Episodios

  • Empowering Women with Lipedema: A Conversation with Lisa, The Lippy Lymph Lady

    Empowering Women with Lipedema: A Conversation with Lisa, The Lippy Lymph Lady
    Apr 12 2026

    Lippy Lymph Ladies: Lipedema, Lymphatics, Surgery Myths, and the Power of CompressionHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Lisa, an occupational therapist and certified lymphedema therapist in Utah, who now focuses on outpatient manual lymphatic drainage and works with a lipedema removal surgeon.

    Lisa shares how she transitioned from acute care during COVID to outpatient lymphatic care, learned to better identify lipedema, and created Lippy Lymph Ladies on Instagram/TikTok to provide accurate education amid social media misinformation.

    She discusses common misconceptions: surgery isn’t a cure and conservative care must continue, diet and exercise don’t remove lipedema fat but still matter, and many patients struggle to get diagnosed and feel blamed. Lisa emphasizes validating patients that lipedema isn’t their fault, highlights the importance of the lymphatic system, and advises prioritizing proper medical-grade compression and consistency over trying every modality.00:00 Welcome to the Show00:56 Meet Lisa the Therapist02:54 Finding Lipedema in Clinic04:49 OT Talk and Hospital Life07:03 Lippy Lymph Ladies Origins10:12 Surgery Myths and Lymphatics12:53 Why Lisa Chose This Work16:29 Demand for Lymphatic Care19:55 You Are Not Crazy22:31 Diagnosis Struggles22:53 Guilt Shame Cycle24:40 Doctors GLP1 Debate26:38 Diet Exercise Nuance28:54 Nutrition Is Hard30:38 Fitness World Reality34:27 Not Your Fault38:13 Find Me Online40:12 Compression Matters42:32 Episode Wrap Up

    Follow us on Social media!!!

    Kristy's Contact information:

    IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠

    FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Website Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

    ⁠⁠ Dellalunawellness.com

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

    Cindy contact information

    ⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠

    Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠

    IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠

    Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPCH

    Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

    Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠

    Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠



    https://www.instagram.com/lippylymphladies/

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lipedema-stories-podcast/id1841961157https://www.tiktok.com/@lippylymphladies
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    43 m
  • Artistry in Surgery: Dr. Xu's Approach to Lipedema

    Artistry in Surgery: Dr. Xu's Approach to Lipedema
    Apr 5 2026

    Lipedema Surgery, Diagnosis, and Recovery: Dr. Xu of Virginia Plastic Surgery

    Hosts Cindy and Kristy introduce Stronger Than Lipedema and interview Dr. Xu of Virginia Plastic Surgery about his training and focus on lipedema and lymphatic surgery.

    He describes how lipedema was often missed or misattributed to weight, the need for education, advocacy, and research, and how he evaluates patients via comprehensive history and exam, sometimes adding venous studies or lymphatic imaging to rule out lymphedema, venous disease, or other causes of swelling.

    Dr. Xu explains his consultation process (virtual and in person), licensing limits for insurance billing, and that his practice is currently cash-pay. He outlines his lipedema liposuction approach under general anesthesia using power-assisted lipo and a staged 270-degree technique, avoids VASER for legs, discusses potential skin-tightening devices, and details post-op compression and lymphatic massage, with options when CLTs are unavailable. He also discusses hyperbaric oxygen therapy, training with Dr. Jorjani, arm/leg scar placement considerations.00:00 Welcome to the Show00:56 Meet Dr Xu01:07 From Training to Practice03:10 Why Plastic Surgery04:08 Discovering Lipedema05:37 Misdiagnosis and Awareness08:13 Virginia Practice Overview09:13 Consultation and Diagnosis13:47 Virtual Visits and Licensing15:44 Costs and No Insurance16:38 Lipedema Surgery Breakdown20:45 Aftercare Compression and MLD22:18 Compression Wear Reality23:11 Pre Surgery Therapy Prep24:43 Finding MLD Help Fast25:46 Pneumatic Compression Timing26:56 Hyperbaric Healing Boost29:51 Training With Dr Jorjani30:33 Leg Technique And Staging32:39 Arm Surgery Scar Strategy36:27 Thigh Scar Placement Tips38:46 Artistry In Lipedema Lipo41:17 Advocacy And Personal Drive44:22 Final Thanks And Wrap Up

    Follow us on Social media!!!

