POSTED UNDER Smart Lipo REVIEWS
If you are interested in surgery, pick 5 clinics, consult. Come with a list of ?s & ask patients ?s
ORIGINAL POST
Typically speaking, I'm not that into plastic...
WORTH IT
Typically speaking, I'm not that into plastic surgery. I think I've always joked that if I met my goal weight I'd get the ladies done.
Anyways, a year ago a met my 100 pound weight loss mark. I still seemed like I had tons to lose, although at 6'3, ladies shouldn't be too thin. I waited it out a year to see where things would land and if the stubborn fat would spread or lessen. Things bounced up but maintained it's fluffy shape.
After a few consultations and recommendations, I ended up going to Sonobello in Denver. I have to admit, the reviews made me EXTREMELY nervous. However, their bedside manor was unbelievably great. In hindsight, I think that reading too many reviews is bad. It's far to easy to relay a negative review then a positive one. So, I chose to sit with everyone and accumulate my own opinion, who I clicked with, and who made me feel most comfortable.
My starting BMI was/is 23.4. I wear a 31/36 pant, usually a med to large top, 36B bra. My main areas of concern were in this order - my gut shelf (the ridge of fat above my naval...soooo big and ugly), my love handles to flank, my hips, thighs, lower abs and finally knees. I hadn't considered my knees an issue until I spoke with another patient in the waiting room. She had come back to have those done, since once her thighs were done the knees looked large and swell moved it's way down.
After working with the consultant and doctor (yes there is a sales person in this, whom by the way checked in on me the entire time...the consultant was never not there); we decided to split the procedure into two stages. First would be my top half upper ab, lower ab and hips. The second stage would be the inner and outer thighs and knees.
It's important to state I've already had the first stage of the procedure, and let me tell you, drugs are gooooooooood. I think the most painful part was the local.
They haven't called me, but that's just as well. I never answer my phone anyways. However, they send reminder emails once or twice a day. Which for me, is way better. My memory was spent after the procedure so these subtle taps on the shoulder are exactly what I needed.
I am 72 hours post first stage and I can say "TAKE YOUR ARNICARE IT WORKS." It's over the counter. Don't wait on a doctor to recommend it, the sooner you start taking it the better. I may just add it into my daily routine, given I bruise so damn easy. The creme is also awesome. Rub it in wherever you plan on having work done.
At 72 hours post, I am swollen, but expected it. How could you not? I am trying to keep it low sodium, but that's difficult in general. I have a wrist pedometer that goes off about thirty minutes of not moving. It's pretty awesome. Again, those automated reminders are my all time favorite. My pelvis is pretty swollen, and I'm going to head out to look for a compression short here in a few. I've also decided to leave the binder on a majority of the day. Instructions from the surgeons suggest you could take it off now, but the best results come from consistent compression. I work from home so this isn't a huge deal to me, plus it helps with my posture. New waist, new and improved posture, what's not to enjoy??
Hmm, what else can I say? You don't need poise pad panty things. Your first day, yes, have a couple extra maxi's and surgical tape, you're going to have tons of drainage. I changed out twice that first day (3 sets of pads in total), day 2 I started using gauze. I made little pads to eliminate the bulk and taped them down with surgical tape. My fiance, who is completely freaked out by the holes, insisted on wrapping my entire torso with the gauze. It's itchy, but it helped hold all the cover ups I think. Today, I just did the little pads.
One more thing, do have someone with you. At about the 12th hour post procedure I became "awake" best way to explain it. I was pretty disoriented, didn't know where I was or how I got there. That lasted about three minutes and I calmed back down, fell asleep.
Alright, well, that's my wrap up on that stage. I have one more round in a week. I hope that it goes as smoothly as the first.
My own advice:
1. prepare food in advance (I made burgers and grilled chicken to put on greens)
2. stay off of your phone during procedure and about 48 hours after (similar to drunk texting)
3. invest in a back massager. My back felt so much better just relieving that stress.
4. walk. circulation helps you heal.
5. no startches, they help the swell
6. bring headphones, although I totally ended up chatting the entire time.
