already very satisfied with my results!!!!