Living Well with Lipedema Surgery Simplified

Welcome to Living Well with Lipedema – Surgery Simplified. In this inspiring episode, your host, Michelle Jaqua, shares her personal journey of discovering lipedema and overcoming the overwhelming health challenges it brought into her life. From navigating the struggles of perimenopause to searching for a diagnosis, Michelle faced countless obstacles but never gave up. Her determination led to answers, support, and ultimately, life-changing liposuction surgery that restored her mobility and improved her quality of life. Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with honesty, resilience, and hope—perfect for anyone facing similar battles. Let’s dive in.

Welcome to Living Well with Lipedema – Surgery Simplified. In this heartfelt episode, your host, Catherine, shares her deeply personal journey with lipedema. From years of misdiagnosis to the challenges of navigating complex surgeries, Catherine opens up about the struggles she faced and the lessons she learned along the way. Hear how she found hope, sought solutions, and turned her experiences into a source of empowerment for others. Whether you’re living with lipedema or supporting someone who is, this episode offers inspiration, practical insights, and a reminder that you’re not alone. Let’s dive in together.

Welcome to Living Well with Lipedema – Surgery Simplified! In this first episode, your hosts, Catherine Seo, PhD, founder of Lipedema Simplified, and Michelle Jaqua, RN, CCM, bring their combined expertise and compassion to guide you through the complexities of lipedema and the journey toward living well.Whether you’re newly diagnosed, considering surgery, or already navigating your lipedema journey, this podcast simplifies the process and provides the guidance you need. Catherine and Michelle share how each episode will cover vital topics, including surgery preparation, recovery, insurance navigation, and managing the emotional impact of lipedema.With expert insights, real-life stories, and actionable advice, this podcast offers a holistic approach to understanding and managing lipedema surgery. Together, Catherine and Michelle are here to support you every step of the way.Take the first step toward empowerment and clarity in your lipedema journey. Tune in and discover how to live well with lipedema, surgery simplified.

After being diagnosed with lipo-lymphedema, Nobuhle Williams' doctor recommended an anti-inflammatory diet and suggested keto as a potential path to success. Initially skeptical, she struggled with the belief that saturated fat was harmful. It took a few months of learning about the carb-heavy nature of many foods and the importance of fat in a healthy diet for her to embrace keto. Now, she has lost 90 lbs. without sacrificing muscle mass. This transformation has not only improved her physical health but also reshaped their perspective—there's no going back to the pain, swelling, and cravings they once experienced.

In this episode, Mende Staggs shares the transformative health benefits she has experienced through a ketogenic way of eating. Mende’s keto journey began in August 2016 after hearing the first Keto for Lipedema webinar. Struggling with a lifetime of unsuccessful diets and a recent lipedema diagnosis, she was skeptical about the impact changing her eating habits could have on her life—but was delighted to discover how wrong she was. Living on a small farm in rural Missouri, Mende runs her own bakery and catering business and is passionate about helping others find success on their keto journey.

In this episode, Professor Tim Noakes shares his journey to discovering the benefits of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet as a healthier alternative. A renowned South African scientist, emeritus professor in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine at the University of Cape Town, and author of The Real Meal Revolution and Lore of Nutrition, Professor Noakes is a leading voice in challenging conventional dietary beliefs. With over 70 marathons and ultramarathons to his name, he brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to this fascinating conversation.

In this episode, we share an excerpt from a 2016 interview with Carol Lange during our Lipedema Worldwide Summit. Carol, hailing from Adelaide, Australia, recounts her personal journey of discovering she had lipedema and sheds light on the symptoms that led to her diagnosis.

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Stanley Rockson to explore the innovative research aimed at identifying a biomarker for lipedema.Dr. Rockson is the Allen and Tina Neill Professor of Lymphatic Research and Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. He also serves as Stanford’s Chief of Consultative Cardiology and the Director of the Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders.

Hyperinsulinemia—a condition of elevated insulin levels—is commonly observed in women during life stages and events such as puberty, pregnancy, stress, surgery, illness, injury, perimenopause, and menopause.

In this episode, Gail Straker explains what happens in your body during a weight-loss stall and shares strategies to help you overcome it.