7. don't read too many reviews. Choosing the doctor is like choosing a hair stylist. Someone may be super talented but if you're put off by their personality, it's not a good match. Adversely, someone who doesn't have any reviews but a remarkable bedside manor could be your best bet. Remember you are trusting them and will be nekkie in front of them a lot.
8. stool softner - yep
9. start arnicare at least a week before - pill and cream
10. have someone with you those first 12 hours at the very least
11. eat before you go in
That covers me for now! More to come and pictures to post!
MWAH!
xod
Anyways, a year ago a met my 100 pound weight loss mark. I still seemed like I had tons to lose, although at 6'3, ladies shouldn't be too thin. I waited it out a year to see where things would land and if the stubborn fat would spread or lessen. Things bounced up but maintained it's fluffy shape.
After a few consultations and recommendations, I ended up going to Sonobello in Denver. I have to admit, the reviews made me EXTREMELY nervous. However, their bedside manor was unbelievably great. In hindsight, I think that reading too many reviews is bad. It's far to easy to relay a negative review then a positive one. So, I chose to sit with everyone and accumulate my own opinion, who I clicked with, and who made me feel most comfortable.
My starting BMI was/is 23.4. I wear a 31/36 pant, usually a med to large top, 36B bra. My main areas of concern were in this order - my gut shelf (the ridge of fat above my naval...soooo big and ugly), my love handles to flank, my hips, thighs, lower abs and finally knees. I hadn't considered my knees an issue until I spoke with another patient in the waiting room. She had come back to have those done, since once her thighs were done the knees looked large and swell moved it's way down.
After working with the consultant and doctor (yes there is a sales person in this, whom by the way checked in on me the entire time...the consultant was never not there); we decided to split the procedure into two stages. First would be my top half upper ab, lower ab and hips. The second stage would be the inner and outer thighs and knees.
It's important to state I've already had the first stage of the procedure, and let me tell you, drugs are gooooooooood. I think the most painful part was the local.
They haven't called me, but that's just as well. I never answer my phone anyways. However, they send reminder emails once or twice a day. Which for me, is way better. My memory was spent after the procedure so these subtle taps on the shoulder are exactly what I needed.
I am 72 hours post first stage and I can say "TAKE YOUR ARNICARE IT WORKS." It's over the counter. Don't wait on a doctor to recommend it, the sooner you start taking it the better. I may just add it into my daily routine, given I bruise so damn easy. The creme is also awesome. Rub it in wherever you plan on having work done.
At 72 hours post, I am swollen, but expected it. How could you not? I am trying to keep it low sodium, but that's difficult in general. I have a wrist pedometer that goes off about thirty minutes of not moving. It's pretty awesome. Again, those automated reminders are my all time favorite. My pelvis is pretty swollen, and I'm going to head out to look for a compression short here in a few. I've also decided to leave the binder on a majority of the day. Instructions from the surgeons suggest you could take it off now, but the best results come from consistent compression. I work from home so this isn't a huge deal to me, plus it helps with my posture. New waist, new and improved posture, what's not to enjoy??
Hmm, what else can I say? You don't need poise pad panty things. Your first day, yes, have a couple extra maxi's and surgical tape, you're going to have tons of drainage. I changed out twice that first day (3 sets of pads in total), day 2 I started using gauze. I made little pads to eliminate the bulk and taped them down with surgical tape. My fiance, who is completely freaked out by the holes, insisted on wrapping my entire torso with the gauze. It's itchy, but it helped hold all the cover ups I think. Today, I just did the little pads.
One more thing, do have someone with you. At about the 12th hour post procedure I became "awake" best way to explain it. I was pretty disoriented, didn't know where I was or how I got there. That lasted about three minutes and I calmed back down, fell asleep.
Alright, well, that's my wrap up on that stage. I have one more round in a week. I hope that it goes as smoothly as the first.
My own advice:
1. prepare food in advance (I made burgers and grilled chicken to put on greens)
2. stay off of your phone during procedure and about 48 hours after (similar to drunk texting)
3. invest in a back massager. My back felt so much better just relieving that stress.
4. walk. circulation helps you heal.
5. no startches, they help the swell
6. bring headphones, although I totally ended up chatting the entire time.
