Diary of a Liposuction

Tummy Tuck and Liposuction to arms, legs and flanks

Around 12 years ago, after having three children and putting on weight, I considered surgery to improve the unsightly, loose and folding skin around my tummy. The tops of my arms, legs, flanks and tummy were fat, unsightly and disproportioned to the rest of my body. I always had problems fitting comfortably into clothing and couldn’t always buy what I liked.

Coupled with this there were major psychological and ethical considerations for me when considering surgery. Due to my previous experiences I am unable to cope well with anything painful and although I was advised these procedures were not painful I still however had grave concerns.

12 years ago - met with a consultant and decided against surgery........

12 years later and still being tired unhappy with my shape I started to re-think about having a tummy tuck and liposuction.

Indepth Research 

Governmental websites, surgeons personal websites: calling and speaking to support staff and hospital staff about the procedures. 

I was looking for a consultant who was well qualified, had lots of experience and could help me manage my concerns.

1st consultation with Mr Sood. Lengthy discussions and lots of questioning.

I had a list of 3 or 4 consultants to meet from a list of approximately 6 and Mr Sood was the first one I met after the 12 years lapse. 

He addressed all my questions and concerns and instilled my husband and me with confidence in his ability to meet our needs and help me manage this. My husband and I both agreed that there was no need to contact another consultant as Mr Sood felt the right choice.

His comprehensive and user-friendly website and the many useful links to governmental sites with reliable information assisted me in choosing him.

2nd appointment with Mr Sood re-visiting everything. Apprehensively agreed a date for the procedures

Mr Sood’s team arranged and I attended pre-admission hospital appointment. Measurements were taken for pressure garments in ensure good fit and final preparations were now put in place.

06.05.09

Operation day (4 hr). I could not have been more anxious.
Immediately after the op I felt very drowsy and a little uncomfortable and fearful of the stitching but nowhere need as bad as I expected.

I first saw my ‘flat tummy’ and slimmer arms and legs early evening today and ‘wow’ I couldn’t believe it was me. Even the pressure garments were lovely. 

06.05.09

The re-building of my tummy button and unsightly markings were of concern. When I saw my tummy button today I was amazed and delighted. It’s so neat and very nearly perfect. You can hardly see the stitching! This whole experience at last was becoming a wonderful one.

08.05.09

Returned Home from hospital surprised at the relatively short recovery time from all four procedures. Rested for two weeks but still able to do most things. 

2 weeks post-op - back to work (husband drove). I had lots of nice comments and after just two weeks I feel great.

Started driving – good to get out and about again buying new clothes - lovely feeling as I could easily find clothing that fitted and I that I liked.

06.06.09

4 week post-op. I was looking forward to showing Mr Sood how I looked. He advised further on a couple of points and I was even more pleased that my arms, legs and tummy would look even slimmer as the weeks go on. I asked about occasional mild and sharp pains and he explained that this is where the nerves are repairing.

I cannot thank Mr Sood enough for the skilful body sculpturing he has done for me. Thank you also to his team, particularly Sara, who were so well organised and supportive towards me.

My biggest regret is not having it earlier. I’m a confident and gregarious person with no relationship problems and this has still lifted me so much. I can imagine how satisfying it could be to someone with low self-esteem. I look forward to enjoying being almost the shape I was before I had children – it’s also given me all the incentive I need to maintain a good diet and exercise plan – a new shape to enjoy for the rest of my life.

JC