Today, I’m sharing an inspiring excerpt from our 2019 Lipedema & Keto Worldwide Summit featuring Jason Quinn, a Zen Health Coach.In this interview, Jason discusses the importance of tracking your progress, connecting with your body, and understanding the deeper reasons behind your health goals.

In this episode, Rosey dives into the concept of famine response, explaining how to identify the signs that your body is entering starvation mode and how adopting a keto way of eating can support you during this process.

Today, I have an excerpt from a presentation by Lizabeth Gottsegen, at Lipedema Simplified’s October 2023 Heart to Heart virtual event.  Lizbeth is a massage therapist, certified lymphedema therapist, and aquatic therapist with a private practice in New York City called Real Swell Private Practice. In this excerpt, Lizabeth talks about why water is one of the best places for exercise, healing and rejuvenation.

Today, we highlight one of the physical approaches in managing lipedema: complete decongestive therapy.This therapy combines several proven techniques, including manual lymphatic drainage massage, bandaging or wrapping, compression therapy, exercise, and skincare. When applied correctly, these methods can lead to remarkable success.

Today, I’m sharing a powerful moment from our 2017 Lipedema & Keto Worldwide Summit, featuring Betty Copping.In this excerpt, Betty opens up about her lipedema diagnosis and her struggles with weight loss despite countless diets. Determined to find a solution, she decided to explore the ketogenic lifestyle.

Today, I’d like to tell you about a study by a group in Norway led by Julianne Lundanes and Siren Nymo. They have done several studies about lipedema and carb-restricted diets.The paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Nutrition ESPEN (The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) in November 2024 is titled, The effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on subcutaneous adipose tissue in females with lipedema.This analysis focused on the effect of two diets (low carb vs. low fat) on subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in the calf of women with lipedema.

In this episode, Raeann Sparks emphasizes the importance of recognizing lipedema as a medical condition that needs specialized care. She discusses the healthcare professionals who are best equipped to diagnose and treat lipedema, providing helpful guidance on how to find the right support.Listen in to understand why early detection and appropriate treatment are essential for managing lipedema, and learn which specialists can help you navigate your path to improved health.

In this episode, Jason Quinn offers his simple approach to starting and maintaining a ketogenic lifestyle. With over two years of personal keto experience and certification as a Dr. Berg Keto Coach, Jason breaks down how to make the transition smooth and how to keep things exciting once you’re adapted.Beyond keto, Jason’s 22 years of meditation practice as a Zen teacher have helped him guide people dealing with weight issues, diabetes, and health challenges. Whether you’re managing lipedema or looking to improve your overall well-being, Jason shares practical tips and the support needed to achieve your health and weight loss goals.Tune in to discover how to ease into keto, stay motivated, and incorporate mindfulness into your wellness journey.

Are weight challenges driven by biology, psychology, or a combination of both? In this episode, we unpack the intricate relationship between physical and mental factors that contribute to weight struggles.By identifying the root causes—be they hormonal, metabolic, emotional, or behavioral—you can find solutions tailored to your unique needs. Join us as we explore strategies for addressing these challenges and making meaningful, lasting progress toward a healthier and more balanced life.Tune in for valuable insights, practical advice, and steps to help you overcome obstacles on your journey to wellness.

In this episode, we revisit a compelling excerpt from the 2016 Lipedema Worldwide Summit with Dr. Stanley Rockson. As the Director of the Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders and a leader in lymphatic research, Dr. Rockson provides an inside look at Stanford University’s pioneering patient registry and biorepository for lymphatic disorders.Learn how this cutting-edge initiative is driving advancements in research, encouraging collaboration, and opening new doors to better treatments for conditions like lipedema and lymphedema. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on how patient involvement is revolutionizing the future of lymphatic health.

In this episode, we welcome Kay Sheppard, renowned food addiction expert and author of Food Addiction: The Body Knows. Kay reveals the surprising parallels between sugar and drug addiction, explaining how both substances impact brain chemistry and foster addictive behaviors.We also dive into the roots of weight challenges, exploring whether they stem from biology, psychology, or a combination of the two. This engaging conversation offers valuable insights into the science of addiction and practical steps for overcoming it.Discover how sugar shapes your body and mind—and learn actionable strategies to reclaim control and achieve lasting change.

