BBL * Glad to Be a BOND GIRL!

I live in Orlando and about 7 years ago, I consider a BBL but never did any real research until recently, I began this journey at I am 5’0 and 154lbs. I’m a natural breast size 36-FFF with no children. I had Y-en-Roux Gastric By-pass in 2006. As of today, am 2-weeks post op and only now have had an opportunity to document my journey. So, I will get straight to the heart of the story.
As a New Year Resolution, I began in January 2017 an effort to re-shape my body by hiring a several personal trainers to provide the work-outs, tools, nutrition, and maintenance. While I did see some minor results, it was my apparent my business travel schedule impacted my diet and availability to train consistently. In August 2017, with the recommendation from my guy, I began to contemplate having a Brazilian Butt Lift – (Liposuction and Fat Graphing). Having his support willingness to finance made the decision a no-brainer. Not to mention, my Total Cost documented is comprised of ALL documented (receipts for food, recovery supplies, services, and miscellaneous expenses associated with surgery.
I typically have a demanding international business travel schedule and I hope you find my no-nonsense approach to surgery readiness and recovery helpful.
I decided to have the surgery performed in near my corporate offices in New York and Philadelphia. I found a great doctor in Montclair, NJ and prepared for recovery at my apartment in Center City.
BBL Procedure Consultations:
• 1st. Consultation $100.00 : September 18th, 2017
o Emily F. Pollard, MD FACS of Pollard Plastic Surgery in Bala Cynward, PA
? Recommendation: 2 surgeries: $17,000.00+
• Liposuction of the Back and Gluteal Reshaping at Foundation Surgery Center
• Full Abdominoplasty at Foundation Surgery Center
o Post-Surgery Garment Recommendation: Design Veronique
? Purchased 2 beautiful post-surgery garments: Total $343.00 w/ next day Fed Ex Shipping (and REAL20 discount)
• 2nd Consultation $100.00 : September 20th, 2017
o Sheila A. Bond, M.D., F.A.C.S of Bond Plastic Surgery, Montclair, NJ
? Recommendation: 1-Surgery $9,075.00
• 360 Torso Liposuction and Fat Transfer Buttock Lift
o Post-Surgery Garment Recommendation: The Pink Room, Edison, NJ
o Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Recommendation – Find someone local
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy:
Manual Lymph Drainage is used for detoxification, edema, surgical scarring, recovery from liposuction, facelifts, and more
• Consultation Free : December 28th, 2017
o Ula Katsoulis of Stillpoint Holistic Studio, Philadelphia, PA
? 5 Sessions Package Treatment Total : $600.00
T- 8 Weeks:
• Based on my international business travel commitments, I scheduled surgery 60-days in advance.
T- 4-Weeks:
• Shop and prepare for post-surgery maintenance at home
• Complete Lab Work
• I have very sensitive skin so I tested all skin creams (documented below) prior to surgery to ensure I did not experience any allergic reactions.
Pre-Surgery Shopping List:
• Design Veronique #1651B 1st 2-week over Binder Post Surgery Garment Non-Zippered Mid-Thigh Molded Buttocks High-back Girdle XL
• Design Veronique #851B Molded Buttocks Front-Zippered High-back Girdle XL (2-weeks post op thru end of recovery)
• Lifestyle Incontinence Aid Female Urinal
• 6-Band-Aid Brand Of First Aid Products Waterproof Pads
• Neosporin Plus Pain Itch Scar Ointment
• Sterile Alcohol Prep Swabs
• Antiseptic Skin Cleanser (Daily Washing & Maintenance)
• Band-Aid Water Block Plus Adhesive Bandages Assorted Sizes
• 2- Mederma Advanced Scar Gel
• Mederma Quick Dry Oil
• Hylands Arnica 30X
• Quercertin Bromelain
• 3 Tubes ArniCARE Cream 7%
• Dettol Liquid (Scrub body prior to surgery and to wash clothes during recovery)
• 2- dermHA*Hyaluronic Therapeutic Crème
• Foot Nanny Foot Cream
• Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Soufflé
• Cruel Intensive Healing
• Sensitive Skin Baby Wipes
• Chux (did not need)