7. don't read too many reviews. Choosing the doctor is like choosing a hair stylist. Someone may be super talented but if you're put off by their personality, it's not a good match. Adversely, someone who doesn't have any reviews but a remarkable bedside manor could be your best bet. Remember you are trusting them and will be nekkie in front of them a lot.
8. stool softner - yep
9. start arnicare at least a week before - pill and cream
10. have someone with you those first 12 hours at the very least
11. eat before you go in
That covers me for now! More to come and pictures to post!
MWAH!
xod
mskling's provider
UPDATED FROM mskling
6 days post
Days 3, 4, 5, 6
Ok, tomorrow is my post op for my mid section and pre op for my lower half (which is Saturday).
Here's my diary I've kept since the start:
SURGERY DAY
4/30
2200cc upper lower ab and hip/flanks - BUH BYE GUT SHELF!!
Love me some drugs, I look like a water fountain when changing wraps. Get a back massager if you didn’t get much done back there! Woke up, didn't know where I was at. Miss college.
DAY 1
5/1
Holy crap I’m sore. No swelling yet, I know it’s coming.
DAY 2
5/2
OH F*** I’m swollen. My mind is blown, I generally keep a low sodium diet as a rule of thumb. My ankles blend into my calves. I must say tho, I see my hip bones, never knew I had them. The bruising isn’t awful either, I believe arnica is the BOSS. I’ll be using it year round to prevent bad bruising during snowboarding season.
DAY 3
5/3
Sigh, I am sad, there was a foot of powder the day of the surgery. Wish I was there ;) Two mile walk with pup, and a few strolls later in the day. I also worked on my feet from 5-10pm, I was very swollen and stiff at the end of that. SO SWOLLEN. I went and tried a bunch of shaping garments on today. I wonder if I should just buy a steel busk corset and wear to bed every night, barf. Did I mention the swelling is all over??
DAY 4
5/4
AM -
According to my calculations, I walked two miles this morning. I also attended my pilates reformer class for an hour, followed by pilates on the ball and roller. The roller hurts, but I know it’s stimulating circulation which will heal me. I am going to look for a lymphatic masseur this eve and hope to get in sometime this week. Also, my follow up is in a few days. My measurements are up about .5 inches and my weight up about 4 pounds. It’s really nothing I didn’t expect. I have sworn to myself I will not get angry about my weight or measurements until a full month has passed non both procedures. It would be unrealistic otherwise. Also, bought a ton of greens and other antioxidants to supplement my days. I am going to drink my detox tea I usually drink steadily during my juice fasts, in general it’s a really good way to remove the toxins in your body. I’m not sure why I didn’t consider it before, seems like with all the melted butter up in da belly, cleansing wouldn’t be a bad idea. I’m screaming foul words if I turn wrong, but I’m drama in general. I consider this a new part of the “Danie” character. Tonight I shall drink kale and apple while watching the Mindy Project, she is, afterall, my spirit animal.
PM - I ate way too much salad, momma hurts.
DAY 5
5/5
No cerveza – BOOOO. Honestly, I don't have a lot to report, much of the same. I am keeping BOTH garments given to me on. I did buy a bathing suit style one. I wear it to bed with the big white velcro compression garment. I am considering this my "treat." I wish M&Ms would cease to exist. They are my comfort food. Anyways, pretty with the program today, feeling good, drinking water, eating salad. I am constipated which makes me even more uncomfortable in the belly. Also the white garment thing is digging into my skin or rubbing, the incision sites are not what hurt. Who knew?
I also decided that today I will walk like I am hot stuff...like everywhere. Gonna fake it till I make it. I added my xbox Just Dance to my morning routine, 30 minutes. Now, to be clear, this isn't my weight loss or even circulation tool. I am doing it for my spirit, you know, after all, I'm hot stuff (you saw me walk right?).
Naval incision is still oozing a bit, the other six sites are not. I decided to start with Neosporin and only cover the naval site for blood.
DAY 6
5/6
Tomorrow is my post op, I think I'm nervous. I'm so worried that they will slap me on the hand and tell me I effed up my recovery. I know that won't happen, but I think I have some anxiety about it (more then the next procedure).