In this episode, Nobulhe Williams shares her personal journey with stage 4 lipedema and lymphedema, a diagnosis that severely impacted my mobility and caused debilitating pain. Her story is a testament to the power of patience, diligence, and commitment to treatment.

In this episode, learn how cold therapy can be a powerful tool for managing lipedema. By incorporating practices like ice baths, cold plunges, snow rolls, and under-dressing for winter activities, you can promote lymphatic movement, improve insulin sensitivity, relieve pain, and boost metabolism. Discover practical ways to integrate cold therapy into your routine and regain mobility while supporting your overall health.

Today, I have an excerpt from a presentation by Lisa and Randy Duerre at Lipedema Simplified’s October 2023 Heart to Heart virtual event.  Lisa is the Managing Director of Lipedema Simplified and she also serves on the Board of Directors for Lipedema Project, a nonprofit organization devoted to raising awareness through advocacy, education, and research to improve women’s lives with lipedema and related disorders.  Lisa discovered just a few years ago that she has had lipedema at least since puberty.  Together, Randy and Lisa are co-founders of RLD Group, a collective of leadership development, coaching, and consulting experts who improve outcomes for tech companies. In this excerpt, Randy and Lisa Duerre talk about what it is like for the family when one of its members has lipedema.  Randy shares how he has taken on the role of caregiver but is also an equal partner with Lisa in their family and business.

In this episode, Wendy Singer shares the origins of laughter yoga and how this unique practice can help ease pain and reduce stress for those living with chronic conditions. Wendy also reflects on her personal journey, revealing how laughter yoga became a powerful tool for managing her own health challenges.

In this episode, we explore a pivotal study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open (April 2021) titled Survey Outcomes of Lipedema Reduction Surgery in the United States. This research collected self-reported data from women with lipedema who underwent reduction surgery, focusing on improvements in quality of life, pain levels, and other outcomes. It highlights the importance of understanding patient perspectives and provides valuable insights for anyone considering surgery as a treatment option.

Lipedema’s unique fat distribution can place excessive strain on leg joints, potentially leading to osteoarthritis. In this episode, we explore how improperly weighted joints impact mobility and discuss both conventional and surgical treatment options to alleviate joint pain and improve function.

This episode discusses how calorie restriction triggers a famine response, impacting hormones that regulate thyroid function, metabolism, and energy. Learn about the effects of these hormonal shifts and how to identify and address thyroid imbalances, including fatigue and weight fluctuations.

In this episode, Professor Tim Noakes, a renowned South African scientist and emeritus professor from the University of Cape Town, explores the evolution of the human diet. Drawing from his extensive research in sports science and his advocacy for a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet, Professor Noakes challenges conventional dietary wisdom. As an accomplished marathoner and author of groundbreaking books like The Real Meal Revolution and Lore of Nutrition, he shares insights on how nutrition shapes health and performance.

In this episode, Dr. Dhruv Singhal, a leading expert in lymphatic reconstruction, uses a creative train analogy to simplify the complexities of lymphedema. As the Director of the Lymphatic Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Singhal shares insights from his groundbreaking work in immediate lymphatic reconstruction, a procedure aimed at preventing lymphedema in high-risk patients. Tune in to gain a clearer understanding of this condition and its innovative treatments.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about a paper that discusses a potential pathway for chronic low-grade inflammation to occur in lipedema, which contributes to resistance to fat loss and promotes further adipose tissue expansion.The paper is titled, “Is the endotoxin–complement cascade the major driver in lipedema?” by Dr. Kruglikov from Germany and Dr. Scherer from the USA.It was published in the peer-reviewed journal Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism in September 2024.This paper is important for individuals with lipedema because it offers another possible option for intervention and management of troubling symptoms of lipedema.

Despite progressing to stage 3 lipedema and facing mobility challenges, Raeann Sparks shares how cycling became her key to regaining independence. Prescribed 15 minutes of daily cycling to lubricate her knees, she embraced cycling, swimming, and walking with cycling-like motions. Today, Raeann can walk a mile unaided, proving that consistent movement can transform mobility and quality of life.

