Smart Lipo Coming Up- 12/10/10 - Salem, OR

November 23 2010...I have always been overweight. I was a chubby child and teenager, wearing sizes 16-20 jeans for a majority of my life. When I turned 21 I was my heaviest at 230pds (I am 5'7). My fat seems to accumulate around the midsection. After changing my eating habits and adding exercise to my daily regiment, I am now 175pds and wear a size 9. Even though I have lost weight and changed my lifestyle, I still have a lot of weight around the midsection. I have tried everything to get rid of this; weight lifting, dieting, personal training.. thousands of situps and crunches, but no luck. Currently, I workout 5 times a week, running 3-4 miles a day, weight training, and I have just finished Insanity (Great workout!! Gives you awesome muscles!) However, I still have a nice layer of fat on top of my abs and decided that I need some surgical help.

After researching, I decided I was going to get a tummy tuck but learning that the procedure would cost $10,000. I had to find an alternative. I found out about smart lipo through a friend who had it and thought it would be something for me.

This website has been a great help in my journey. I have looked at everyone's before and after pictures and almost read everyone's blog to get a better idea. I am so grateful a website like this exists.

After much debate I decided to go for it and my appointment is on Dec. 10, 2010. The doctor told me I was an ideal candidate for the surgery and because I am young, never had children, and non smoker, that I should see great results. I think the hardest thing for me is that I cannot workout for a month :(

I am really excited and nervous..

I will post pics of my before and after the day my surgery.

**fingers crossed**

So I had my surgery less than 24 hours ago.. they took out 3500 cc's altogether from my flanks, and upper and lower abs.

Here are some key things I have experienced.

1. I went to the Women for Women clinic in Salem for my procedure.. love them! I originally only wanted to get my lower abs and love handles done, however, after talking with them I got my upper abs done as well for only an extra 500.

2. The pain factor depends on the area being treated. My lower abs did not hurt as bad as my upper abs.

3. Do not do an extensive ab workout the week of your surgery!! I regret this because my abs have been worked on so much that when my doctor was trying to remove the fat she had to break the fiberous connections that surrounded the abs. That hurt.

4. Make sure you have someone to help you get around. During the middle of the night I got up to use the restroom by myself..Getting up on my own hurt, my abs burned and my whole body felt like it was on fire. Take the medications they tell you to take. Have someone help you get up.

This morning I went into the doctor office for a cleaning. They removed the bandages and squeeze out the excess liquid before changing dressings. That really did not hurt, I am very sore from everything but not in great pain.

The results: So far my whole body looks different. I look like I have lost 20 pds according to my husband, I cant really tell yet because of the padding. I have a lot of loose skin on my lower stomach area, in fact, I have a cat-like pooch that is made up of skin and liquid. My upper abs look great! In fact, I can see my ribs and my upper ab muscles underneath my skin.. When I sit up I can see my mid section abs poking through too, I don't have those tummy rolls anymore its flat all the way down! The only sad thing is the extra skin..I am hoping it will tighten soon.

So far I am very satisfied with the results.

I will post pics once I feel comfortable enough to stand and take pics.

December 12 2010. I woke up extremely swollen today, it had been little over 24 hours since my surgery. My stomach feels like I am 6 months pregnant and I am full of fluids (I think it's fluid it doesnt feel like fat). My garmet is really tight and the padding is leaving weird impressions on my loose skin.. (it looks like silly puddy). It hurts to walk still, I have to hold my lower stomach when I stand or it feels like my insides will fall out. I heard I will feel like this for another 4 days or so..