Stomach, Flanks, and Lower Back Liposuction - Richmond, VA

I started thinking about liposuction years ago. Since high school, I have fluctuated in weight. When I graduated I weighed somewhere close to 160lbs and I am 5'5. My undergraduate years, I actually dropped down to 135-140. While my face got thinner, not much else really did. My stomach and back have always looked the same, regardless of the weight. I have always been very active. I love my body, and I have great muscle tone from the sports I use to play, and I still stay pretty active. I am currently a size 6, and I carry my weight well... which I think a lot of it is in my boobs... But I am always self conscious of my stomach... So now I am almost 26, and after years of thinking it over, I have decided to get liposuction. It is the one part of my body that I am not happy with, so I have decided, I am going to fix it. Also, I have always wanted to drop to a size 4... My pants tend to be loose in my butt and thigh area, and tight up top. so i definitely hope i can potentially drop a pants size... but if not, I am just looking forward to no more muffin top or love handles...

I am definitely super nervous, but excited. I keep reading and reading on the procedure and what to expect. I know that there is going to be the recovery time, and that it will take months for the results... Which is why I am choosing to get it done as soon as I could... which is February. This way I can hope to be ready for bikini season. :)

I have never had any surgery done before. However, I use to work with post surgery patients. So i have a very clear idea of what post-op looks like, which makes me super nervous. I think I am just having trouble preparing for the down time. I am not a very "down time" person. I am very busy, and love to have a full schedule at all times... so this who resting for a week or so will be a new experience for me... but a welcomed one... even though I have a feeling I wont be enjoying it.

I will be adding photos soon, and I promise to keep them updated after the surgery. If anyone has any helpful tips on the healing process, ways of making it easier, heal faster? I will welcome suggestion on compression garments and lotions to use, and the best ways to deal with lumps!

I am blessed to have a RN for a mom, who is very understanding and is actually taking off of work for two days (and then it's the weekend...) So I know I will be in good hands, but I really would love suggestions from those who went through the procedure. While I know the medical aspect, patients who have done it are always the best source of information when it comes with how to deal with it yourself. I cannot wait to have my new stomach!

Hard to believe I am posting these pictures. I'm sure most of y'all are similar to me and hide the bad spots from the camera, and not have them the focus of the pic!

I was a swimmer for most my life, and always have been active. It's just no matter what weight I am, my stomach is always the same.

So today is the day! I'm so nervous/excited... A ball of emotions you could say. The downside of it being today is the no food/drink thing... I typically due without coffee...

I have my bag packed and things ready for when I'm out. Going to recover a few days at my parents house. Only my mom and like 2-3 really really close friends know that I'm having this surgery. Only my mom and roommate even know that it's today. Makes my social calendar a bit tricky... But I feel like a weekend off will be a good thing. Time to do my homework and rest...

Besides excited and nervous and hungry... I'm doing pretty well, trying to keep the nerves down a bit. Thanks for the support that I've gotten already. Y'all are awesome ;)

I'll be sure to update as soon as I can/feeling up to it.