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Surgery with Dr. Alvarez.

UPDATED FROM ChangingMyLife2016
7 days post

Surgery review

WORTH IT$4,000
No offense to anyone, but before anyone asks, NO, I'm not posting before/after photos.
It's my personal preference and to be honest, I'm just not comfortable doing so.
With that out of the way, on with my review. :) ????

I am currently 8 days post op. I'm back home & healing nicely.
To say I'm pain free would be a bold faced lie. I'm not a medicine taker (I don't even like taking Tylenol), but man oh man, I wish I still had some of my pain relievers.
I ran out night 6 (I took them every 4 hours as labeled to stay on top of, not chase the pain) & switched to excederine extra strength. (Doesn't touch my pain.) I switched to ibuprofen today per Spectrum and I've noticed a HUGE difference.
I tried on clothes yesterday (7dpo) for the first time and I LOVE my new shape. Literally love it! I started at 5'3, 195 and had a large stomach, no hips, no ass, and semi-small legs. (I don't know how many CC's were used.) But I do know from RS Surgeons and google that 4 liters is the allowed amount of fat to be removed in one setting with lipo (in FL) which equals just under 9 pounds. 1L= Roughly 2LBS.) & I carried most of that in my stomach!! He took out almost all of my stomach fat and sculpted my back nicely. (But focused on my midsection, like I wanted.) He gave me wonderful hips and a very good sized derrière. ;) (Although I had "wish pics", I told him when he asked, to just do what would look good with my frame/shape.)
And Lord have mercy he knew what he was doing! I no longer have a muffin top! For the first one in my life, I don't have a muffin top!!
Now mind you, I could have lost weight and had "better" results per a lot of people, I'm sure. But my starting size was where I wanted to be. And I'm not a perfect body, by any means. If you ask a surgeon or someone who strives for perfection, I'll need a tummy tuck eventually (but I don't know if I will ever get one! Per my choice.) I just wanted to feel good in my clothes. And for the first time in my 29 years, I looked in the mirror, still heavily swollen and said to myself, "oh my damn, you look really good in this outfit!"
So, with the very scatterbrained and confusing review, being able to say for the first time ever to myself that I look good.... I can say it was definitely worth it!! And I can't wait to see what my final results yield at 3 months post op!

I stuffed as much as I could into this review in what time I had free. (I'm a SAHM of 3 kiddos, with not a ton of time to dedicate to this tonight.)
I know I go back and forth and it probably doesn't make much sense, so if you have a question, ask away! Lol

ChangingMyLife2016's provider

Sergio Alvarez, MD

Sergio Alvarez, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.6 | 799 Reviews
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Replies (5)

Congrats! I glad u love your results. Happy healing.
Thank you!!
Thanks for review I'm happy you love your results he's doing my bbl June 1st and I'm nervous and excited as you were but wow I'm happy your satisfied I'm about 195 and 5'3 also and I'm trying to get down to at least 180 by surgery I really needed that review from him I've seen his work so I know he can deliver I'm just want to look good in my clothes so thanks happy healing and God bless
Thank you & good luck!! =D
Oh you sound so happy, congrats to you!!
Thank you! I really am!
So I going with him also and I am confused because I also have a large stomach like a kangaroo pouch from wt loss. Anyway I wanted a BBL and then a TT which I was told to do because he could use the fat from my stomach now Liz is saying do the TT first because I'm not going to be happy with my results because after he lipo my stomach my skin will hang even more. WHY!! So now I don't know what to do. I don't have pictures either. Please help me. My sx is June 2nd.
I really want the BBL but I want to look good too. I'm sick of this flat butt Yulk! So will my stomach go down?
I say you do what the hell YOU want to do!!!
If you don't give a damn about a little skin sag and can deal with it until your TT, do the BBL first.

I've read, and been told basically the same thing. "Oh you're gonna have skin sag from sucking so much fat out, you'll definitely need a TT!"