I know that this site is intended to share experiences, but some people have such negative things to say and they census is 79% say worth it??? I guess it is easier to share bad news. I promised myself at the beginning of this review that I would stay positive, even if the results were not immediate or close to what I had expected. I consider the procedure another instrument in my tool belt on my journey to happy healthy body. There is never going to be a one size fix all to a problem that's attached to so many parts of our overall body. Action - reaction - take reaction - another action. It's a chain, you get it.
Anyways, I'm totally not shopping for the sexy cloths like one would think a post lipo chick would do. I am totally hunting for comfortable compression garments for tall people. LOL. I get all excited when there is something available in black and nude - even happier if it's below the knee.
Tight now I have been giving myself breathers with trial garments, maybe just at night or couple hours during the day. So far DKNY has a swimsuit style one I like, with adjustable straps and and bra opening. It's actually kind of sexy, as sexy as this gets. The other kind I like is a Maidenform from Target, the boyshort/tank ready to wear. Since I have itty bitty tatters, I usually don't wear a lot of bra, it feels like I'm choking. Anyways, I can get away with no bra in that one, it doesn't ride up and the crotch snaps are not hooks (unlike it's high end retail counterpart). Oh, and the high end retail maiden forms are meh. The cheaper ones are actually much more comfortable. I can also say they have better compression. When I go shopping these days, I take a measuring tape. I hate doing returns. People look at you so strange when you bring back a broken massager and under garments.
Posting all pics I have today. Please don't be too judgy. I am still quite swollen and retain water easily in general.
Also, my pelvis is where the bruising is mostly at. I refer to it as my Blueberry Muffin, as you can too ;)
Here's my diary I've kept since the start:
SURGERY DAY
4/30
2200cc upper lower ab and hip/flanks - BUH BYE GUT SHELF!!
Love me some drugs, I look like a water fountain when changing wraps. Get a back massager if you didn’t get much done back there! Woke up, didn't know where I was at. Miss college.
DAY 1
5/1
Holy crap I’m sore. No swelling yet, I know it’s coming.
DAY 2
5/2
OH F*** I’m swollen. My mind is blown, I generally keep a low sodium diet as a rule of thumb. My ankles blend into my calves. I must say tho, I see my hip bones, never knew I had them. The bruising isn’t awful either, I believe arnica is the BOSS. I’ll be using it year round to prevent bad bruising during snowboarding season.
DAY 3
5/3
Sigh, I am sad, there was a foot of powder the day of the surgery. Wish I was there ;) Two mile walk with pup, and a few strolls later in the day. I also worked on my feet from 5-10pm, I was very swollen and stiff at the end of that. SO SWOLLEN. I went and tried a bunch of shaping garments on today. I wonder if I should just buy a steel busk corset and wear to bed every night, barf. Did I mention the swelling is all over??
DAY 4
5/4
AM -
According to my calculations, I walked two miles this morning. I also attended my pilates reformer class for an hour, followed by pilates on the ball and roller. The roller hurts, but I know it’s stimulating circulation which will heal me. I am going to look for a lymphatic masseur this eve and hope to get in sometime this week. Also, my follow up is in a few days. My measurements are up about .5 inches and my weight up about 4 pounds. It’s really nothing I didn’t expect. I have sworn to myself I will not get angry about my weight or measurements until a full month has passed non both procedures. It would be unrealistic otherwise. Also, bought a ton of greens and other antioxidants to supplement my days. I am going to drink my detox tea I usually drink steadily during my juice fasts, in general it’s a really good way to remove the toxins in your body. I’m not sure why I didn’t consider it before, seems like with all the melted butter up in da belly, cleansing wouldn’t be a bad idea. I’m screaming foul words if I turn wrong, but I’m drama in general. I consider this a new part of the “Danie” character. Tonight I shall drink kale and apple while watching the Mindy Project, she is, afterall, my spirit animal.
PM - I ate way too much salad, momma hurts.
DAY 5
5/5
No cerveza – BOOOO. Honestly, I don't have a lot to report, much of the same. I am keeping BOTH garments given to me on. I did buy a bathing suit style one. I wear it to bed with the big white velcro compression garment. I am considering this my "treat." I wish M&Ms would cease to exist. They are my comfort food. Anyways, pretty with the program today, feeling good, drinking water, eating salad. I am constipated which makes me even more uncomfortable in the belly. Also the white garment thing is digging into my skin or rubbing, the incision sites are not what hurt. Who knew?
