After losing the needed weight to finally get into the normal weight category one would think life is good. But that is not always the case. For some of us we are not left with a body that we would want to be seen in a bathing suit. For many there is extra skin that needs to be removed which seems to be covered in length here, but I would like to address something else, a disproportioned body that is left after the weight loss.

I was super thin on top but my lower body was still a mess. I had no idea that there was something else going on...my legs had fat pockets around the knee area that just would not come off and also saddle bags from hell...These things really stand out when you are otherwise thin. So I went for a lower body lift to help with those things. Only problem was after the surgery I found my self now gaining weight. I had not changed my eating and in fact I was now dieting and trying to lose it but with little response from my body. My calves that had been so wrinkly due to weight loss were now filling back up and getting tight. Then one day as I was feeling my swelling of my calves I noticed this little ridge right above my ankle. What the heck was that??? I am well over a year from surgery for the lower body lift, so it is not swelling from that.

Turns out I have a condition that 11 percent of women have, it's called lipedema. I have a different type of fat cells in my lower body and also in my upper arms which cause them to expand weaken and be filled with Fluid that leak and cause swelling. Lipedema can be trigged by certain events such as puberty, pregnancy and surgeries (such as in my case). Actually mine I am sure started when I was 14 and went from a underweight child to a overweight teen in just one year. One does not have to be over weight to have it, it's just many people that are overweight have both kinds of fat. Left untreated will only get worse and could lead to a condition that my Mom had that was diagnosed as lymphedema and caused her to be in a wheel chair for the last 20 years of her life. I now believe she actually had lipo-lymphedema it's actually lymphedema that started out as lipedema and was never treated. I always remember my Mom being fairly thin but having these really big legs. I just thought my sisters and I were built the same way as my Mom. Had no idea this is a condition that can be passed down. In fact one of my daughters has just received her official diagnosis of lipedema.

Lipedema has 4 levels and if untreated could progress. I am in a later stage 2. I write this to warn any of you out there that may think you have a disproportioned body that is resistant to diet, to look into this. Lipedema fat is unaffected by diet, so weight loss whether it be by diet or surgery will have no effect on it. These cells need to be removed, the current treatment for this is what is known as WAL liposuction , (Water assisted liposuction). Where the surgeon injects a saline solution and then flushes out by liposuction the fat. This procedure is a gentler way of removing the fat without disturbing the lymph system. This is usually done with twilight sedation.

With 11 percent of women having this condition, which for the most part goes misdiagnosed as simply being overweight, I know there are many here that may in fact have this disorder too. The good news is the medical community is becoming aware of this condition and insurance companies are now starting to pay for treatment. The WAL liposuction is not a cosmetic procedure even though there are some cosmetic benefits too... I urge you to do a google search of Lipedema and see if you have any of the many signs of this condition.

Edited August 11, 201511 yr by AZDee

The typical symptoms are a disproportionately large lower half and column-like legs, which are often tender and bruise easily. For example, the top half of your body may be a size 8, but the bottom half may be a size 16.

As the condition progresses, fat continues to build up, and your lower body grows heavier. Over time, expanding fat cells block the vessels of your lymphatic system, which normally helps balance body Fluid levels and protect against infection. This blockage prevents the proper drainage of lymph fluid, leading to a buildup of fluid called lymphedema.

If not treated, lymphedema can lead to problems such as infections, delayed wound healing, development of scar-like tissue called fibrosis, and loss of function in the legs.

Thank you, @@AZDee .

@@AZDee

I know it is a relief for you to find out what was going on with your body, and that treatment is available. (Your daughter as well)

I am glad you sought out treatment, so you can be able to live a full and healthy life.

This information will be helpful to many of us.

Thank you for sharing.