I first started looking for doctors to have a Mommy Makeover about a year ago. I had several communications with various doctors but just could not commit myself to allowing them to perform such a life altering surgery. In March 2011, I did one more search to find a doctor. This time I searched the Cleveland area and found Dr. Poblete.
"...having a support person like my husband and finding the right doctor with whom you have confidence and rapport really makes the difference..."
I read his background, looked at the photos on the website, and read his blog. I called that day and spoke with Paula who worked with my schedule to get me in to see Dr. Poblete within a week. The day of my appointment, I met Donna, Dr. Poblete's right hand. Any tension I had was eased when I met her. She and I talked about my concerns and she had me view some videos. Afterward, I met Dr. Poblete. He was very kind and very honest about my body concerns that I had discussed with Donna. I remember he said, "When I look at you, what I see is here." and he touched my hips (which were 42" at the time). I remember thinking "Me too." Dr. Poblete also reviewed all the questions I had which were about 3 pages! Dr. Poblete made sure I understood his answers to my questions. He also gave a brief overview of the procedures I was considering. Once we had finished, I talked with Donna again who doubled checked that I understood what was discussed. I knew I had found the right doctor for me.
With the help of Dr. Poblete and Donna, I decided to have Smartlip Triplex on my flanks and inner and outer thighs and then have a breast augmentation and tummy tuck. My first surgery was scheduled for April 20, 2011 and my second surgery was scheduled for May 24, 2011.
Before I go any further let me give you my before surgery stats. I am a 42 year old mother of 3. I am 5' 7 1/2" and at the time weighed anywhere between 150 and 157 on any given day. My measurements were: hips 42", waist 31 1/2", thighs 24". I wore a 34A but my bra was heavily padded so it looked like I was maybe a B or C (my bra weighed 2 pounds). I had gained a lot of weight with my last pregnancy and had worked hard to lose it but I just could not break that 150 plateau.
On April 20, 2011, I made the trip to Elyria to have the Smartlipo Triplex surgery on my flanks and thighs. I was very nervous but as soon as I walked into the surgery center everyone was so kind it was almost like being at a resort (only this place was better because it was about to transform me!). The surgery took about 6 hours. We took a break after about 4 hours or so and I walked around, had a snack and a drink and we went back to finish up. I truly enjoyed the banter between Dr. Poblete and the nurses. It was relaxing to hear how comfortable they were with each other. Dr. Poblete was very concerned for my comfort and would check on me periodically. I was able to take my phone in and I texted girlfriends to update them on the procedure the entire time. It was a unique experience. After the surgery, I was given Percocet for the pain but never used it. Tylenol was more than adequate.
I was able to drive myself to the follow up appointment the next day. I was fitted with a compression garment. It was not easy to get on but that thing is really your friend! I believe it really makes a difference in the healing process.
Two days after the surgery I taught class and stood on my feet all day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Donna called that day just to check on me and to remind me to take it easy. I had bruising and swelling but the compression garment really seemed to help.
By day 6 after surgery, the swelling seemed to be dissipating and the bruising was really almost gone. On day 8, I went to see Donna and have the stitches removed (there was one stitch on each incision point). Afterward, Donna handed me a package from Dr. Poblete. It was a box of Malley's Chocolate and a box of Malley's Buckeyes! It brought tears to my eyes that he remembered my comments about Malley's Chocolates. During surgery, I asked if there was a Malley's around because I needed to pick up some chocolates for my mom. The whole surgical team gave me directions and comments on the chocolates. I never made it to Malley's so it was a surprise and a blessing to receive those gifts from him!
"I think the day after my surgery people were wanting to see the results. I had a lot of "I can't tell a difference" comments (in the first week I might add) and all of those have turned into "Wow! Amazing!" I am so grateful I had this done. I always had trouble with my thighs and now I have beautiful legs!"
Four weeks later, on May 24, 2011, I had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation. I don't remember much from the day I had surgery except that I was very nauseated and groggy. However, the following day (post-op day 1) was much better and I only had a little pain from the drains. I struggled somewhat to recline - it felt like I had done way too many crunches. I also started giving myself Lovenox shots for the following five days. I did not like doing this but it was really nothing. Once you get the first one out of the way, it is fine. The other oddity is getting used to urinating. It is similar to when you first urinate after pregnancy - you know you have to go but it just kinda trickles. It gets better as the day goes on.
My husband drove me to see Dr. Poblete the day following the surgery and I received a compression garment. Dr. Poblete suggested using the full body compression I used during the first surgery. Again, I cannot stress enough how much this garment helps with the healing process. I wore the compression garment for 3 1/2 weeks after the surgery. It really made a difference.
By post-op day 2, I contacted Donna and asked if it was necessary to take the prescription pain killers. She gave me the go ahead to not take them. From that point on I used Tylenol. I still used Colace to try to soften my stool so I could have a bowel movement (it is a very happy day when you have your first bowel movement after surgery).
On post-op day 3, I had my drains removed. This was pretty painless. I was actually able to stand a little straighter. Standing straight is a wonderful thing. You don't realize how great it is until you walk bent over for a week. However, by post-op day 7, I was walking straight. On post-op day 11, I got my tummy tuck stitches out and Donna instructed me on how to massage the incisions and my breasts. My advice: Listen to Donna about the massage. Press hard on that incision even if it hurts a little (it will feel like touching a bruise) - you will love the results later. Donna can testify I was pretty grossed out by this because I have a weak stomach and it meant I had to look at the incision but it is truly worth it. I would also note that by this day, I felt pretty normal.
During the first three weeks, I saw some things that made me wonder "Will that always be like that?" or "That doesn't seem right." Let me assure you, it will not stay that way and it will straighten out as long as you listen and follow the instructions you receive. And Donna is always available to answer questions. I cannot believe the results I have achieved and I am only 5 weeks post-op after my tummy tuck and breast augmentation (9 weeks post-op liposuction)! My stats now are: height: 5' 7 1/2", weight: 143 pounds, hips 37", waist 27", thighs 21" and my bra size is 34C (sometimes D) with no lining or padding! Dr. Poblete gave me a great head start to getting the body I remember (ok - I was always flat chested so I don't remember these beautiful breasts but that is a different story!).
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I saw Dr. Poblete last week (post-op week 4), and he lifted my restrictions. His advice was to exercise to keep the results but to start back gradually. Since then I have been running 2 miles on the treadmill 3 - 4 times a week and doing toning exercises. It's amazing how much more you will push yourself during exercise when you feel good about yourself. It is a whole new type of motivation because you have attained something you want to keep!
"...the truth is I really feel like Dr. Poblete has given me back something I had been missing for a long time that is more meaningful than just a better body - confidence and self esteem..."
I jokingly told Dr. Poblete that I am a Barbie doll but the truth is I really feel like Dr. Poblete has given me back something I had been missing for a long time that is more meaningful than just a better body - confidence and self esteem. In the beginning, I thought this was a selfish thing I was doing but really my whole family has benefited. I am so happy and I am eager to participate and not hide. My husband has said it is like having the old me only better! He loves putting his arm around me with me shifting so he doesn't feel my flabby tummy. My daughters are excited to have a mom who doesn't mind getting pictures taken with them. I feel wonderful and confident.
This is a very personal decision and I think it is wise to not involve those who may be negative about it. With that said, having a support person like my husband and finding the right doctor with whom you have confidence and rapport really makes the difference. Dr. Poblete and his team truly care about their patients. They willingly share information with you and are honest about the results you can expect. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Dr. Poblete and his team. I am so pleased with my results and I am seeing newer and better results everyday!
- AL