    Kristy's Contact information:

    IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠

    FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Website Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

    ⁠⁠ Dellalunawellness.com

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

    Cindy contact information

    ⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠

    Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠

    IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠

    Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPCH

    Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

    Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠

    Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠


    https://www.instagram.com/vaplasticsurgery/

    https://www.virginiaplasticsurgery.com/
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    45 m
  • Erika’s Lipedema Journey and the Launch of the Lipedema Summit

    Erika’s Lipedema Journey and the Launch of the Lipedema Summit
    Mar 29 2026

    Hosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Erika, also known as Trail to Health and founder of the Lipedema Summit, who shares her health journey from early signs of lipedema at puberty to a major flare after a 2016 stem cell therapy (using her own fat) pursued following years of severe, initially undiagnosed Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

    Erika describes rapid, hormonally linked weight gain, temporary relief from lymphatic drainage, and eight years of missed recognition by doctors before learning about lipedema through a gym acquaintance and an IV doctor, leading to a formal diagnosis in early 2024 and surgery in March.

    She explains her motivation to educate others and outlines the patient-focused Lipedema Summit (June 10–12), featuring 60+ high-production interview-style sessions, free live access, optional replay/VIP Q&As, global experts, and an in-person LA event on June 11 with livestreamed Q&A, plus plans for an ongoing community.00:00 Welcome to the Show00:55 Meet Erika Schlick01:38 Early Signs and Puberty02:08 Tick Bite and Lyme Spiral02:33 Stem Cells and Weight Gain03:13 Searching for Answers04:32 Finally a Lipedema Diagnosis07:55 Why She Started Sharing09:31 Creating the Lipedema Summit12:43 Dates Passes and Access13:23 Who the Summit Helps14:50 Why Virtual Matters16:44 Sneak Peek at Speakers17:04 Speaker Lineup Highlights18:19 Practical Care Sessions18:32 How to Register19:12 Future Summits Community20:22 In Person LA Event21:32 Soft Landing Support23:03 Family Early Awareness26:40 Doctor Education Push27:54 Balancing Health Work30:25 Final Invite Wrap Up

    Follow us on Social media!!!

    Kristy's Contact information:

    IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠

    FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Website Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

    ⁠⁠ Dellalunawellness.com

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

    Cindy contact information

    ⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠

    Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠

    IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠

    Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPCH

    Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

    Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠

    Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠Erika Schlick Contact information

    https://www.instagram.com/lipedema.summit/

    https://www.lipedemasummit.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/erikaschlick

    https://www.instagram.com/thetrailtohealth/

    https://www.instagram.com/fullcirclemediaco/

    https://www.instagram.com/thishealthylifepodcast/

    https://www.facebook.com/lipedemasummit
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    33 m
  • Building a Comprehensive Lipedema Clinic with Nurse Practitioner Sarah Cullen

    Building a Comprehensive Lipedema Clinic with Nurse Practitioner Sarah Cullen
    Mar 22 2026

    Hosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Sarah Cullen, a doctorate-prepared family nurse practitioner with 21 years of nursing experience, who opened Akeso Health & Wellness and the Akeso Lipedema Clinic.

    Sarah shares how her own lipedema story, also affecting her identical twin drove her to create an integrative, education-heavy model featuring 90-minute intakes, individualized plans, extensive assessments, and a three-inch binder covering staging, compression, vein health, mental health, nutrition, exercise, hormones, supplements, and surgical options.

    She discusses limited provider knowledge, building referral networks for traveling patients, offering Virginia telehealth, and operating outside insurance to avoid time caps while providing superbills and insurance support for equipment.

