First Time - Liposuction (Waist-Up)

Hi I was really hesitant to write about my experience but I found that during my time researching all about this procedure and finding the right professional it helped tremendously reading review's from others. So I'm writing this review to pay it forward... and hope that my experience can help others ~~~
About me: I would prefer to remain as anonymous as possible so I cannot promise any photos. Maybe a comparison at the end but we'll see...
I am a fairly active person I go to the gym every week - my build is slightly muscular but I feel it makes me look stubby.. I'm roughly five-two in height and 140lb (my heaviest weight). Ever since I can remember I've always struggled with fluctuating weight (ranging from 114lb to 140lb). My problem areas were always my abdomen and arms. Although I was active my belly fat and arms were still large. I gained muscle in my legs and shoulders, so I hated how my overall body shape looked...
Research : After extensive researching through the net, I stumbled upon Dr. Z, at first I was looking into fat grafting to the breast (Lipo AND larger breasts, why not?) After seeing his before after photos with breast argumentation I liked his results.
Consultation: I came into my consultation with Dr. Z on a Saturday, this would not normally happen since their business hours are Mon - Fri. But he was already seeing another patient that day and fit me in as a convenience to my schedule. (I appreciated the accommodation).
His personality is quirky and personable, he was very knowledgeable and went over with me the pro's and con's as well as the technical side of how these procedures work. He also listened to what my desired body goals were and gave me his input. This helped in my decision to go with him.
FINAL DECISION: Ultimately, I decided to go with just Liposuction. Later down the line breast argumentation is always an option but I did not feel comfortable rolling the dice with fat grafting..There were a lot of mix reviews and also I still plan to complete my body transformation through gym and exercise - which would cut more body fat and affect the fat transfer results.
Firm on my decision - I had set a date for having 5 areas of my body done, from the waist up. (Arms, Upper-Abdomen, Lower Abdomen, Bra-roll, Flanks)
This is where my story begins... I'll try to keep up with the updates~~~

OPERATION DAY

I haven’t done the best job at keeping up with my posts but I’ll try to at least keep the timeline in the right order, I’ll be recollecting the series of events..

I arrived bright and early at 7 am to check in -
Guiding me through the standard protocols was a nurse named Ally, she was very sweet through the whole process and made sure to cover everything from paper work to questions. Dr. Z would pop in here and there as he was going around preparing everything for the procedure.

After I was dressed down, they took my photos and Dr. Z did his markings, making sure he covered everything that we discussed. He was very accommodating to my incision areas being mindful of my tattoos.

I appreciated Dr. Z honest opinion about my arms - he told me it would be more of a mild change and to not to expect drastic results (he gave this fair warning from the time of my consultation) He explained to me that if he tried to take out too much from my arms it may come out lumpy and misshaped. He said that he thinks they look great in size/shape but still understood where I would like to improve.

I was all ready to go – they had me set up for Twilight sedation (which would still allow me to be somewhat responsive but there is no memory of the procedure)

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AFTER OP:

I woke up, feeling numb – thankfully no pain. Ally the nurse telling me that we’re all done. She helps me get my garments on – at this point I’m leaking everywhere. We manage to get me all covered up in a wheel chair and ready to head home. I’m feel exhausted and falling in and out of sleep all the way home.

My hubby helps me into bed but tells me that I’m supposed to be walking and moving for today. (I looked at him like he was crazy, “The doctor told you what??”) – I guess he was right. Right after my procedure the doctor gave him a 5-10min run down on after care and I am to NOT be bed ridden for the whole day. It helps with recovery to get up and walk a little.

I was told to eat something with my medications after the procedure. I ended up just taking my meds with no food (no appetite) DO NOT DO THIS, have a small light snack ready even if you don’t feel like it. My body reacted due to the lack of food making me weak and faint. I felt nauseous for most of the day until I ate, and it relieved the nausea slightly. (also don’t forget water!)

Feeling exhausted and drugged up.. not to mention nauseous. I rested for 2-3 hours after I got home which really helped. My hubby then took me to Walmart and we walked a lap or two while picking up extra absorbent pads.

**** TIPS: I found that ALWAYS ABSORBENT UNDERWEAR worked wonders for me during this time of leaking. Super easy to just throw on and change. It also pulls up really high almost over my belly button, covering half of my incisions, comes in L and XL. I also applied maxi pads over the incisions to absorb most of the drainage, held it on with medical tape. I’ve included photos of the supplies I found that were helpful during this leaking stage. *****

My hubby had helped me change my pads twice on the first day. The Dr. said it was okay to leave it for absorption, but I was draining that much it was leaking onto my clothes, so I felt that I had to change them.

I was feeling some soreness by the end of the night, for most of the day I was numb and uncomfortable due to the garment and binding. I was wearing an arm garment and medical binding for my abdominal region. I did buy my own compression garment but will hold off on switching until after my one week post op.

By 8pm I received a call from Dr. Z following up and he made sure I had his personal cell to call him at anytime, great bedside manner –

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