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Just like the generations of women before me, I've always had a round "poochy" stomach. Even when I was a size 6, it was there- an itty bitty bubble. After several serious ankle surgeries sidelined me- for almost 2 years- from working out at a weight loss intensity, the pooch grew until it officially reached "gut" status. Stretch pants made it easy to ignore for awhile, but when I started feeling pressure on my innards when I sat down, I knew I was in trouble. I was steadily outgrowing my stretch pants.

Emotionally, I was already wrung out from losing my fitness career to my ankle problems. Food has always been a huge source of pleasure for me and being a fitness instructor kept my weight under control. I was frustrated- being sidelined by pain and unable to live the active lifestyle I had always had- dancing, long walks with my dog, teaching classes ranging from kickboxing to salsa... clinical depression wasn't far off. 

Weighing in at 12 pounds more than I did on the day that I had The Boy, and 4 pants sizes larger than usual, I decided to look into cosmetic surgery. I wasn't sold on the idea- part of me felt like a quitter, too weak to control my eating habits and lose the weight the hard way... but it was worth a peek.

Dr. Cohen was was the 2nd doctor I saw for a tummy tuck consultation, and within 30 seconds I KNEW he was the right doctor for me. He made me feel comfortable instantly, and I was confident that he not only understood my genetic and lifestyle challenges, but also that he would easily be able to correct them and exceed my expectations. The Man and I discussed it thoroughly, and decided that it was the right decision to get the operation. My age, injuries and genetic shape were all against me, along with my weakness for meat, cheese and wine! So we set the date for my tummy tuck with a side of liposuction.

Recovery was painful and difficult, but the results have been well worth it- actually, the pain removed all guilt of thinking it was the "easy way out!" Many people don't realize that you have to work as hard to maintain your body after cosmetic surgery as you did before. It's not a magic wand that fixes you forever. My tummy tuck gave me a chance to take the lower cardio intensity that was now my maximum, and apply it to a body that, now, just needed maintenance, not a complete overhaul.  

Dr. Cohen doesn't mess around- he tells it like it is and gives it to you straight, and he has been right about everything he's told me so far. My post op apppointments were always informative, positive, and right on time. Dr. Cohen has a very professional, pleasant team that is patient and kind to a first timer who calls frequently with questions! I always had my questions answered promptly, and they always called back when they said they would.

I was 8 weeks post op when I started this review and was so happy with the results- my scar was straight, thin and fading fast. I never expected to look as good as I did at that point, and Dr. Cohen assured me that I was still in the shrinking stages of this transformation! I could already wear a bikini, was 2 full sizes smaller than I was pre-op, and the waist I have now was Cohen-given, not God-given!

At the time of this update, I was 32 weeks post op. I am one size from my target size, though I would still like to lose about 15 more pounds. My abs are still flat, and my clothes fit really well. Shopping isn't frustrating anymore- many styles actually compliment my new figure. My body is far from perfect, but I wasn't going for perfection- I just wanted to stop wearing clothes designed to hide a 6 month pregnancy! 

Thank you Dr. Cohen, for improving my health, my appearance and my self-esteem. Your professionalism and relaxed, confident manner made what could have been a very stressful procedure smooth and easy. Cosmetic surgery is not for everyone, nor should it be the first choice if you have some physical appearance challenges. Recovery is painful, risks are real, and results vary based on multiple factors. But if you do decide to look into it- get several opinions from reputable surgeons, including one from Dr. Cohen, because~
 
Dr. Barry Cohen Passes with Flying Colors! 

 
 Mclean Office
6845 Elm St. Suite 300
McLean, VA 22101
703-442-4919
http://www.bjcohen.com/