    Sarah also recounts her self-pay 360 liposuction surgery after losing 70 pounds, the benefits and imperfections of outcomes, and collaboration with surgeon Dr. Kyle Xu.00:00 Welcome to the Show00:55 Meet Sarah Cullen01:58 Why Start a Clinic03:35 Building Lipedema Care06:12 The Education Binder11:34 Her Lipedema Story14:25 Learning to Treat It16:30 Referrals and Travel Patients18:09 Insurance and Time Based Care22:31 What the Eval Includes27:02 Patient First Care28:10 Team Based Empowerment29:29 Finding Real Support32:07 Saving For Specialists34:12 Avoiding Predatory Products37:26 Surgery Journey Breakdown40:13 Recovery And Results42:27 Twin Comparison Insights45:49 Loose Skin Decisions46:49 Local Specialist Network48:27 Clinic Mission And Name50:03 Advice And Wrap Up

    Follow us on Social media!!!

    Kristy's Contact information:

    IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠

    FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Website Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

    ⁠ Dellalunawellness.com

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

    Cindy contact information

    ⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠

    Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠

    IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠

    Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPCH

    Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

    Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠

    Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠Dr. Sarah Cullen, nurse practitionerhttps://www.akesohealthandwellness.com/https://www.instagram.com/akesohealthandwellness/
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    52 m
  • Connie Boyer on Fast-Track Diagnosis, Research, and Surgery Outcomes with Lipedema

    Connie Boyer on Fast-Track Diagnosis, Research, and Surgery Outcomes with Lipedema
    Mar 15 2026
    Connie Boyer on Fast-Track Diagnosis, Research, and Surgery Outcomes with Lipedema Hosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Connie Boyer, an Amazon senior program manager and education lead and board member of the American Lipedema Association, to discuss her lipedema journey and advocacy. Connie reflects on early signs such as bruising, painful boot shopping, “thunder thighs,” and possible hypermobility, noting family patterns and dynamics around body shape. She describes learning about lipedema through a St. Louis NPR interview with Dr. Wright, using linked scientific resources to prepare her PCP, and receiving a quick diagnosis in 2022, followed by PT, decongestion, a Washington University metabolic study with MRI/DEXA and punch biopsy, and eventually five surgeries with Dr. Wright that improved mobility and reduced pain. Connie shares practical advice on compression, leg elevation and ADA work accommodations, anti-inflammatory eating, and sending documentation to providers in advance.00:00 Show Introduction00:55 Meet Connie Boyer02:03 ALA Shirts and Advocacy02:38 Early Signs and Family Clues07:12 Boot Struggles and Body Proportions09:33 Diagnosis Journey Begins09:55 NPR Discovery and Fast Diagnosis14:29 Treatment Progress and Research Study19:14 Finding Supportive Care Team20:29 Self Advocacy With Providers22:35 Surgery Results and Relief24:42 Mobility Wins and Travel Freedom25:38 Joining the American Lipedema Association29:26 Punch Biopsy and Seeing Tissue32:14 Practical Advice Compression and Work36:49 Advocacy Resources and Accommodations38:01 Closing Thanks and Wrap UpFollow us on Social media!!!Kristy's Contact information:IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠Website is below Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C⁠⁠ Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437Cindy contact information⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠Cindy Howell RN PHC MPCHWebsite:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠Connie Boyerhttps://www.instagram.com/constanceboyer/https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fconstanceboyer.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dig%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_content%3Dlink_in_bio%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnNXuUYvzbd5KXfqgE5AWXuBD6T-Iz8Fl9IRCCD1b15VUlRyOScpzg1mWlkt4_aem_3ZHtHtWFtcuNRPxbfTQaYg&e=AT5QLZxhLLPbh6GMbPta52x3L9eEWAk_jkmViFUq1EtozafKJY2t3YmqSKVAKXaAyfcFoPBr0vGUsrfeFY19vKAC82393wUCCyzYR8Bsng
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    40 m
  • How DNA and Gut Testing Can Personalize Nutrition for Lipedema with RD Bonnie Newlin