Take a moment for yourself with this 5-minute guided visualization. Sit back, breathe deeply, and let your awareness embrace your entire being—mind, body, and soul. Led by Catherine Seo, this exercise offers a gentle path to relaxation and self-discovery.

This Thanksgiving, we reflect on the many things we’re grateful for, no matter where you are in the world. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, there’s so much to celebrate.Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

This episode highlights a 2020 study by researchers in Ankara, Turkey, published in Lymphatic Research and Biology. The study examines the impact of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) combined with an intermittent pneumatic compression pump on reducing limb circumference and volume in lipedema patients. While limited by the absence of a control group, the findings suggest this combined approach may be an effective treatment option. The study underscores the potential role of manual lymph drainage, recommending further research to clarify its benefits.

Today, I have an excerpt from a presentation by Dr. Matthew Carmody at Lipedema Simplified’s April 2024 Heart to Heart virtual event: Keto and Beyond: Customizing Your Plan to Joyful Nutrition. His talk was titled: Semaglutide: Magic or Malevolent? Dr. Carmody is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. He recently retired from his practice as an Internal Medicine practitioner to focus on lipedema and obesity medicine. Dr. Carmody currently serves as a medical advisor for Lipedema Simplified and Lipedema Project and is a contributing author for our text on lipedema, which is due to be published in 2025.

Discover the profound impact of diaphragmatic breathing in this calming episode with Catherine Seo. Learn how this simple yet powerful technique can help you relax, recharge, and restore balance in your everyday life.

In this episode, we revisit an inspiring 2019 Lipedema & Keto Worldwide Summit interview with low-carb dietitian Franziska Spritzler. Franziska shares her journey from conventional training to adopting a low-carb approach for herself and her patients. She offers insights into how this method can support those with lipedema—reminding us that progress may be slow, but perseverance pays off.

Today I’d like to tell you about a paper by a group of clinicians/researchers in Brazil including Drs. Alexandre and Juliana Amato and Dr. Daniel Benitti.The paper is titled, “The Efficacy of Ketogenic Diets (Low Carbohydrate; High Fat) as a Potential Nutritional Intervention for Lipedema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.”It was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients in September 2024.The paper aims to evaluate the impact of ketogenic diets on women with lipedema using a systematic review and meta-analysis of papers on the topic.A ketogenic diet, or some form of carbohydrate reduction, is now an option that is part of the new German Guidelines for lipedema (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddg.15513).

In this episode, I’m sharing an eye-opening excerpt from our 2017 Lipedema & Keto Worldwide Summit. Investigative journalist and author Nina Teicholz (The Big Fat Surprise) dives into the "politics of fat," tracing the roots of the Diet-Heart Hypothesis and how it led to our fear of dietary fat.

Today’s episode dives into groundbreaking research from São Paulo, Brazil, where Drs. Amato, Saucedo, Santos, and Benitti explored the potential of ultrasound imaging to distinguish lipedema. Published in Phlebology (April 2021), their study examines how skin and tissue thickness measurements can enhance diagnostic precision. Join me to uncover how this innovative method could transform lipedema diagnosis.

In this episode, Raeann Sparks explains the five distinct types of lipedema, each with unique characteristics:Type 1: Resembles a “puffy diaper” effect, with lipedema fat around the hips.Type 2: Extends to the knees, similar to bloomers or joggers.Type 3: Reaches the ankles, like harem pants.Type 4: Affects only the arms, resembling mutton-chopped or poet sleeves.Type 5: Limited to the calves, like padded greaves.Each type requires specialized care, as lipedema is not simply excess fat.

Today, I’d like to discuss a study led by Dr. Uwe Wollina and colleagues in Dresden, Germany, published in the Dermatologic Therapy journal's January/February 2021 issue. The article, titled Cause and Management of Lipedema-Associated Pain, explores the underlying causes of pain in lipedema, which the authors attribute to factors such as allodynia, heightened sympathetic nervous system responses, and estrogen levels.This review is a valuable resource for the lipedema community, shedding light on the nature of pain many women with lipedema experience and offering insights into effective management strategies. In today’s briefing, we dive into this impactful research and its potential implications for pain relief.