• 3-Robes (This will enable a supply to change, keeping you tidy and warm while washing/ discarding soiled garments)
December 18th: Surgery Morning
o The Clara Maas Same Day Surgery Van arrived at 4:18a for my 4:30a pick-up – I was right on time.
o With the pick-up of two other patients we arrived in the reception / check-in at 4:50a
o Between 5:30a and 7:30a, my Pro-Op Nurse was prodded and prepped for surgery
o I met with the anesthesiologist to discuss today procedure and health history
o I was taken to the Operating Room where doctor completed the markings and shortly thereafter the anesthesia was administered.
o 4-hours later I woke up in the noisy semi-private recovery room to be turned, a couple of house later I awoke after having Orange Jell-O and a cup of water and was released to the Post Op Nurse Jennifer, who was thoughtful and extremely caring – I was advised as soon as I was feeling up to it and ready to successfully urinate I could go home. In the interim she prepared me a take home package of bandages, chucks, adult pampers, gauze and padding.
o My sister who was my ride and escort was allowed to join me; we called the doctor’s office for information on the successful surgery as she missed the actual physicians post op call.
o Bring your own compression stockings / socks to wear home after surgery. Vim & Vigor have a great variety and colorful selection. Have the nurse put them on for you. The will help with circulation, reduce swelling in the legs and minimize edema (if applicable).
o I went to restroom with the help of the nurse. She gave me 6-pilows to ensure I had support when avoiding laying on my buttocks. I took my prescribed pain killers for the 1.5-hour ride home. Then I glammed up and looked like a million bucks as I exited the hospital in a wheel chair and walked very gingerly to the SUV as I laid my aching body across the seat.
o When I arrived home, I needed to pee and when I realized I could not take off my clothes on my own – I knew I had a situation on my hands as my glam outfit did not allow me the easiest access to the potty without sprinkling my entire master bath toilet area and boots.
o My first full look of my binder and dressing at home. I looked like the Stay Puff Girl; I was wrapped from underneath my breast to my mid-thigh. I immediately notice that between my breast was burgundy/purple (bruised blood), and the binder end tab was digging in to my skin. I applied ArniCARE cream and put an absorbent pad as a cushion between the binder and my skin between by breast. (Note I did not remove this binder for the next 10-days)
o I really had no appetite but tried to eat when I arrived home – I could not get much down except water – which I could not get enough of and 1 white castle cheeseburger, tried a piece of fried chicken -- no appetite.
o
? Lesson Learned:
• When picking a person to pick you up from the hospital and stay with you for the first 24 hours ensure the person is capable of driving independently, won’t mind assisting you in the bathroom, dressing and undressing, preparing your food and pick stuff up of the floor, (you’ll be groggy, dizzy, lethargic and dropping things) if necessary as you will be on anesthesia and pain medication not really available to chat coherently and have fragile mobility. Unfortunately, my sister told me she felt like she was being treated like a maid in my pristine home. I ended up standing for 3.5 hours that evening as she thought the surgery was elective and I should expect discomfort. Thus, I recommend setting expectations with family and friend who may be physically supporting you post op over the next two-weeks.
Day 1 – The Morning After
o My sister left a 7am to go work in NYC. I was so excited I could not wait to lock the door after her departure as my man took over caring for me.
o I took a look at my binder and removed and/or changed any bandages that were hanging or soiled. I quickly assessed that the lower abdominal, buttocks and thigh bandages would need to be changed more often. So, he went on a store run to get Band-Aid Large Waterproof Self –Adhesive Large Pads and Nexcare 1.5 inch Tape which are the best, easy to apply and stay in place even in the curvy places.
