40 Yr Old Review of Upper and Lower Ab Procedure - Memphis, TN

My decision to have aqualipo was based on the difficulty to lose that last few inches in my belly. My "kangaroo pouch" was the result of having 3 kids and target toning that area has been such a challenge. My hope is that I can maintain the results where I couldn't lose that last stubborn inches.

Day of procedure
I arrived at 11am and they talk about your procedure, give you the medicine for pain and relaxation. About 30 minutes later, I was relaxed (and nicely loopy) and ready to begin. Part of the procedure I do not remember. My fiancée was in the pre-op room with me and I do not remember leaving him. I do remember hearing the physician speak and the procedure beginning. The local and making the incisions didn't hurt at all. He began on my lower abs and I merely felt a twinge of discomfort but it was bearable. When he go to my upper abs...oooohhhh mmmyyyy gggooossshhhhh! Every time he got anywhere near my ribs, I was in severe pain. I asked him 4 different times to stop and give me a break for a few seconds. That did help but I felt like I annoyed the doctor by asking for him to give me a break for a minute. As a matter of fact, 2 times I asked him to give me a break, he didn't stop what he was doing. That caused severe pain! I have had 3 children, surgery for removal of melanoma, total hysterectomy, and breast augmentation. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THAT MUCH PAIN EVER!!!! I have a high tolerance of pain and rarely take pain meds at all. This was the worse pain in my life. Everyone talks about the compression garment being the worst part and they are right! I am not a large person and the compression garment he gave me was an XXS. I could barely breathe with that thing on. The nurses said it hurt more for me because I am small. I leaked a good bit of blood during the first 8 hours at home. I unhooked the garment to change the dressings and could not get it back on without the help of my fiancée. I will not remove it again until I shower tomorrow. The two incisions at the top of my belly hardly leaked at all and didn't cause any discomfort except when I was putting the garment back on after changing the dressing. I had to change the dressing again before bed and it's already lighter than before.

One day post surgery:
I have taken my pain meds on time to stay ahead of the pain. The discomfort is the worst when sitting. As long as I keep my stomach straight, the pain is from the tightness of the garment. When the nurse called to check on me, she suggested to get the next size up (XS) and alternate them. I will try that today and see if it's better. The drainage is very little so far and I still do better laying flat. Sleep was a challenge last night as I usually sleep on my stomach and side. I have kept ice on my stomach any time I have a twinge of discomfort and it helps! Today is not as unbearable as last night. I have cried every time I have to change the dressings because of having to put the compression garment back on. It's definitely the worst part. In looking at the size of my belly, I have already lost 2 inches but the swelling will being today. I will post every few days to allow for those considering this procedure to hear the good, the bad, and the painful!

Last night I chose to remove the compression garment and shower. Taking it off was minimal pain and the swelling didn't seem too bad. I did receive the compression garment one size bigger (XS) and at least I can breathe easier. The first time you see your stomach, you will be mortified of the bruising. I have several bruises that seem huge but the pain isn't near what it was earlier today. When my fiancée and I put the garment back on, it caused so much pain I was light headed and vomited. Lovely...Going to hopefully sleep this off.

Day 3, I woke up with very little pain at all. I've decided to not take anymore pain meds as I think they were the reason for my sickness last night. I have not had a pain pill for 19 hours and I'm fine with the discomfort. I like to use an ice pack when it feels tight. Again, the worst part is the garment, especially when in a seated position. It almost feels like it cuts off my circulation. My swelling has increased about 1 inch around my stomach. The first and second day are definitely the worst part. If you can suffer through that milestone, it DOES get better. I actually slept on my side last night and as long as I rolled over gently, I didn't have pain. I did start walking around the house yesterday and will be going for a walk outside soon. Bending over has it's challenges but as long as you take caution, it isn't that bad.