I Really Need a Tummy Tuck and Lipo but Won't Consider Surgery - Pleasanton, CA

I had CoolSculpting on my abdomen area because while I really need a tummy tuck and some lipo, I could not contemplate having surgery. The idea of reducing my unwanted fat bulges without the risk of anesthesia or throwing a blood clot was reassuring. Even a small reduction in my stomach areas would help me look better in my clothes.
I had my first appointment on 9/30/13 and while I did not enjoy having my "before" photos taken, I had high hopes this treatment could work for me. I had two treatments during my first appointment on my stomach (above and below my belly button). The treatment felt exactly as it was described to me - a strong pulling sensation, pressure/pinching, then intense cold. Eventually the area went numb and I was fairly comfortable. I just used my iphone during my treatment. The treatment on my upper stomach was a little more uncomfortable as the applicator rested on my diaphram area but both were tolerable. After treatment, they removed the applicator and the treated area was swollen and protruding but they massaged the area to ensure a good result and within minutes, the protrusion was gone. I felt tingling and stinging and was pretty swollen and bruised but everything went back to normal within 2 days. I did not experience any of the severe pain some patients have reported. Whew!
I went back at 2 months and took my after photos. I noticed changes about 3 weeks after my treatment but at 2 months, you could definitely see results. I was very jazzed and decided to have a second appointment on 12/23/13. This time, I had three treatments all on my lower stomach, overlapping in some areas. Because I knew what to expect, I found the second time more comfortable and I even dozed off a few times during my appt. Strangely enough, my symptoms were a little different the second time around - I felt a slight burning sensation (such as being outside in Winter and coming into a warm home) the first day. I had no swelling this time or bruising. On day 3 or 4, I did feel a lot of random stinging and I asked for medication, as it was keeping me awake at night. The medication (Neurontin) did the trick. However, the pain was never as bad as I'd read about. What I experienced was more annoying than debilitating, thank goodness.
After a total of 5 treatments over two appointments, I can say that CoolSculpting definitely worked on me. My abdomen area is much flatter and my pants and skirts look better. I even dropped a pant size after the treatment as I'm able to wear the fitted flat-front pants my belly pooch was keeping off limits. I'm very happy with my results.
Since then, I've been working on my diet and exercise habits, have lost 19 lbs and am planning to have another CoolSculpting appointment to work on my waistline this time (and probably also my stomach some more). As I said, I really was a good candidate for a TT and lipo, but instead am going to whittle my way down to a better figure this way instead.
I need to request my photos so I can upload them, stay tuned.