o I did not take PTO for recovery, I worked remotely from home attending conference calls and sending e-mails.
o Dr. Sheila A Bond office nurse Madeline called to check in on me – Nice Touch!
o In the evening a friend stopped by for about an hour or so to assist me, with some minor things around the house without hesitation (grabbed a broom and took out the garbage) and keep me company and drop off some forgotten items like Prune juice and paper towels
o We tried to put on my Design Veronique compression garment over the binder, however the swelling made it impossible.
o This evening I began drinking prune juice to assist with softening my stool
o The rest of the day I spent the day laying down and taking medication as well as trying to find my appetite.
o Today’s Diet: 2 White Castle Cheeseburgers, 1 Pint of Miso Soup, ½ cup of Spicy Sashimi Tuna Salad and lots of water.
Day 2 – Visitors and an Out Pouring of Support from Family and Friends
o Waking up in the morning can be painful and I found that right arm is falling asleep during the night and awaking me.
o Dr. Sheila A Bond office nurse Madeline called to check in on me
o Joined a couple of conference calls and spoke with business partners in Canada
o By Noon my door was revolving from folks stopping by with greeting and gifts, no one hesitated to bring me necessary items such as
? Pick up prescription medication refills
? A Welby Extender Reacher with Jaws (I could not bend down or reach items on shelves)
? DulcoEase (stool softener)
? P EZ Female Silicone Portable Camp Outdoor Urination Device Purple Lightweight 
? Ginger Ale
? My boyfriend brought in catered lunch from a local restaurant for my friends and family stopping by and I ensure there were cocktails and libations.
? I had a grocery delivery, my cousin unboxes, shelves and even seasoned the meats prior to freezing.
? I even got a 30-minute reprise from my compression sock – another cousin gave me a foot massage and then put the socks pack on.
o Today’s Diet: No appetite, picked over left overs and drank lots of water.
o I notice the bruising and fluid moved to my pelvic and thigh areas
o By 6p and I all 9 visitors gone I was completely exhausted and took two of my prescribed pain killers (Oxycodone) and went to bed.
Day 3 – On My Own
o More of the same from a post-surgery maintenance and pain management routine.
o Dr. Sheila A Bond office nurse Madeline called to check in on me.
o Worked remotely from home, you would be surprised how much you can accomplish laying on your tummy with a PC at your fingertips. I just could not see taking off working when I am not leaving the country or actually taking a vacation.
o No Company or Guest today (thought I would never say it – but I need a break); Only my Man keeping a watchful eye out to address my immediate needs.
o Checked my bandages
o Yesterday I stood and walked around the house for more than 4-hours; the drawback, there was noticeable swelling in my legs today so I did not remove my compression socks.
o Increased my application of ArniCARE especially around the upper abdominals, pelvic and thigh areas.
o Moisturized and kept hydrated
o Today’s Diet: I indulged in a Gouda Bacon Cheeseburger with Sweet Potato Fries, and more water.
Day 4 – Rest & Relaxation
o Ditto: Continued post-surgery maintenance and pain management daily routine.
o Dr. Sheila A Bond office nurse Madeline called to check in on me.
o Typically, this was a repeat of previous day.
o Finally, today was my first bowel moment since the surgery – I did it!
o Today’s Diet: Oikos Triple Zero, Mediterranean Salmon and Couscous salad and lots of water and ginger ale
Day 5 – More R&R
o Three times is a CHARM: More of the same; post-surgery maintenance and pain management daily routine.
