Lipo of abdomen, hips and flanks

I’m 24hrs post-op, and have just taken my meds, so I apologize if this is rather poorly written! Here goes....!
I’ve always had issues with what I referred to as “speed bumps” on my hips. No matter what I weighed—even at 115lbs on my 5’9 frame—they were always there. Unfortunately, at 38, imbalanced hormones/thyroid started upping the ante, in the weight loss arena, and I started packing on midsection weight, especially in the lower abs and muffin-top area (ladies, beware of testosterone therapy, especially since it’s all the rage!). I started to gradually lose sight of my waistline, no matter how rigorous I worked out or how cleanly I ate, it just wouldn’t budge.
I decided to have lipo of the upper and lower abs, hips and flanks. My doctor, Dr Smart, performs power-assisted tumescent lipo. He had tried many forms over the years—vaser, smartlipo, etc—but said he has the bet results from power-assisted (vibrating cannula, which breaks up the fat faster and speeds recovery, because there’s less physical manipulation). From the research I did, it also leaves a smoother result, as there’s less of a “channeling effect”, which can sometimes leave grooves under the skin, in the fat.
Anywhoo, my procedure lasted about two hours and resulted in appx 3950cc’s (just shy of 4 liters) removed. My doc’s nursing staff and anesthesiologist were phenomenal, as they have been in the past (I had a bread reduction/lift earlier this year). Dr Smart’s nurse is the kind of lady you’d want to go out for cocktails with! She immediately makes you feel at ease, yet shoots you straight from the hip—you just want to give her a big ‘ole hug! I was very nervous initially and she warned me that it wasn’t going to be pleasant when I woke up, but that she was more than confident I could manage. The anesthesiologist said the same thing. They were both right.
Some docs use lidocaine in their tumescent solution but mine doesn’t, so my initial waking sensation was burning, which my nurse prepared me for. Once I was home, the muscle soreness was also very apparent. I’d say a solid 6/10–definitely comparable to childbirth WITH an epidural., because it’s basically the same parts of your body involved (minus the hoohah!). I’ve never had a TT or a c-section, so contractions are all I have to compare to.....or like you’ve been hard core weight training your abs, for like 5 days straight. The flank area will also be very tender, mainly because you’re laying on your back for so long. I found putting big pillows under my knees, lower legs and feet takes the pressure off your flanks/low back, and keeps the swelling under control. You definitely need someone to help get you in and out of bed and to the restroom, for sure, as your muscles ache sharply when engaged, so you’ll want to avoiding using them, if possible. You’ll also want to invest in some waterproof puppy pads, if they don’t send you home with some. I know, sounds crazy, but you’ll thank yourself later! You’ll ooze a tumescent fluid and blood mix for about a day after. I had my procedure at 9am yesterday and it seems to finally be stopping. You’ll soak through your dressings, the garment and your clothes, so you’ll want to put down towels on top of the puppy pad, to protect your mattress. Have several pairs of comfy, drawstring style bottoms, and loose fitting tops, on hand to change into, when they get soiled.
So far, my swelling isn’t bad at all. It’s definitely apparent, but not what I had prepared myself for...sweet! I hear the 2-3rd days are the worst for swelling though. We briefly took the garment down a bit, to change my dressings, but I immediately pulled it back up—it just feels better having it on, believe it or not. More secure, if I had to pick one word for it. Oh, and my garment has an opening to use the restroom....both front and back. I’d imagine they all do, but I don’t know for sure. Mine doesn’t have snaps or anything either, it’s just a big hole—you’ll love that later too, even though it’s weird to do your business with your clothes on!
Will post more updates tomorrow. I’m sure the bruising will set in soon!

This process has been a pretty rough go, pain-wise. I wasn’t quite expecting the strange sensations I’ve experienced either, once the overall ache and occasional tearing pain subsided.
I can’t really explain how nerve pain feels, but try to imagine being numb, yet hyper-sensitive at the same time. Crazy, I know! Most of my lipo’d areas are numb to pressure, but feel like burning, when using light strokes on the skin.
My waistbands feel like they’re trying to saw me in half, even through the garment, and even if they’re fairly loose elastic bands. Everything seems to leave a temporary dent too, but I suppose that’s still residual swelling, which fluctuates daily. Some days, there’s very little. Others, I look like the Michelin Man.
On the upside, I found kick@ss abs I didn’t realize I had and no more muffin top, in lowrise jeans—even with swelling! Sweet! All in all, this has definitely been worth it, even only being one month post-op. But a word to the wise....(or several)....this process is no picnic. You’re GOING TO feel like you made a mistake at some point, because you’re so uncomfortable in your own skin. You’ll hate your garment with a passion, but love it when it feels like it’s keeping your insides from falling out. You’ll hate it again when it’s riding up in your groin area, with a vengeance, and you’ll be sooo sick of pulling it back down and adjusting. You’ll long to eat salt again, because even a pinch of it makes you swell up like a blowfish....the cankles will go away too, I promise! ;-) You’re a tough chick though, and you made this decision for you and you alone. At least, that’s my mantra at this stage! Here’s to another 30 days of baby steps and steady healing—happy holidays y’all!

"Body by Smart"--you betcha! (He really needs to patent that!) Do I follow a low carb, high protein diet still? Yes. Do I exercise 4-5 times per week still? Yes. BUT...I've always taken this approach, and can confidently say, I'd never have the results I still have, years later, had it not been for the skill and expertise of Dr. Ken Smart.