    How DNA and Gut Testing Can Personalize Nutrition for Lipedema with RD Bonnie Newlin
    Mar 8 2026
    Hosts Cindy and Kristy welcome back registered dietitian and lipedema patient Bonnie Newlin of Crave Nourishment to discuss how she uses science-based, integrative testing to personalize nutrition for women with lipedema. Bonnie explains differences between RDs and non-credentialed nutritionists, shares her pivot from weight loss work after her own lipedema diagnosis, and introduces DNA testing as a stable guide for metabolic, detox, histamine, antioxidant, methylation, hormone, and lipid pathways (including DAO/HNMT, glutathione/SOD, COMT, vitamin D receptor, and APOE-related risk). Using Cindy’s results, she describes food and targeted supplement strategies (e.g., selenium/Brazil nuts, vitamin D with K2, creatine monohydrate) and cautions against excessive, untested supplement use. The episode also covers GI-MAP findings (opportunistic microbes, zonulin/leaky gut, secretory IgA, elastase-1), probiotic quality markers, MRT food sensitivity testing, and the DUTCH hormone test.00:00 Show Introduction00:57 Meet Bonnie Newland02:02 RD vs Nutritionist03:47 Why DNA Testing05:18 Histamine Pathways10:10 Leaky Gut and Zonulin11:02 Antioxidants and Glutathione13:38 Choline MTHFR Creatine15:55 Hormones and APOE19:27 Vitamin D and Creatine Tips21:49 Probiotics and Quality26:33 Food First Supplement Caution29:09 GI Map Overgrowths30:51 Occult Blood Warning31:24 Low Elastase And IgA32:45 Gut Bacteria Ratios35:47 Fiber And Diet Tweaks37:31 Influencers Vs Evidence39:09 Testing Options Overview40:28 DNA Testing First42:29 Nutrition Basics First43:20 Creatine Swelling Questions48:15 Christie GI Map Results51:30 Dutch Test Hormones52:34 Where To Find Bonnie53:25 Episode Wrap UpFollow us on Social media!!!Kristy's Contact information:IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠Website is below Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C⁠ Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437Cindy contact information⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠Cindy Howell RN PHC MPCHWebsite:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠Bonnie Newlin:https://www.instagram.com/cravenourishment_thelippyrd/https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cravenourishment.com%2Flinks%3Futm_source%3Dig%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_content%3Dlink_in_bio%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnbQVbwY4udte-ZOFqHwEbrnrrAcNPDIPFfUWz0woG9Eck2I_LU8nfLzMGEMs_aem_FMrYgh2RSTjOopq8J9QnjA&e=AT6D27cza4Q9rlCwkq0Eo7YPzFH1D3_SNIagocsq6zGDkIIp72Kobu3qHInAT8wAWpgSdlm7gQM7nA7XL65TtpoO2PY3CpvVrKqtDTo1gw
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    54 m
  • Mental Health Advocacy in Lipedema with Holistic Mental Health Counselor Hilary Stowers

    Mental Health Advocacy in Lipedema with Holistic Mental Health Counselor Hilary Stowers
    Mar 1 2026
    Hosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Hilary Stowers, A holistic Mental Health counselor for Holistic Health and Nutrition, LLC, National Certified Counselor (NCC), Board-Certified Resident-in-Counseling, Certified Grief Counselor, EMDR-trained clinician, and lipedema patient, to discuss supporting women with lipedema through validation and trauma-informed care. Hilary shares how she recognized lipedema years before confirmation at FDRS, describes symptoms like column legs, bruising, slow healing, and family history, and explains challenges finding knowledgeable providers, navigating medical gaslighting, and dealing with ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief. She outlines comorbidities and complexities including hypermobility, venous insufficiency, endometriosis, and the impact of misdiagnosed Lyme disease and perimenopause on flare-ups. The conversation covers surgery timelines, insurance barriers and wins, the importance of vetting lipedema-literate providers, and the need for menopause/hormone-literate care. Hillary explains her holistic counseling approach and where listeners can find her online.00:00 Show Introduction00:57 Meet Hilary Stowers02:41 Counseling Background03:40 Finding Lipedema06:23 Early Signs and Symptoms09:24 Diagnosis Access and Resources15:43 Vetting Providers and Community18:19 Body Image and Lyme Trigger23:50 Comorbidities and Vein Issues26:30 Insurance Delays and Surgery Plans28:05 Perimenopause and New Surgeries32:31 Compression Recovery Routine32:54 Surgery Timeline Breakdown35:05 Menopause Hormones Baselines38:31 Testing Tweaks And Cortisol40:35 Avoiding Blind Hormone Prescriptions42:02 Insurance Coverage For Surgery44:51 Choosing Surgeons And Consults49:55 Community Support And Sharing55:37 Red Flags In Untrained Providers57:52 Counseling Seen Heard Understood01:04:33 Where To Find Hilary01:06:16 Episode Wrap UpFollow us on Social media!!!Kristy's Contact information:IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠Website is below Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-CDellalunawellness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437Cindy contact information⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠Cindy Howell RN PHC MPCHWebsite:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠Hilary Stowers:https://www.instagram.com/hilarystowerscounseling/https://linktr.ee/hilarystowers
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Fit but WTF: Vicki’s Lipedema Diagnosis Journey, Surgery Decisions, and Realistic Expectations