Today, we welcome guests Pamela and Brad Thompson, educators and certified practitioners in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping. They’ll share how tapping leverages the mind-body connection to achieve remarkable results.Brad often uses a file cabinet metaphor to explain how our stored emotions from the past can impact us in the present. In this episode, Pamela and Brad dive into the transformative effects of tapping on both mental and physical well-being, demonstrating how the Emotional Freedom Technique can positively influence your entire mind-body system.

Today, Dr. Carol Rowsemitt delves into Famine Response Hypothyroidism, discussing its unique impact on women with lipedema, including those on a ketogenic diet.Dr. Carol “Rosey” Rowsemitt, PhD, RN, FNP, began her career as a scientist focused on ecological physiology (holding a BA in chemistry and PhD in biology) before transitioning to practice as a family nurse practitioner. Since 2003, she has specialized in weight management and understands that the body can resist weight loss by reducing metabolic rate.Dr. Rowsemitt is passionate about broadening the perspective on thyroid health and emphasizes that standard thyroid tests may not reveal the full scope of metabolic changes related to famine response.

Today, I’d like to share insights from a study by a group of clinicians in Germany, published in the medical journal Phlebologie in 2019. The article, titled Effects of Aqua Cycling as Exercise Therapy for Lipoedema, highlights the benefits of aqua cycling—a form of stationary cycling where the bike is submerged underwater, with water typically reaching the rider’s waist to chest level.The authors discuss the general advantages of water-based exercise, particularly for those with lymphedema and lipedema. Their research has certainly convinced me of the potential benefits that any form of water exercise can offer to women managing lipedema.

I first connected with Leslyn at the National Institutes of Health’s inaugural international symposium on the lymphatic system, where she presented her research showing that a ketogenic diet could benefit individuals with obesity and lymphedema-related chronic conditions. This sparked a conversation on whether keto might also help with lipedema, given the scarcity of lipedema-specific research. While Leslyn completed her research, I was in Germany working on a lipedema-focused book. When we reconnected, we began exploring keto’s potential for managing lipedema.Initially, we were advised to gather more foundational data before launching a clinical trial. As we collected anecdotal reports from women who experienced pain relief, reduced swelling, and weight loss through a ketogenic approach, we sought to validate these observations. Under the guidance of epidemiologist Monika Wahi and a dedicated team, we synthesized existing research into a hypothesis paper. This paper examines common lipedema symptoms—such as disproportionate fat accumulation, pain, edema, metabolic and hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and fibrosis—and proposes how a ketogenic diet may address each of these challenges, differing from conventional weight-loss diets.Reference:Keith L., Seo C.A., Rowsemitt C., Pfeffer M., Wahi M., Staggs M., Dudek J., Gower B., Carmody M. Ketogenic Diet as a Potential Intervention for Lipedema. Medical Hypotheses, 2020, 110435 (ISSN 0306-9877)Link to the article

In this excerpt, Dr. Eric Westman shares insights from his Lifestyle Medicine Clinic, where he has seen patients with a variety of health conditions, including lymphedema and lipedema, achieve positive outcomes through a ketogenic diet. Dr. Westman, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University and board-certified in Obesity Medicine and Internal Medicine, founded the Duke Lifestyle Medicine Clinic in 2006 after years of research on low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets. He has authored several books on keto, including his latest, "End Your Carb Confusion," co-authored with Amy Berger and released in December 2020. Here, Dr. Westman discusses the importance of tailoring carbohydrate intake to improve health outcomes for those managing lipedema and lymphedema.

We’re excited to share about the publication of our article, "Ketogenic Diet as a Potential Intervention for Lipedema," released by Elsevier, one of the world’s leading medical publishers. This article was a collaborative effort by an outstanding team, and it examines how lipedema differs from obesity and lymphedema, along with its symptoms and diagnosis. We explore the potential of the ketogenic diet to alleviate symptoms of lipedema, presenting our hypothesis and advocating for further research to support women with this condition.

Today, I’d like to share an excerpt from Dr. Matthew Carmody’s presentation at the Lipedema Simplified Summer Boot Camp, held in June 2022 as part of Lipedema Awareness Month. Dr. Carmody, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, recently retired from his practice in Internal Medicine to concentrate on lipedema and obesity medicine. In this clip, he explains the connection between circadian rhythms, sleep cycles, and lipedema.