Lipedema Stories Podcast

Hosts Lisa, Janine, and Janae discuss a recent April study showing a calorie-restricted, low-carb high-fat diet reduced body weight, leg volume, and pain in women with lipedema, then welcome guest Aurora McCausland. Aurora shares how she discovered lipedema after her sister’s complications, her diagnosis, a denied insurance claim that led her to speak with NBC, and the online responses she f...

Hosts Lisa, Janae, and Janine welcome guest Kelly to discuss a recent study showing lipedema adipose tissue has lipoma-like cellular changes and what that means for diagnosis and treatment. Kelly shares her personal journey — diagnosis, arm liposuction, recovery, battling insurers, and practical self-care strategies like compression, pneumatic pumps, and vibration plates. The episode also ex...

Research moment: a 2025 pilot study on perioperative and intraoperative ultrasound showed improved precision and safety for liposuction in lipoedema patients by selectively targeting superficial fat and protecting deeper structures. Guest story: Ashley, diagnosed in her late 30s, shares family links to lipoedema, symptoms she noticed after pregnancy, and her cautious path—choosing homeopathy, walk...

This episode discusses a major German randomized trial comparing liposuction to conservative therapy for lipedema, its impact on symptom relief and insurance coverage, and why the study matters to patients and clinicians. Guests Ethan and Sarah share their personal journey — from diagnosis and conservative management to Ethan's research plans studying gait and biomechanics — highlighting community...

Hosts Lisa, Janine and Janae discuss a study showing complete decongestive therapy (including pneumatic compression) reduces limb volume in lipedema and secondary lymphedema, then share personal updates and recovery stories. The episode focuses on practical treatment strategies—manual lymphatic drainage, patient education, cupping, Gua Sha/Graston, KT tape, and the central role of compression—plus...

In this episode the hosts review a systematic review showing bariatric/metabolic surgery can help mobility and weight loss but is not a primary treatment for lipedema; conservative care and targeted liposuction remain central. Guest Emily shares her path to diagnosis, the role of OTs and specialists, using GLP‑1s, her surgical experience, recovery improvements (like climbing 463 Duomo stairs), and...

In this episode the hosts discuss new MRI research showing higher sodium and swelling in lipoedema and then sit down with Gloria, who shares her 11‑year journey from misdiagnosis to multiple lipoedema removal surgeries. Gloria describes her diagnosis, pre‑ and post‑surgical preparation (IV drips, hyperbaric oxygen, MLD, supplements), recovery challenges, mental health struggles, and how community...

In this episode, hosts Lisa, Janine, and Janae discuss recent lipedema research and welcome guest Morgan, who shares her personal journey from years of misdiagnosis to finally receiving insurance approval for lipedema surgery. Morgan talks about discovering her condition through social media, the importance of compression garments, working with supportive healthcare providers like physical therapi...

In this episode we start with a research spotlight introducing two new intermediate lipedema stages (1.5 and 2.5) and findings on pain, total body water, muscle changes, inflammation, and imaging implications. Then Janine and her daughter Jessica share their personal lipoedema journeys — diagnosis, conservative treatments, life-changing results with a GLP‑1 medication, connections to Ehlers‑Danlos...

This episode covers a recent study on elevated tissue sodium in lipedema and how it may relate to leg swelling, followed by a personal conversation with Kim and her husband about diagnosis, multiple liposuction surgeries with Dr. Amron, recovery during COVID, and the emotional and financial challenges they faced. They discuss the importance of proper diagnosis, the life-changing benefits of treatm...

Lisa, Janine and Janae recap highlights from the Boston Lymphatic Symposium, exploring emerging research on lipoedema diagnosis, lymphatic function, and dysfunctional adipose tissue. They discuss patient experiences, pain and staging, surgical and non‑surgical treatment debates (compression, GLP‑1s, bariatric views), and the need for global diagnostic standards and better self‑management.

This episode explores recent research showing endothermal ablation for varicose veins may not improve lipedema symptoms, followed by a patient interview with Katie — a physical therapist who discovered her lipedema via online research, pursued surgery, and shares practical post-op care. Topics include conservative measures (compression, MLD, pumps), managing expectations after surgery, menta...

Hello, my Lippie Lymph ladies. In this episode Lisa and Janae review research on physical activity in lipedema, explain functional capacity evaluations (FCEs), and speak with Laura, who shares her diagnosis, weight-loss and lipedema reduction surgeries, and recovery. Laura discusses practical topics like compression garments, foam padding, insurance approval, and exercise, and reflects on the emot...

In this episode the hosts discuss a study showing decreased lower-extremity strength and endurance in women with lipoedema, then welcome Nicole from Nome, Alaska, who shares her diagnosis, virtual consult and 360 thigh (plus calf and arm) surgeries at the Roxbury Institute, and how surgery improved her pain, mobility and daily life. Nicole talks about navigating conservative care, intuitive eating...

Hosts introduce a new Delphi consensus paper uniting experts on lipedema and welcome guest Sherry, who shares her long health journey, diagnosis, and how recognizing lipoedema changed her life. Sherry describes three surgeries in Greece removing 27 liters, explores systemic metal hypersensitivity (notably nickel) as a driver of inflammation, and urges better screening and research into metals in l...

Hosts Lisa, Janine, and Janae discuss recent research on lipedema and obesity, then welcome guest Cassie, who shares her diagnosis, struggles with bariatric surgery, and discovery of Lipedema after decades of unexplained symptoms. Cassie describes her fast path from diagnosis to multiple surgeries, the physical and emotional improvements she experienced, and the relief of finally feeling seen and...

This episode opens with a research moment about GLP‑1 drugs (semaglutide/terzepatide) showing a dramatic reduction in breast cancer‑related lymphedema incidence and highlights how weight loss and lowered inflammation can help the lymphatic system. Guest Jana from Texas shares her lipoedema story — late diagnosis, vein treatments, major lipedema reduction surgeries on legs and arms (with brachiopla...

Hosts Lisa, Janine, and Janae welcome Sarah (SarahLifeAndLipedema) to discuss her lipoedema diagnosis after massive weight loss, starting MLD therapy, and pursuing multiple removal surgeries including a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. The episode covers recovery challenges (drains, compression, swelling), emotional impacts and mom-guilt, the power of TikTok community support, and a research moment on...

Hosts Lisa and Janae discuss a qualitative study showing that people with lipoedema face stigma, reduced participation in daily life, and decreased quality of life due to shame and perceived discrimination. Guest Lisa shares her journey from diagnosis to conservative care—lymphatic drainage, compression, vein treatments, anti‑inflammatory diet, and GLP‑1—losing 70 pounds and regaining mobility and...

In this episode of Lipedema Stories the hosts open with a research update reclassifying lipedema as hormonally influenced, then welcome guest Patty who shares her month-long experience using Pycnogenol and a lipoedema-targeted supplement (Lipera). She reports less inflammation and pain, improved mental clarity and sleep, reduced food cravings, and visible leg changes despite little weight change....

Hosts Lisa and Janae discuss new research linking menopause and estrogen receptor imbalance to lipedema, then welcome guest Julie to share her diagnosis, three liposuction procedures, and the dramatic improvements in mobility and pain she experienced afterward. They cover the emotional vulnerability of getting diagnostic photos, differing international views on lipedema, conservative care, and Jul...

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...

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 mobilit...

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...

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 opt...