I call [RS bleep]!! You know why? Because I don't give a damn if my skin isn't as tight as a 20 year old's who has had no kids.
I don't give a [RS bleep] if if I don't look "perfect" naked. So, I did the BBL. and I don't know if I will EVER get a TT. *gasp*
Cause guess what... I'm HAPPY with my results. My skin sag is not bad at all!! And I had a LARGE stomach and muffin top.

Girls, do your research and do what YOU want. Don't let someone who's making money off of you push you into something.

Yes, there are women who can't deal with the looser skin and just want the TT first. And good for them! To each their own. But I hate when people say, oh you NEED one. You WON'T be happy. It's bull.
Who are they to say what you'll be happy with??
I was told I wouldn't be happy and I'd want a TT in 6 months.

I laugh at that. I can seriously not tell you just how happy I am!!
Even with swelling. Even with skin sag. I have a new shape and he delivered!
Don't let someone pressure you, ladies! Go with your gut!
Omg. That is exactly what they told me. I wouldn't be happy with the skin sag and etc. But then I came across your post and things i said seem like u were me. So thanks so much and I know they won't be happy because now I got to change it again. Thank you sooo much. I can't sleep or think in fear if making a bad decision. So it is a Bbl for me. :) :) :).
Yes!!!! Now that's real talk. I can't wait to feel the same joy you're feeling!
I'm over it. Decision made. Now I got to get my supply list ready. I have started but I got to get on it. My boyfriend is going with me. I want to fly he want to drive. :( Wutever here I go. Liz is gonna pull her hair out. Lhh. Do I care. Nope cuz it's my Doe!
Lol, lovenlight, I just try to be as honest and straightforward as possible!
I'm excited for you!!! Definitely keep me updated!
Do you know of any financing. I havethe money but if I can have it financed and save my money then I will.
I heard some one mention care credit.
I don't know, I saved for it.
Ok thanks and thanks for always responding. I really appreciate it.
Omg why did Dr. Alvarez say he wouldn't do my BBL because he want me to do a Tt first! Wutever I need to stsrt some where. So I included breast job too. Here goes the money.
Hello I'm also getting a bbl soon .. Wanted to see how your feeling ? I'm voncerened as to how ill feel a few weeks after surgery .. Is bottom. Still stiff if you don't mind me asking :-)
*is your bottom still stiff.. Was the question
(Please excuse my typos.. Lol)
UPDATED FROM ChangingMyLife2016
2 days pre

Bags are packed & leaving tomorrow...

My husband, son & I are heading south tomorrow!
I'm getting more and more anxious & excited.
More so about my little guy seeing the beach for a few hours. ;)

I think I got most of the tears and nervousness behind me. Now, I'm ready to get this over with and on with my recovery.

Thanks so much, to those of you who have helped calm me and encouraged me throughout this.
I'm very grateful!

Replies (5)

Wow! You already know I'm excited for you. I'm praying for your family's safe travels. Don't allow your mind to go to that place. Fast forward to Summer 2016! You are headed to MIAMI!!!! Your baby will be going to the beach. We're getting updates everyday from the ladies who just had surgery with Dr. Alvarez and everyone is fine! :-)
Thank you! I made it to the recovery house and I'm scheduled for 5:30 am tomorrow! His first patient.
I'm glad you made it safely! I'll say a special prayer just for you. :-)
Thank you!! You know I appreciate it! I got here, did paperwork, met with my surgeon, I'm all marked up, & now, we wait. My paperwork said surgery to begin at 7:50.
(Btw- you were totally right about him. He has a very calm/confident demeanor about him.
Have u had your sx
Praying For you!!
Thank you! Everything went well!
Why the recovery house if u have hubby with you. It's an added expense and u don't need nurse.
She said her hubby took her to Miami and returned home to take care of the family and work. The expenses add up quick!
What she said... He's out only source of income, he had to return home for work.
Yessss. One step closer to the beautiful Summer body!!!
UPDATED FROM ChangingMyLife2016
8 days pre

Oh my goodness. Nerves are setting in.

