Lipedema Stories Podcast

Hosts review recent research on whether lipoedema progresses, discuss surgical approaches (including the importance of treating the trunk) and practical tips like nighttime compression and vibration plates. They also share updates from past guests about recovery, GLP‑1 use, aqua therapy benefits, and conservative measures that help manage symptoms, and invite listeners to reach out and share their stories.

In this episode of Lipoedema Stories, hosts Lisa and Janae discuss a qualitative study about how lipedema affects sexual intimacy, body image, and daily life, then welcome guest Sam to share their personal diagnosis, treatment decisions, and recovery from lipedema surgery. Sam describes the emotional isolation, the challenges with pain and heaviness, the surgical recovery, and the improved mobility and confidence afterward. The episode highlights the need for better awareness, compassionate care, and open communication about living with lipedema.

This episode explores new research showing abdominal involvement increases with lipedema severity, highlights the U.S.–Europe debate on abdominal manifestations, and stresses the need for clearer diagnostic criteria. Guest Alyssa shares her personal story—years of confusing symptoms, family patterns, dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation, the challenges of insurance and surgery, and the physical and emotional benefits of treatment, including improved mobility and body acceptance.

Three friends discuss new research showing rising Google searches for lipedema and share a heartfelt conversation with sisters Teresa and Carrie about diagnosis, surgeries, and conservative care. The episode covers weight loss, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression therapy, insurance hurdles, surgeon selection, and the importance of family support and advocacy while navigating treatment options in Utah.

Hosts Lisa, Janine and Janaye discuss new research suggesting lipedema may be underdiagnosed in men, share clinic stories, and introduce guest Jessica Johnson. Jessica recounts discovering her diagnosis, deciding on surgery, the recovery process, and how treatment improved her pain, mobility, and mental outlook. The episode covers family experiences, body image struggles, working with trainers, and the everyday benefits of reduced leg heaviness — helping listeners understand both medical and emotional aspects of living with lipedema.

Hosts Lisa and Janee open with recent research highlights — including early studies on GLP‑1 drugs and how to distinguish lipoedema from lymphedema — then welcome Charlotte and her mom to share a personal journey. Charlotte describes her diagnosis, lymphoscintigraphy and ICG imaging, daily bandaging and compression routines, insurance challenges, and surgical options such as liposuction and lymphovenous procedures, while emphasizing resilience and staying active as a teen dancer.

Hosts Lisa and Janae discuss a viral double‑blind study on Pycnogenol (maritime pine bark) that reported improved quality of life, less pain, reduced bruising and leg heaviness, and small changes in body composition for people with lipoedema after 60 days. Guest Patty explains why she’ll start a documented self‑trial beginning January 2, tracking dosage, compression, diet and symptoms daily and sharing results on TikTok to help others separate real benefits from social‑media hype. The episode also covers concerns about fake endorsements, product scams, and practical self‑care tools like vibration plates, compression garments and realistic goal‑setting for managing lipoedema.

This episode discusses recent research showing higher rates of depression among women with lipedema and explores the psychosocial impact of the condition, including relationships, body image, and sleep. Guest Allie shares her long path to diagnosis, experiences with conservative care and liposuction, improvements in sleep and exercise after surgery, and candid moments about compression garments and emotional healing.

In this episode of Lipedema Stories, hosts Lisa, Janine, and Janae welcome guest Nikki to discuss her journey from misdiagnosis to receiving lipedema-focused care and surgery. They cover emerging research on vibration plates, Nikki’s experience with gastric bypass and multiple surgeries, hyperbaric therapy, and the emotional and practical challenges of treatment and recovery. Nikki shares how advocating for herself led to proper diagnosis, the life-changing effects of lipedema surgery, the support needed during recovery, and her determination to help others through education and awareness.

In this episode the hosts open with a brief research note confirming higher inflammatory markers in women with lipedema, then sit down with guest Leslie, a 50-year-old powerlifter who shares her multi-stage lipedema surgery journey. Leslie describes discovering her diagnosis, choosing surgery with Dr. Amron, dramatic fluid and tissue removal, improvements in pain, mobility and posture, and the practical challenges of compression garments, travel, and recovery. The conversation also covers navigating dismissive doctors, body-image changes after surgery, physical therapy, and practical tips for others considering treatment.

