“What I Wish I Knew About Lipoedema — And What I Use Daily”

Let’s be real — I didn’t know what was going on with my body.

I spent years blaming myself. Thought I was lazy. Thought it was just age, hormones, or chronic fatigue… until I stumbled across a few incredible women who made it all click.

So, here’s a huge shoutout to the queens who changed everything for me:

💛 Sarah Whitlow – Made it all click. The first woman I saw who looked like me — and suddenly, everything made sense. She’s also the Queen of Compression and has a fab guide that’s helped so many.

💛 Kaz Windsor – Straight-talking, grounded, and all about mindset + movement. A big voice in the lymphatic space — combining real-life experience with practical tips and lymph flow know-how.
💛 Kylie at The Bold Body Project – Funny, fierce, and factual. Her honesty, humour, and no-BS attitude help break down big topics and build real confidence.
💛 Maria Kokkinou Boege – “Stylish, smart, and a go-to voice for surgery insights and post-op care.”
💛 The Lipedema Mama – “Funny, practical, and encouraging — making compression feel cool.”
💛 Dr. Caitlin Czezowski - lymph goddess!

💛 Leah Hope - “Relatable, raw, and radiant — shares the reality of lipedema, surgery, and weight loss without shame.”

If you’re newly diagnosed, I recommend starting here.
These women gave me answers, language, and most importantly — power.
Without them, I’d still be undiagnosed, hating my body, and blaming myself.

There are lots of others too — just search “Lipoedema” (UK) or “Lipedema” (US) on TikTok or Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (any social space basically!!)  to start building your own empowering list.

📌 My Go-To Community Spaces:

If you're newly diagnosed or just feeling lost, start here — these are the spaces that changed everything for me:

• Lipedema Movement & Fitness
  Run by Sarah Whitlow, this Facebook group has 100,000+ members full of practical advice, motivation, and real talk. Sarah was the first person I saw online who made everything click — and kickstarted my journey!
  lipoedema.co.uk+15facebook.com+15facebook.com+15

• Kaz Windsor / LymphaPress
  Featured frequently in roundtables and Lives focused on lymphatic care, manual drainages, and self-treatment tips. A vital source for movement and symptom management.

https://www.facebook.com/kazwindsor1 

• Lipoedema UK (charity)
  A UK-based nonprofit offering GP resources, events, national advocacy, and helpful guides. Membership supports awareness and can be worth it.
  https://www.talklipoedema.org/

💡 Why joining groups matter:

1. You are not alone!!!
2. Diagnosis & Education – Get clarity around your symptoms and learn how others have navigated diagnosis.
   
3. Non surgical - conservative tools/support
4. Surgery Support – Real-life advice from people on access, costs, recovery, and best clinics, sometimes before and after pics.
5. Community Vibes – Share wins, ask questions, and celebrate the journey with others who truly get it.

Outside the UK?

Search Facebook for:

• “Lipoedema/Lipedema Support [Your Country]”
• “Lipoedema/Lipedema Surgery”
• "[Country] Lipoedema/Lipedema Group”

You’ll often find regional support networks just like the UK ones above. 

🧖 My Daily Rituals + Tools I use

Below is an honest snapshot of what works for me right now.

I am 5ft 2, stage 2 and type EVERYWHERE! So, my thighs, butt, calves and arms – basically everywhere.

Please note (transparency) I’ve included affiliate links to some of the products I personally use and love.
(You won’t be charged any extra if you use them!)

NOTE (UK): If you're outside the UK, some product links may not work, search names and or ask in your community.

✨ You don’t need to buy everything at once.
Save money by buying second-hand, borrowing, or picking things up bit by bit.
There’s no rush — just get what you need, when you need it. ✨

🛏 Morning + Evening: CONSITENCY IS KEY

✅ Lymphatic Opening (5 mins)
Open your nodes in bed — collarbones, armpits, tummy, hips, groin, knees.

✅ Dry Brushing (5–10 mins)
I use this brush before showers or before bed:
👉 Ithyes Natural Dry Brush

✅ Diaphragmatic Breathing (5 mins)
Calming deep belly breaths. Super simple. Super effective.

✅ Vibration Plate (5–15 mins)
When I can — even 5 mins helps lymph + energy.
👉 LifePro Waver Vibration Plate

🧦 Compression Wear – Best to be worn daily

⚠️ WARNING: It's a minefield out there! So many options.  Check with your GP to confirm if you need a Doppler check prior to check compression is suitable for you — especially if you have vascular or circulatory concerns.