I also decided that today I will walk like I am hot stuff...like everywhere. Gonna fake it till I make it. I added my xbox Just Dance to my morning routine, 30 minutes. Now, to be clear, this isn't my weight loss or even circulation tool. I am doing it for my spirit, you know, after all, I'm hot stuff (you saw me walk right?).
Naval incision is still oozing a bit, the other six sites are not. I decided to start with Neosporin and only cover the naval site for blood.
DAY 6
5/6
Tomorrow is my post op, I think I'm nervous. I'm so worried that they will slap me on the hand and tell me I effed up my recovery. I know that won't happen, but I think I have some anxiety about it (more then the next procedure).
I know that this site is intended to share experiences, but some people have such negative things to say and they census is 79% say worth it??? I guess it is easier to share bad news. I promised myself at the beginning of this review that I would stay positive, even if the results were not immediate or close to what I had expected. I consider the procedure another instrument in my tool belt on my journey to happy healthy body. There is never going to be a one size fix all to a problem that's attached to so many parts of our overall body. Action - reaction - take reaction - another action. It's a chain, you get it.
Anyways, I'm totally not shopping for the sexy cloths like one would think a post lipo chick would do. I am totally hunting for comfortable compression garments for tall people. LOL. I get all excited when there is something available in black and nude - even happier if it's below the knee.
Tight now I have been giving myself breathers with trial garments, maybe just at night or couple hours during the day. So far DKNY has a swimsuit style one I like, with adjustable straps and and bra opening. It's actually kind of sexy, as sexy as this gets. The other kind I like is a Maidenform from Target, the boyshort/tank ready to wear. Since I have itty bitty tatters, I usually don't wear a lot of bra, it feels like I'm choking. Anyways, I can get away with no bra in that one, it doesn't ride up and the crotch snaps are not hooks (unlike it's high end retail counterpart). Oh, and the high end retail maiden forms are meh. The cheaper ones are actually much more comfortable. I can also say they have better compression. When I go shopping these days, I take a measuring tape. I hate doing returns. People look at you so strange when you bring back a broken massager and under garments.
Posting all pics I have today. Please don't be too judgy. I am still quite swollen and retain water easily in general.
Also, my pelvis is where the bruising is mostly at. I refer to it as my Blueberry Muffin, as you can too ;)
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM mskling
6 days post
DAY 6 - Brain Fart
This means less to me then the shape of things, but thought I'd share. I'll update my review with measurements later. I keep a dry erase board attached to the bathroom mirror and scribble that jazz out.
Pre Op 187
Day 3 189.4
Day 5 184.2
Mom was right, I should have gone into creative writing, I'd enjoy it. Although, secretly waiting for the moderators to kick off my posts. No biggie, life is way too long to be serious all the time.
xod
Pre Op 187
Day 3 189.4
Day 5 184.2
Mom was right, I should have gone into creative writing, I'd enjoy it. Although, secretly waiting for the moderators to kick off my posts. No biggie, life is way too long to be serious all the time.
xod
Replies (7)
May 7, 2014
Why in the world would we kick off your posts? They're hilarious!
May 7, 2014
Crap balls, it's late. I wanted to reply more but got caught up in your review. Again, Crap Balls! You are solid awesome - before, after, during, all of it. If you aren't already, creative nonfiction writing is totally your bag. So many comments and questions for you, but I should crash - I still work East coast hours. BOOO!
May 7, 2014
Not a writer, unfortunately. I am a bit of a rambler, and over-sharer, which means my writing ends up way too long. And boring. BUT if I can help a couple of people, that's fantastic. They just have to wade through the verbiage. RealSelf doesn't let you edit, you know? So there was no going back and ruthlessly editing :D.