o Today’s Diet: Oikos Triple Zero in anticipation for Butcher & Singer Lump Crab Cocktail and Delmonico Steak (medium rare) Oscar: Jumbo lump crab, asparagus, and béarnaise for two. Damn, I love a recovery dinner date!
Day 6 – Took A Chance
o I went across the street from my apt to my office to read a contract, stayed 1.5hours. Standing and kneeling. When I returned home, I was whipped and looked like death warmed over.
o Two of my girlfriend stopped by and brought me coke zero, prune juice and gummy bears.
o Rats! Today I notice the first signs of a yeast infection – from the antibiotics -- DAMN!
o Spent the rest of the day in bed.
o Today’s Diet: Oikos Triple Zero, prepared and cooked homemade chicken soup and drank lots of water.
Day 7 – Grown Folks Christmas
o Post-surgery maintenance and pain management daily routine.
o Relaxed and limited my phone & texting activities
o Put on my Eagles gear over my big assed binder
o Celebrated a catered evening of football and festivities with a small group (12) family and friends.
Day 8 – Preparation
o Post-surgery maintenance and pain management daily routine.
o Still taking things slowly. Getting in as many naps as I can throughout the day.
o Prepared for my road trip to the doctor’s office tomorrow.
? I packed a back pack with the following:
• With my new Design Veronique, post-surgery garment
• Water
• Pain Medication
• Moisturizer
• Boppy Pillow
• And basic travel essentials you never leave home without.
Day 9 – Physician Follow-Up
o This was my first day getting dressed since the morning of the surgery.
o I noticed peeling in on buttocks, inflaming the itching – I moisturized heavily.
o Dr. Sheila A Bond office nurse Madeline called to check in on me.
o As well as the first day -- I actually saw a glimpse of my new figure. My hips were perfectly symmetrical and curvaceous.
o I met with Dr. Bond we discussed the surgery she was able to perform 360 Liposuction on my torso (Upper, Mid, Lower Abs, Upper Back, Flanks, Waist, Pubic, Area) removing 3800cc of fat.
? 1000cc in each Buttock
? 400cc on each Side
• I love the early results and new shape.
o In Dr. Sheila Bond’s office, the binder was removed revealing the early stages of development of my new shape.
? Flat Tummy (with visible bruising and noticeable retention of fluid in my lower abdominals, and pelvic area) I could see the magazine taper of my new upper, mid and lower abdomen – it is beautiful and I am not even ½ way through recovery.
o Once again, I attempted to put on my post-surgery garment again and was unable to do so alone. After contemplating getting this garment on I realized that I would not be able to moisturize, and my itching is intense and the dryness of this brutal December I need immediate access to my entire torso, butt, and Va-jay-jay. (I will save this garment for back to work).
o I was my binder, towels, wash cloths and robes in antiseptic soap and bleach, while it was not soiled in blood or fluid it was dingy.
o Today’s Diet: 6-White Castle Cheese Burgers, Lots of Water.
Day 10- Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) - Massage
o After my first session, which was gentle, relaxing and invigorating I experienced the most restful afternoon and 5-hour uninterrupted (nap) sleep.
o Dr. Sheila A Bond office nurse Madeline called to check in on me.
o Today I also stopped taking my pain medication.
o I experience my first therapeutic LDT massage from Ula Katsoulis of Stillpoint Holistic Studio in Center City – it was very relaxing and invigoration – not to mention I felt so much better I walked home 10 block in 8 -degree weather.
o Ula also changed my diet to help accelerate my recovery - I will continue a high-protein diet
? No red meat and fried foods. Eat brown rice, steamed Chicken and Fish and limit heavy sauces, cream and limit alcohol.
? Hydrate:
• Increase water consumption (trying to drink half my weight in water – OK!)
• Moisturize your every part of your body; the parts that are itchy and dry several times a day
Day 11 – Its NYE weekend – Let It GO!
