My Experience with CoolSculpting

7/7/16**see updated photos below**

So there's this new "Secret" to weight loss that I decided to try. Let me first start by saying that I am by no means a vain person who is obsessed with my looks. Don't get me wrong; I love to look and feel beautiful, but on most days I don't even like to wear pants! For the past year, I have had a profile for a torn rotator cuff that has severely limited my running. The entire time that I was stationed in Korea, I was cursed with medical issues...TBI from being knocked unconscious by a softball, breast cancer and the surgery that followed from that little discovery and of course my left and right torn rotator cuffs. Long story short, I had put on some pounds in places that I just wasn't happy with.

I started my research and had originally planned to have a mini tummy tuck to address my unwanted fat and stretch marks all at once, however, I was about $1,700 short (the total with anesthesia and hospital stay was $6,700). I started my research online searching, reading, studying and looking at every article and picture I could find. After my tummy tuck plans were squashed, I decided to make an appointment at Augusta Plastic Surgery for a consultation. I was excited to learn that not only could I afford CoolSculpting, but I didn't need to ask for any time off from work. My problem areas are my Bra fat and Love handles (see below)

So let's cut to the chase! What is CoolScuplting?!
It is literally FREEZING YOUR FAT AWAY! No shit! I sat in a reclined chair for 2 hours (an hour for each "Love Handle") watching Family Guy with my husband.

Hubby watching TV

 How does it work?
1. The Fat Really Gets Frozen
Applicators fit stubborn areas on your body.
The area is treated for 1 hour at safely regulated temperatures that damage the fat permanently.

2. Your Body Gets Rid of the Damaged Fat
Approximately 25% of the treated fat is systematically  removed by your body safely over the course of 1-3 months PERMANENTLY.

3. You continue to maintain or lose weight, maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and your results are visible. You are Thinner.
(courtesy of Augusta Plastic Surgery website, 21 June 2016)

Here's what will happen:
1. You'll be placed in a room where you will undress the area(s) where the CoolSculpting paddles will be applied. Once you are undressed, someone will come in and take A LOT of pictures of you. Don't hold in your stomach or try to look skinnier in any way, this will not give you the true results that you will be looking for later.

Me waiting for the procedure to start

2. You will sit or lay down (depending on your area) and a the technician will placed the coldest piece of cloth on you that you have ever felt in your life (this is the worst part). This layer is placed on your skin before the paddles to protect your skin.

This is literally sucking on my fat!

3. Each area will take exactly an hour so charge your phone or bring a good book. Or you could just watch TV like I did.

Right side

4. It's going to be cold! After the first 7 to 10 minutes, it won't feel so intense. It will feel like someone is just holding your skin very firmly. No pain.

5. After you're dressed you will schedule your follow-up (normally after 6 weeks) and you are on your way!

After the session. Frozen Fat!

So here's the part that sucks ass and some tips:

• You are going to be very bruised and a little sore. They will give you some Biofreeze to help with the soreness. Wear a good pair of Spanx to keep your skin from moving too much. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
• On the 2nd day, it's going to itch like HELL! Take the Benadryl and keep on that Spanx!
• By the 3rd day, the itching will be a little more intense and you will be swollen. My itching seemed to be the worse at night.
• You can do anything your normally do, it's just going feel weird. That entire section is going to be numb, sore and itchy all at the same time!
• Don't look for results. You are going to drive yourself crazy like I did taking daily pictures. Just don't do it! You already know that it will be at least 8 weeks before you will really see the difference. 

So here I am at 6 weeks (I will post the update on my next appointment)

I love that fact that I keep loosing inches, however I have not lost any weight. I actually gained 3 pounds! My clothes fit like they are supposed to fit and I actually have the motivation to get back into running to try and enhance my results. Some things to consider: this procedure isn't recommended for those who are considered obese. Although, I did see a picture of a lady who was very large. She had some body changes, but unless she has several sessions in the same areas, the majority of her fat will remain. For more info, check back on my blog and go to the Augusta Plastic Surgery website. They are awesome!

*******UPDATED PHOTOS (Taken July 5, 2016) 90 Day Mark*****

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