NOTE (UK): If you're outside the UK, some product links may not work. Try asking your specialist, therapist, or trusted Facebook community for country-specific options that offer the right support.

👩 NHS Compression Provision

In the UK, the NHS provides 2 sets of medical-grade compression garments every 6 months (following your lymphatic/vascular assessment).
While waiting for my official appointment, I wanted to get used to the feeling of compression — but I didn’t want to spend a fortune.

So after a deep dive into reviews and group chats (thank you Facebook warriors!), these are the items I personally tried — based on comfort, cost, and practicality.

These gave me:

• 👖 Relaxsan Basic 980 (22–27 mmHg) – breathable everyday tights
• ☀️ Evolyline Footless Pantyhose (20–30 mmHg) – great for hot days
• 👣 Beister Open Toe Tights (20–30 mmHg) – no squished toes!
• 💪 KSKshape Arm Compression Top – arm + posture support

After trying the budget-friendly options, I levelled up to Lipoelastic.
I ordered the Flow leggings (yes, Sandy-from-Grease vibes!)

The Flow leggings are so comfy — like a mini massage with every move — and yes, you’ll get square marks on your legs. It’s weirdly cool… like, I could legit be used for a board game by evening. 🎲

📣 Shoutout to Lipoelastic: Any chance we can get non-shiny, nude, and soft pink versions, please? Some of us want to rebel softly 💗

👉 https://lipoedema.co.uk/

I also have the crotch less compression (Lipoelastic’s Variant range) legs and bolero..

They’ve been great under clothes, especially work dresses — discreet and practical.

Variant legs 💡 Pro tip: These go over your pants — not under! Avoid silky ones unless you want to spend your day wrestling them up like you're in a slapstick workout. 😂

 

💦 Other Daily Habits:

💧 Water + Himalayan Salt
Hydration matters — a pinch of salt helps cell absorption.

🧴 Moisturising + Castor Oil
Especially after dry brushing or showers.

🕺 Rebounding (either 15 mins while listening to some tunes, or when the Kettle Boils!)
👉 ONETWOFIT Mini Trampoline

🚶 Gentle Movement After Meals
Even 10 mins of walking can make a big difference – I like to pop in some tunes and get gooving while walking.

🥩 My Keto-ish Approach

I aim for 90% keto, but not obsessively.

·       I lost non-lipoedema fat, reduced inflammation, and gained energy.

·       I started with 1 week of full carnivore (just meat), then slowly reintroduced:

o   Cheese, yogurt, dark chocolate, strawberries, etc.

·       This helped me identify food triggers like bloat or pain.

Again, your food preferences and tolerances are unique — you might do better on RAD, gluten-free, or even some carbs. Just test and tweak.

🧖 Weekly Self-Care Picks

Pick 1–3 of these each week — or just whenever you can:

🧴 Cupping + Oil
I love the Legology range — smells gorgeous and feels luxurious.

💆♀️ Massage Guns
👉 2-in-1 Curved Head Gun (go gentle!)

🦵 Compression Pump
Feels like a BP cuff for your legs — I use it while reading or watching telly:
👉 Leg Compression Pump

🛁 Epsom Salt Baths
Any brand — relaxing, detoxing, magnesium boost.

🏊♀️ Swimming / Cold Showers / Yoga
Lymph loves movement.

🏋️♀️ Dumbbell Weight Training
👉 PhysKcal Weights Set (with rack)

📅 Sample of my daily weekday Schedule – weekends I may spend longer doing tasks and or do less (dependent on family plans/life!)

Time	Action	Notes
7:30am	Lymph Opening + Breathing	In bed, 5 mins
7:45am	Dry Brushing	5 – 10 mins before shower
8:15am	Vibration Plate + Weights	Optional: 5–15 mins
Throughout the day	Hydration	Add pinch of salt to water
Lunch	Walk + Light Movement	15 – 30 mins, 10 mins after eating
Anytime throughout the day	Rebounding	While waiting for dinner/kettle
5:30/6	Walk after dinner	30 – 60 mins, 10 mins after eating
7:30pm	Compression Pump, Massage or Cupping	30 mins Wind down ritual
10:00	Lymph Opening + Breathing	In bed, 5 mins
10:15	Vibration Plate + Weights	Optional: 5–15 mins
10:30	Dry Brushing	5 – 10 mins
10:40/45	Breathing + Moisturiser	Calm body and prep for bed

💊 My (No-BS) Supplement Stack💊 Supplements

I take mine spaced throughout the day.