    Fit but WTF: Vicki’s Lipedema Diagnosis Journey, Surgery Decisions, and Realistic Expectations
    Feb 22 2026
    Cindy welcome's Vicki from the UK, a qualified nutritionist, menopause coaching specialist, mindset coach, PT, and strength and conditioning coach who created the Instagram account “fit, but WTF” about eight months ago to document her lipedema journey. Vicki explains the name reflects her experience of being fit and active for years while her body—especially her legs—never responded as expected. She shares how she first learned about lipedema while coaching a client in 2023, researched it, and recognized the symptoms in herself, including having a lean, defined upper body but legs that didn’t change despite intense training. An initial UK “specialist” dismissed her, saying she didn’t have lipedema and “just needed liposuction,” leaving her crushed.After completing two HYROX events, Vicki posted a viral photo in shorts that generated thousands of messages, many urging her to seek a second opinion. She found the UK lagging behind Europe in lipedema care and consulted doctors in Madrid and Turkey, ultimately receiving confirmation from Dr. Giorgio in Cyprus, with whom she had her first lipedema surgery two weeks prior (arms). She discusses the emotional impact of diagnosis—relief, grief, frustration, and guilt—and the importance of early recognition so women aren’t told to “try harder.”The conversation covers the controversy about when to pursue surgery versus conservative management, wait times for reputable surgeons, and the long recovery timeline. Vicki describes her surgical plan with Dr. Giorgio, including an upcoming 360-degree leg procedure in 16 weeks, and notes that full results can take about a year after each surgery, making the overall process roughly two years.Vicki’s closing advice is to seek diagnosis early—primarily to understand what the body can and can’t do, stop self-blame, and move forward with self-compassion and informed management. 00:00 Welcome to Stronger Than Lipedema (Show Mission & Hosts)00:55 Meet Vicki from “Fit, But WTF” + Why She Started the Page02:46 Why Early-Stage Lipedema Gets Missed (and Why She Speaks Up)03:58 Her Diagnosis Journey: Client Clue, Dismissed by a “Specialist,” Then Vindicated06:46 Finding Real Experts in Europe + Surgery with Dr. Giorgio in Cyprus08:51 Conservative Care vs Surgery: The Big Decision (and Timing Controversy)11:01 Arms Progression, Hormones, and “It Needs Somewhere to Go” After Leg Surgery18:32 Recovery Reality Check: Timelines, Multiple Surgeries, and Mental Whiplash23:19 Before/After Expectations, Body Dysmorphia, and Years of Being Gaslit30:16 Getting Diagnosed in the UK: NHS Gaps, Waitlists, and Self-Advocacy32:31 Access in the US & Canada: Specialists, Coverage, and Insurance Headaches36:24 Why Surgery Became the Choice: Progression, Age, and Protecting Quality of Life38:13 The ‘Discipline’ Trap: Overtraining, Bodybuilding, and Misreading Lipedema40:50 Social Media Pushback: ‘It’s Normal’ Comments and the Need to Differentiate47:20 Basics + Layers: Movement, Protein, Strength Training, Compression, and MLD58:10 Final Advice & Wrap-Up: Get Diagnosed Early, Be Kinder to YourselfFollow us on Social media!!!Kristy's Contact information:IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠Website is below Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-CSunrise Healing, LLC⁠⁠ Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437Cindy contact information⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠Cindy Howell RN PHC MPCHWebsite:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠Connect with Vickihttp://www.veganmacros101.net/https://www.instagram.com/fitbutwtf/
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    1 h y 1 m