Excited Yet Very Nervous - Manhattan, NY

October 31-
One week til my surgery. I wanted to give everyone some pics as a before reference

11/10/12
I am three days post op. While I still have some soreness, I am finally able to get up easily to walk around the house. I have been sleeping a lot for the past 3 days but that is due to the medications. I have not eaten a full meal since Tuesday and today I am going to try to eat.

I have had a lot of fluid drainage. But I can see the great results. My doctor is the best. He calls me twice a day to check in on me. Also, my best friend spent the first 12 hours with me, as did my boyfriend. If they did not spend time with me, I have no idea how I would have gotten through that first day.

I will post pics later, but wanted to update everyone.

Update 11/13/12
Today was my first day back to work and it was a tough one. First, I certainly took for granted the little things that were so easy which are now a huge task. This morning while getting up, luckily I had a wrap dress I could wear, thus little need to abdominal movement. However, putting on socks (I wore boots) was the most difficult thing. I couldn't bend far enough or bring my feet close enough to put on socks. After 20 minutes i gave up and went barefoot in my boots.

Also, I have laid mostly and bed and walked around. I did not do much sitting up. Sitting at a desk was uncomfortable. I felt like my abdomen was in my lap, which it wasn't. I could not find the right spot to sit up. Also, I think because of these new movements, I became more swollen. I had much more fluid released today than any other day. When I finally got home, all the activities that were difficult were a breeze, so I guess that is a silver lining.

Attached, I've added some new pics of day 3 post op. I was very swollen, but I can already see the results. My stomach looked like it typically does when I suck it in. Very excited for the swelling to continue to decrease.

9 days post op:

I removed my drains yesterday and finally took a look in the mirror today and I am so happy with my progress. My lower abs are very swollen, but I can see the results already. I am still sore and it is still uncomfortable to sit up, but hopefully i will be better come thanksgiving. I did not tell my mother about the surgery and I don't want to tell her (fear of judgment). So I will need to help her cook on Thanksgiving and hopefully I will no longer be as sore.

Please see updated pics below

When I first thought about getting liposuction on my mid-section, I decided that I was going to try to go to the best surgeon I could find. While I did not have unlimited resources, I refused to limit my search based on cost. I researched through various websites and I came up with a list of doctors to consult with. On my very first consultation with Dr. Engler, I knew I did not need to look any further. I felt completely at ease with him. He took the time to answer my list of questions. I have a type-A personality, so I definitely had questions regarding the smallest details.

When I went in for my second consultation, I felt even more confident that I made the right choice. Dr. Engler's staff was warm and welcoming. Pictures were taken and I hardly felt self-conscious because the atmosphere was so professional.

I was hardly nervous for the surgery until the day actually arrived. I entered Dr. Engler's office and was walked, once again, through the details of the procedure. My nervousness quelled and I was ready to go under. When I woke up, I was groggy yet elated. Dr. Engler called me every day, sometimes two times a day, to check on my progress. He continued to be patient with my many list of questions and comments

Two weeks after my procedure, my results were already amazing. My friends started to notice and comment about how amazing I looked. I was told that some people were not even telling me how great I looked, but was whispering it to other friends. I also became much more confident. I started to wear more form fitting clothes, belly revealing shirts. Now, two months after my surgery, I am so grateful I went through with it and immensely grateful that Dr. Engler was the surgeon I went to. I do not think another doctor could have sculpted my mid section to look as amazing as it does now. As I prepare for swimsuit season, I keep staring at my body in the mirror and smiling. Thank you Dr. Engler and your staff for not only the amazing work, but also the professionalism and warmth.

Here are more pics

Just wanted to update pics. I'm in love with my tummy. I wear lots of crop tops now.