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Lipoedema Stories, hosted by Lisa, Janine, and Janae. In today's episode, we delve into the intertwined journeys of lymphedema and lipoedema through our special guest, Autumn. Her story of triumph and struggle offers valuable insights into managing these conditions. We start with a significant victory in the lipoedema community: the German Joint Federal Committee for Healthcare Services recommends funding liposuction for lipoedema patients under the German health insurance system. This monumental decision provides hope for many women dealing with the condition. Meet Autumn, who courageously shares her experience battling stage three breast cancer and its aftermath, including the onset of lymphedema in her arm due to lymph node removal. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she discovers she also has lipoedema. Autumn's courageous tale highlights the relief of diagnosis, shifting from medication dependency to alternative management solutions like compression garments and lifestyle changes. Join us as we explore the challenges faced by those with lymphedema and lipoedema, discussing the crucial role of awareness, insurance, and the strength found in community support. Autumn's determination is evident as she educates others, further bridging gaps in medical knowledge surrounding these conditions.

Hosts dive into a research moment about using waist-to-height ratio over BMI and clarify how metabolic risk compares between women with lipedema and others. They unpack why study comparisons can be misleading and what that means for patients. Guest Patty shares her long road to diagnosis, the frustration with doctors, and the emotional impact of finally being validated. She explains practical steps that helped her—anti-inflammatory eating, gradual calorie adjustments, strength training (no HIIT), and tools like apps and ChatGPT to plan meals and workouts. The episode also covers the realities of considering surgery, battling insurance, and the importance of community support and resources like Lipedema.org and social media connections.

A candid conversation with Amy about discovering lipedema after weight loss, navigating confusing providers, and finally finding the right care that led to life-changing surgery and symptom relief. She shares the emotional impact of diagnosis, struggles with chronic dieting and eating disorders, lessons in body positivity for her daughters, and the importance of community and accessible treatment.

In this episode of Lipedema Stories, hosts Lisa, Janine, and Janae talk with Angela about how she discovered lipedema after breast cancer treatment, her path to diagnosis, and the life-changing surgeries and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) that followed. They discuss the role of fibrosis, conservative treatments, compression, and the emotional impact of living with lipedema. Angela shares practical recovery experiences, how surgery improved symptoms like GERD and mobility, and how reclaiming her body allowed her to return to work and life activities. The conversation blends medical insights, advocacy for better physician awareness, and candid personal moments — including the simple joy of finally being able to "eat the damn cake."

This episode opens with a brief research moment on the origins of Lipedema and then follows Emily’s personal journey: discovering her diagnosis via social media, years of misdiagnosis and struggle, and finally receiving a stage 4 diagnosis. Emily describes the emotional aftermath, the relief and grief, her surgical recovery and physical improvements, the deep support from her husband, and the healing power of community as she adjusts to a new normal.

In this episode of Lipedema Stories, hosts Janine and Lisa welcome their friend Diana to share her path to a formal lipedema diagnosis after years of unexplained leg and back pain, heavy ankles, and frustrating weight changes. They discuss recent research linking Ehlers-Danlos and lipedema, Diana’s daily walking routine that helps with pain, the limits of conservative care, insurance barriers, and her multi-stage surgical plan to regain mobility. The conversation also touches on family genetics, body image, and emotional resilience.

In this episode of Lipoedema Stories Podcast, the hosts discuss recent research linking lipedema and fibromyalgia and welcome 25-year-old Annalise to share her personal journey. Annalise describes early symptoms, failed weight-loss attempts despite intense training, conservative care like compression, MLD and pump therapy, challenges with insurance, and her decision to pursue surgery with compassionate providers. The conversation highlights emotional relief at receiving a diagnosis, practical tips for self-care, and a message of hope and community for others living with lipedema.

Join Lisa, Janine and Jenae as we get to know Lauri and hear her Lipedema story.  Lauri shares how she first noticed her symptoms in her teenage years and how she's sought treatment into her 70's.  Lauri shares the struggles and the strengths she's had through Lipedema and shares some funny stories along the way.

In this episode the lippy lymph ladies present a research moment suggesting radiographic evidence of lymphatic involvement in all women with lipedema, then Teresa shares her personal journey from misdiagnosis to multiple surgeries and meaningful symptom relief. The conversation covers conservative care, insurance advocacy (SPDs, ERISA, single-case agreements), appeals tips, post-op improvements in pain and mobility, and practical emotional support for patients and their families.

Join Lisa, Janine and Jenae as we share our own stories with Lipedema and Lymphedema.