Lipoedema

[Jeaniered 183]

Think I have lipoedema and would be interested to know if anyone else has it and if this has prevented them losing weight on their legs or if the6 gave overcome it.

In lipoedema, the thighs, buttocks, lower legs, and sometimes the arms, become enlarged due to a build-up of abnormal fat cells. Both legs and/or the arms are usually enlarged at the same time and to the same extent.

The feet and hands aren't affected, which creates a "bracelet" effect or "band-like" appearance just above the ankles and wrists.

Leg and arm size can vary between individuals with lipoedema, and the condition can gradually get worse over time.

[Berry78 4,259]

I did a quick search to find information. In general, calorie restriction does not cause the lipoedemic areas to shrink. The areas with normal fat will shrink however.

Anyone with this condition needs special care from a doctor that understands the condition.

http://www.obesityaction.org/educational-resources/resource-articles-2/obesity-related-diseases/lipedeam-and-obesity

Quote

Doctor’s Box
As an Endocrinologist that helps patients manage weight, I see many women interested in surgical weight-loss who have undiagnosed lipedema. Women with lipedema who want to and are eligible to undergo bariatric surgery, in addition to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise, must be under the care of a manual lymph drainage therapist before and after the surgery to avoid failure of the procedure to promote weight-loss, and risk of development of lymphedema.

[Jeaniered 183]

Thanks for your response. The photo of legs are not my own, just an example of what liepedemia looks like. (Spelt differently in uk). My legs are not nearly as bad but I’m worried that I have it as I have fat legs and swollen ankles. I will talk to my gp and see If i can get an appointment with a specialist. I had my sleeve op in August.

[Berry78 4,259]

While you are looking for a doctor, see if you can find a pool to begin swimming. Apparently that is one of the best exercises for the condition.

[Jeaniered 183]

Going to start swimming next week. Thanks

[dustymiller 3]

Hi jeaniered, I believe I also have it I'm from England and the gp doesn't do a great deal for it. My legs are lumpy under the skin I have just had a scan and it shows lots of fat globules. Weight loss has helped but me legs will always be bigger than normal

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[Jeaniered 183]

Hi dusty I’m seeing doc in a couple of weeks, but I’m going to ask (insist) on being referred to a lipoedema specialist. I need to know if it’s lipoedema or odema, so that I know what I’m dealing with. You can get liposuction to help but it sometimes comes back. It does seem that docs in the uk don’t know much about it, I had a knee replacement last year, my consultant remarked on my chubby legs but he Just said it was because I was overweight! How bad are your ankles?

[dustymiller 3]

They are not to bad and to be honest some days are worse than others but they ache all the time and when they are really bad I have a lymphatic massage on them. Even if I went to the gp with a cut finger they would blame my weight lol

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[Jeaniered 183]

Yeh I know what you mean, everything is down to weight? My ankles are a bit swollen but not really too noticeable but it’s above my knees that are worse. I don’t really suffer from any pain but they get tired if I walk too much. Thanks for responding to my question, when I was looking on the website about lipoedema, i nearly freaked out at some of the things I read. So it’s good to talk to someone else about it.

[dustymiller 3]

I think in England there is such a stigma attached to obesity that it is the gp default position to blame everything on weight , to the point that it becomes detrimental to people's health. I'm still waiting for my sleeve it been nearly two years. I think there is a lipodema UK site

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[Jeaniered 183]

Totally agree it’s all shame and blame! I was on a waiting list for two years and getting no where then I retired and used some of my pension pot to get the sleeve. I couldn’t wait any longer. So glad I did, i feel a lot fitter for it. Hope you get it soon. What hospital will you go to?

[mmeredith75 15]

I believe I also have lymphedema. My ankles are VERY swollen, and I also have the band. My calves swell so very badly. And, just above my right knee, I have a huge swelling. I'm also in achy pain all day. I'm going to my GP on 10/10, and my bypass is 10/30. Hoping for the best!

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[Jeaniered 183]

do you think it’s lipodemia or lymphademia? As they are slightly different. Will you let me know how you get on at docs. Hope all goes well for you.

[dustymiller 3]

I'm in London under the Whittington hospital. Got my final education group on 25/10/17, so I will see what happens then. Hopefully it will be this year or very early next year. Where did you have yours done?

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[Jeaniered 183]

Leicester at the Nuffield hospital. Good luck let me know h9w you get on.