Important: Always check with your GP or pharmacist before starting anything new.

I know my list looks like a lot — but that’s because I can’t take certain combined blends due to ingredient sensitivities. You may find a simpler option that works better for you.

Start slow, listen to your body, and don’t feel pressured to take everything at once.

Key supplements I currently take and why:

Supplement	Dose	Purpose / Why You Take It
Omega 3	2 capsules daily	Anti-inflammatory, supports brain & heart health
Venaflux Complex (Hesperidin, Diosmin, Horse Chestnut, Butcher's Broom, Rutin)	1–2 capsules	Supports veins, lymph flow, lipoedema/Lipedema swelling
Ancient + Brave Collagen (in coffee)	1 scoop daily	Skin, joints, connective tissue, gut repair
Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro Inositol blend	As directed	Hormonal balance, insulin support, energy
Quercetin Complex (with Bromelain & Ester-C)	1–2 daily	Anti-inflammatory, histamine control, immune support
L-Glutamine	1 capsule at night	Gut lining repair, cravings, muscle recovery
Broccoli Sprout Extract	1 capsule	Detox, estrogen balance, antioxidant
Magnesium Spray (topical)	As needed	Muscle relaxation, sleep, cramp prevention

💛 Gentle Reminders

• Start where you are. You don’t need all the gear — just one habit at a time
• Listen to your body. Every journey is personal.
• You’re not lazy, broken, or too much. You’re powerful — and you’re not alone.
• You don’t have to get it perfect — just consistent.

✨Considering Surgery?

There are several types of lipoedema surgery — including water-assisted liposuction (WAL), tumescent liposuction, and other lymph-sparing techniques.

Let’s be clear: This isn’t about aesthetics, its about mobility, pain relief, and quality of life.

Before jumping in, you’ll want to think about:

v  The stage of your condition

v  Your budget and funding options

v  The level of aftercare provided

v  And most importantly — your readiness

Do Your Research!!!!!!!

v  Seek out surgeons with specific experience in lipoedema.

v  Ask for before and after photos, patient testimonials, and complication rates.

v  Join support groups to hear real stories, ask questions, and compare notes.

v  If you can, compare costs, surgical settings, and recovery options.

One thing I’ve learned from the group chats, sometimes it’s not just about the cheapest — it’s about the right surgeon for the amount of lippi fat you need removed.

For example; Day case surgery might suit smaller areas, hospital-based surgery with an overnight stay may allow for more fat removal in one go. And if your skin has lost elasticity, skin removal might be part of the discussion.

I’ve listed some of the questions below that I will be asking a surgeon (if I decide) to do surgery:

      Their Experience

·       How many lipoedema surgeries have you performed?

·       What training or certification do you have in lymph-sparing techniques?

·       Can I see before and after photos of your lipoedema patients?

·       Do you treat all stages of lipoedema?

The Procedure

·       What type of liposuction do you use? (e.g. Water-Assisted (WAL), tumescent, lymph-sparing?)

·       Will you be using general or local anaesthetic?

·       How many litres of fat are typically removed per session?

·       How many stages/surgeries do you recommend for me?

·       Will I need to complete tests before I have the procedure?

·       What areas will be treated first and why?

Recovery & Risks

·       What is the recovery time, and when can I return to normal activities?

·       What complications or side effects are common?

·       How do you manage pain, bruising, or scar healing?

·       Will I need compression garments, and do you supply them?

·       What’s your approach to aftercare (MLD, physio, etc)?

Costs & Planning

·       What is the total cost, including hospital, anaesthetic, compression, and follow-up?

·       What’s the payment plan or deposit required?

·       Do you provide written information, including consent forms and risk details?

·       How do you handle revisions or if further surgery is needed?

Empower Yourself

·       What results can I realistically expect?

·       Do you screen for lipo-lymphoedema, EDS, or other related conditions?

·       Can I speak to previous patients?

·       What happens if I decide not to continue after one stage?

🧠 Fun Facts About Lipoedema:

• ⚕️ Described in 1940 by Mayo Clinic doctors
• 📉 Often misdiagnosed as obesity or “normal female fat”
• 💔 Not rare — just rarely recognised. Affects 1 in 10 women
• 👨 Men can get it too — especially underdiagnosed
• 🧬 60% report a family link — look at your nan, mum, aunties
• In the UK it is spelt Lipoedema, in the US it is Lipedema! 

Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional. This is just what is currently helping me — always check with your GP or specialist before making changes to your care or treatment.