One week, until I drive down. (16 hour drive.)
Just one.
One.
Freaking.
Week.
I could seriously vomit.
I'm beyond nervous. And scared. Can't forget scared. I'm trying to stay as positive as possible, but every "what if" that I can think of, is consuming me.
Please, if you read this, keep me in your prayers. I've got three precious little babies that need me!

Replies (5)

Wow. I'm so excited for you! I'm praying for your successful surgery, smooth recovery and beautiful results!!! The Devil is a LIE. Although normal, replace those negative thoughts with the excitement of you doing something for yourself. Your destiny is written. No amount of worry and concern will change that. All the recent ladies are recovering fine with no complications. :-)
This made me tear up!! Thank you, so much. I won't lie, I cried about it today and prayed for the first time, in longer than I'd like to admit. I'm gonna do my best. Thanks so much for the encouragement!
Wooooo Hoooooo!!! I'm thrilled for you!!!! Stay positive, open mind, lots of fluids!!!! I believe I'm gonna go with dr Alvarez as well. I love a a coke bottle shape that has long "s" curves, small waist, with a upside down ❤️ booty, that has attention getting projection. Not a ass I gotta carry around on wheels to prevent throwing my back out. I've been looking up Alvarez dolls on ig and fb. They're all having pretty consistent and beautiful curves. The only round 2 I want will be a tummy tuck/with "fix my boobs"breast wk. Sending prayers your way!!!! Safe travels, dangerous curves and healthy healing!!! Can't wait til it's my turn
Thank you!! I'm trying!
From what I've seen he does amazing work. (And is very personable.) Good luck to you!!
& thanks so much for the prayers and kind words!
Lol@ ass on wheels. Too funny. Best of luck.
Lol, I cracked up when I read that, too.
I'll definitely keep you in my prayers sis!!! Try to keep a positive mind so you'll be at ease during SX
Thank you!!! I really appreciate it!!
I just wish I was going with you. Lol. 16 hour drive though?!?! I'm here if you need to talk.
Ditto! Lol I am so nervous about being roomed with all these "strangers", wondering if our personalities will mesh well, or if I'll feel lonely and homesick.
Yep! I'm coming from Ky. My husband (& we've decided to let my 3 yo come to see the beach for a couple hours) is driving me down. then he has to turn around and get home to rest for work the next day.
So that's why I'm so nervous. I'll be by myself and worst of all, without my babies. I'm with them 24/7.
(My comments are cut off for some reason.)
What kinda sold me on Dr. Alvarez was he had a pic of his dog resting her head on the dash of a vehicle. I was paying close attention(because I love animals), his baby girl has frosting (gray) on her face and muzzle meaning she's a fine, distinguished (older girl). To me, very few people will let their pets in nice vehicles and even fewer keep them for their lifetime. That I can respect.
Aw! That's a good observation! I have heard he's really nice and personable!
Ditto! Lol I am so nervous about being roomed with all these "strangers", wondering if our personalities will mesh well, or if I'll feel lonely and homesick.
Yep! I'm coming from Ky. My husband (& we've decided to let my 3 yo come to see the beach for a couple hours
Is driving me down.) then he has to turn around and get home to rest for work the next day.
So hard why I'm so nervous. I'll be by myself and worst of all, without my babies. I'm with them 24/7.
(My comments are cut off for some reason.)
^^^^ I'm not sure why my comments are so whacky and posting in the wrong spots. Lol ignore it.
^^^^ I'm not sure why my comments are so whacky and posting in the wrong spots. Lol ignore it.
You will be fine! Always, always think positive, God loves you just as much as your babies and your husband therefore he will keep your safe. Remember to always to think of what you Want and not what you DON'T WANT! Visualize yourself ahead of time of looking great and doing well and so it will be.
I'm also going with Dr. Alvarez but it will be the first week of June , make sure you take plenty of pics.
Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate them more than y'all know!
You have a really good point- if you speak it that's what will be.
From today on , positives only!
Will do! :)