o I’m still struggling to find the perfect sleeping position. Just being conscience not to sleep on the graph
o I pooped three times today which is a record for me – Yeh!
o Completed my New Year’s Resolutions (list)
o Today’s Diet: Oikos Triple Zero High-Protein Yogurt, 1-Cup Brown Rice, 1 Cup Ginger Chicken (no sauce), ½ Cup Breyer’s Butter Almond Ice Cream and lots of Water
Day 12 – Hydration & Conditioner
o As I am recovering in apartment in Center City Philadelphia, PA (it has been below 19 degrees for the last 4-days and alas this morning SNOWING!); thus, today I’m focused on my conditioning and hydration of my entire body inside and from the time I awake out beginning with:
? Antiseptic Shower / Washing immediately followed by application of the emollients above to all areas of my body (taking time and layer application around any problem areas – bruising, inflammation, pain.
? I also use my Michael Todd Sonic Care Massage Head for a pulsating massage of the emollients around my mid/lower abdominals as well as the pubic area. This made a world of difference 2-hour later I could feel the benefits – diminished soreness and elevation of pain points.
? Completed my own Michael Todd Sonic Care Damascus Moisturizing + Anti-Aging Facial 5-steps
? It is important to not regardless of the temperature outside it is important to ensure the room you are sleeping in during your recovery is cool to cold you can always cover up. However, this will eliminate perspiration and development of bacteria under the binder on your skin.
o Today’s Diet: Oikos Triple Zero High-Protein Yogurt, ½ -Cup Brown Rice, 2 Cups Lobster Meat & Chicken with vegetable and white wine sauce ½ Cup Breyer’s Butter lots of Water and Coke Zero
Day 13 – New Year Eve
o I’m so excited for the new year it was time show off my new two-week figure to party guests this evening, I took extra care in post-op daily maintenance routine.
o At last! I worked on my technique and I got on my Design Veronique #1651-B Non-Zippered Mid –Thing Molded Buttocks High Back Girdle by myself and threw that damn binder away (LOL, I purchased a new one on Amazon it will be delivered on Tuesday).
o My friend came over at 7p to setup now it is time to get my party on!
Day 14 – Happy New Year!
o Started the day with couple’s personal masseuse massage
o Today I realized that I would need to go shopping. None of my suit pants or jeans fit.
o I actually slept most of the afternoon away.
o Today’s Diet: Oikos Triple Zero High-Protein Yogurt, ½ -Cup Brown Rice, 2 Cups Chicken and Snow Pea Pods with vegetable and white wine sauce and lots of Water
Day 15 – Wash, Rinse, Repeat
I will continue to follow the best practices I have outline above for recovery, maintenance, and dieting. My 3rd LDT session is scheduled for later today. I will admit, I still have trouble getting a comfortable sleep. I did not come home with a drain, thus the slow release of the fluid in my body is uncomfortable and the pain of that is typically a 3 but when turning change positions quickly can escalate to a 10. I still have bruising in the area where the liposuction was performed – this is understandable as this area was covered by the binder for first 10-days and I have only been treating the area for less than a week. I imagine base on my recovery progression the discoloration will clear up by the end of this week. I make it a point not to sweat common sense issues. I was asked several times over the last two weeks did I experience regret. The answer is NO!
Feel free to google and research any procedures, terminology or practices you are unfamiliar with in my post.
Later this week will be the first time I see my corporate colleagues, business partners, and client in an office environment. I have had a standing/sit desk install in my office. My best advice is spare no expense on your recovery. Make it as easy, enjoyable, and a positive experience
I have intentionally, omitted photos in my binder, bruising, or dis-clothed. My next physician follow-up visit January 31st, 2018.
Stay tuned….