May 8, 2014
Ah, ramblers make the best writers! It's genuinely candid and heart felt. I appreciate it much more then over groomed censored responses or commentary. I haven't posted it on my review yet but the gut shelf is down 2". Pretty stoked. I also referred to my FOPA as my blueberry muffin to my surgeon today, he snorted I caught him so off guard. His response after gaining composure was "I thought you just talked like that on pain meds??" I offered up that I had been hitting the Arnica hard. I like my surgeon a lot. He was all business the first two times (during my psych out), but he's totally warmed up now. I got a hand shake, a hug, some horrible college stories, and he has a personality! I am usually pretty good with people, I think he actually likes and enjoys me as a patient. There isn't that wolf in sheep's clothing - as ps's are often described as (and I've met a few). He asks about me. It's nice knowing he's invested. It's peace of mind after reading so many scary reviews. I wouldn't say he owe's me one, but like he's a good person and wants what's best for me. OMG he reminds me of my dad, that's why we click. HA! Good in one way, slightly creepy in another.
May 7, 2014
I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your review this morning!!! I'm going for abs and flanks in June, and have been a nervous wreck reading some of these posts. Women saying they felt they had been tortured, still in horrible pain a month later, etc.. I was real starting to second guess my decision to go do this. I'm flying from Florida to Los Angeles to have the procedure. My mom is coming with. I'm having the work done on Wednesday and will have to fly back Sunday. After reading some of the reviews, I thought to myself " Holy hell..the flight home will be a nightmare" Then you have the reviews that show horrible chunked up results.. EEEEEK!!!!! I was so very happy to read your post. I sighed in relief. Your sense of humor is more effective than a xanax.. Thank you, thank you, thank you. BTW....You look GREAT!!!!!
May 7, 2014
Firstly, is that a Frenchy French?? You're kindred already! My Monte tips his beret to you.
Also, wow! You look amazing now. Your pre op is my hoped post op :) I can not believe you're 45.
You know, I really do believe that the laser assisted lipo is an "opportunity" and not a quick fix. I was thinking of ways to describe it last night, because for some reason I'm all Kumbaya about this experience (ok, life in general). I've been working towards a healthier happier me solidly for about four years now. I love the idea of getting in touch with my bodies reactions to things. I've given up gluten, and that's been amazing. I love being able to use the restroom regularly, happy poo dances daily. I hike a lot now, don't tan (keep er covered), I still like my occasional glass of wine but I'm not the boozer I was prior. Of course, now that I live in Colorado, substances are different and temptations are quite available. I'd like to go on record as saying that there are dispensaries with specifically gluten free edibles only. Very large culture shock from my Brooklyn days just a few months back.
NOTE: I did have to quit my Adderall for the month, in order to keep the blood pressure down. That's a bit of a game changer, I have ADD but I like me ADD but I also like me sans ADD and focusing (career wise). I do jump around a lot in my thoughts, so I apologize.
Back on track:
So, I absolutely think you'll be fine. I see that you are living a lifestyle that is really great for cleansing the toxins. I juice quite often to bump me back into balance, generally about every three months. I also go in for regular massages. It's a great way to push toxins out. I've been doing that roughly two years now. You eat clean and are active (you don't have to have a gym to be active, big lesson I've learned and my body has thanked me for it).
I can't wait to see your results! I know you'll be fine. If you chose to read lots of these reviews, which I think is natural, take it with a grain of salt. The laser lipo is a great opportunity to push through those rough patches. It's like getting the invisibility star on Mario Bros. You can bust past all the bad guys and complete the level quicker, or you can dink around and waist the 5 sec of a fantastic way to clear a level quickly. You've set yourself up for success seriously.
Oh, and my top picks for product placement this week (ok, things that are making a difference)
1. Pilates - stable core and mobility
2. Arnica Montana (wish I had been using this stuff all along, I think the bruising would have been even less). I take five pellets three times daily and cover my swollen-ness and soon to be swollen areas in the gel.
3. Hard foam roller. I roll my abs regularly (use to be for the pre gluten free stiffness). It helps. A LOT. I'm glad I do it. I lightly do it now, although I am tender. I work the crap out of my hips, thighs and saddle bags. Great circulation = great recovery.
4. Sick. Fat. Nearly Dead. Their three day detox is awesome. If you don't have time to make it, Blueprint is great and deliver.
Keep me posted! I'm so excited for you!
WOOHOO!!! I'm a weirdo, I'm going to go dance for both of us ;)
Replies (13)