15-days Post Op -- Early Results

While I still have week ahead of me before I see the final results, I have to tell you I love my shape and Big BOOTY! My recovery is going very well. After getting in a solid three weeks of R&R after my surgery with NO sitting and low activity -- I resumed my normal day to day work activities and international business travel (I left my first The Original BBL Pillow on the airplane after being delayed for 5-hours on the tarmac. So while working in Canada, I used a clean hotel towel I rolled up and wrapped in plastic and sat on that during a week or daily meetings for the rest of the week.) With that said, my man loves my new shape and it has created a tinge of insecurity within him; Nevertheless he is the only one for me. Now, while I have always received daily looks from gentlemen (looks are OK, I don't take casual comments or touching positively) However, I can say, since the surgery the my male attention meter is up 100%; the attention is nice confirmation Dr. Bond services were worth every penny.

I have noticed my experience has been nothing like the average journey described on Real Self for BBL, Fat Transfer and 360-PAL (Power-Assisted Liposuction). I had no drain, bleeding, leakage, seromas, and/or etc. I never used the CHUX (gifted a box of 100 to a friend with a new baby), or alcohol pads. Thus, I spent hours looking at thousands of photos on this site that were not a good representation of my experience.

Over the last 3-weeks:I have stuck to my skin maintenance game described in my last post and a well-rounded diet. I wore my stage 1 garment for 1-month, washing it every other day and the elasticity in the torso and body held up even with the insertion of the Fajas Liposuction Ab Board + Lumbar Molder BBL + 2 Lateral Protectors Post Op Care . The lumber Molder is impossible to use. The Ab Board is great but should not be used when flying unless you want to be stripped searched by TSA or Customs. I find the lateral protectors to be the most comfortable.

" Week 3
I continued lymphatic Drainage Therapy and besides the maintenance activities noted above, this week due to a combination of the antibiotic and cleansing my skin and with antiseptic wash (over use) several times a day I fought the worst yeast infection. It took three doses of Diflucan until it was all cleared up.

" Week 4:

I purchased a new The Original BBL Pillow. Right at this time PAL nerve pain kicked in and it was uncomfortable to say the least. Sometimes making it impossible to sleep especially when traveling on business. There was not enough Arnica cream, I could apply to appease the onslaught of nerve pain. I tried Vodka and Ibuprofen -- that worked for a maximum of 4-hours. The only thing that made me feel better was being massaged by my man before engaging in copulation to release serotonin.

" Week 5:

Was a repeat of the previous week (showering, skin care maintenance, wearing my garment / inserting Fajas boards, utilization of my Boppy Pillow trying to manage the PAL nerve pain with OTC medication) while traveling work. I will admit I was exhausted during the weekends and sitting on the Boppy Pillow for hours can be uncomfortable. I have felt some insecurity from my boyfriend, he cannot stop looking at my butt. He is now concerned with how much everyone else is looking at my booty. LOL. I assured him he has nothing to worry about.

" Week 6:

I'm feeling and looking great. Excited about my 2nd follow-up visit with my doctor this week. I notice the left cheek was slight larger than the right. I am ready to be cleared to hit the gym and exercise. What can we do about the PAL never pain? And so many other of questions I did not think were appropriate for this website as she is familiar with my body and health history - I prefer to go to the SOURCE and Dr. Bond is so easy to talk to and never rushes me out of her office.

I switched into my new Design Veronique 2nd-stage Molded Buttocks Front Zippered High-Back Girdle. During my meeting with Dr. Bond. She confirmed my recovery on track and progressing well:
" I still have significant swelling on the left side.
" Bruising of my mid-section has cleared up.
" My back and buttocks have no bruising or noticeable signs of the surgery.
" My torso is experiencing PAL nerve pain for which steroid stat does has be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
" My weight is exactly what it was the day of my surgery and down 10lbs. from my previous follow-up visit.
" My waist and hips are both down 1.5 inches from 1st follow-up visit a month ago.
" I was cleared for a low intensity workout with my garment on (no sweating, as it will be detrimental to my final results and kill fat cells)
" Also, I could put the Boppy Pillow away, while I did sit on it during the ride home. I left it in the CAR parked in the garage ????
" We noticed that I did have a dark line bruise form the edge of the foam padding under the original surgical binder. I am allergic to Hydroquinone, so my only hope is cocoa butter and Mederma dry oil will aid in lightening this bruise quickly.
" In the next two weeks I will purchase and new garment one side smaller as the swelling subsides, and with the loss of additional fluids / water retention.
" I will use the next couple of week to also focus and diminishing tiny scars from the cannula.
" My doctor will take after photos during my next follow-up in 2-months.

Wrapping up with good news!

Wow three weeks ago, none of suit pants and jeans fit they all stop mid-thigh due to swelling and water retention . Today, I was able to get my Levi's and dress pants on pass my thighs, over my big butt and closed around hips. Time to implement a salad and lean protein diet and I will still give it another 2 weeks before I make my debut.

I will also had some photos of my favorite products. Stay tuned for photos.

Go EAGLES (just for this Super Bowl 52)!