Dr Josef Stutz & Dr Marcia Byrd August 2014
The Lipedema Liposuction Center in Roswell, Georgia is now open and treating lipedema patients with WAL liposuction surgery. We have come so very far in a short time. Dr. Marcia Byrd traveled to Germany to train with Dr Josef Stutz in April 2014, and Dr Stutz traveled to the US in August training and supporting the opening of both Lipedema Centers; Dr Byrd’s Lipedema Center in GA
http://www.lipedemaliposuctioncenter.com
Dr Stutz & Dr Smith
August 2014
and the Lipedema Center in NYC at Mount Sinai Beth Israel under the direction of Dr Mark Smith. http://www.lymph.org
This is a wonderful beginning and appreciation go to many women in the lipedema community who helped make this happen!
Lipedema Simplified BLOG 
I just found out from my pain dr that he thinks I have lipedema. I came home and looked it up and had an “aha!” moment! For as long as I can remember I’ve suffered with an “odd shaped” body. Hips that stick out and very large buttocks and legs. From the waist up I’m normal. I can’t even sleep on my side because my hips are so painful. My back is starting to hurt so bad from the weight I’m carrying in the lower half of my body. I’ve tried to work but I can barely walk. My husband lost his job last year and can’t find work. We no longer have good insurance like we used to and have to rely on Medicaid. So while I’m extremely happy that there is an actual word for what I have, at the same time I’m so disappointed that I won’t be able to get the treatment I so desperately need because I’m pretty sure it’s not covered by Medicaid. We have 6 kids and I can’t even play with them. My depression is getting worse. I’m just glad I found your website. I look forward to more knowledge. Thank you
Dear Lisa,
Lipedema has long gone ignored, hidden, misdiagnosed, I am so sorry that it’s been so challenging. The good news for all of us is that it is now known and treatment is available. There are several support groups on FaceBook with support for answers. Do join one or several and you will find support and many answers. Many have been able to secure insurance coverage so don’t give up.
Best,
Catherine
Thanks Catherine! I will take a look on Facebook right now. I’m just so glad to put a name to what I have other than just being fat. I once lost 165 pounds over the course of a year and my saddlebags and legs never went away. I was so disappointed. I’m glad to I have support. Thanks again!
Catherine, Are there any lipedema doctors and/or treatment centers in Maryland? Possibly at Johns Hopkins?
Millie
yes, Millie, Dr Kimberly Gudzune is at Johns Hopkins, she is fabulous.
http://www.globalobesity.org/about-the-gopc/our-people/faculty/kimberly-gudzune.html
Will the lipedema liposuction procedure be available in the Nashville, TN area soon?
Thank you for all of your hard work to improve the quality of life for all of the lipedema patients!
Who is has the best financing options for surgery ? I have great insurance BC/BS but I understand they won’t cover my lipodema surgery I’m having in NYC soon. Lots of predatory loans and credit cards out there. I have good credit. Any thoughts ?
I’m having Lipedema surgery on Nov.10th in Minneapolis MN with Dr. Landis. Only nervous because just hoping the outcome is successful.
Hi Becky, I am in Minneapolis and really dread the idea of traveling too far to find a doctor but results are of course the priority. Were you pleased with your surgeon and outcome?
I would appeal if you can, I did and now Medica is covering my Lipedema surgery. All it took waa talking to my doctors. Best of luck!
Hi Becky, where did you have your surgery at?
Hi Becky I see how that you posted are having your surgery in Minneapolis. Did you appeal medicaid?
Becky, I live in the Midwest (a few hours from the Twin Cities) and am trying to find medical providers to diagnose/treat lipedema. If you’re willing to share, who diagnosed your lipedema? Did you like your surgeon? Would you recommend them? I hope your surgery was successful!
This summer and fall I had 3 Lipedema surgeries done by Dr Byrd in GA. Over all I it was a good experience. I am perplexed by the fact that my thighs are still filled with the small hard pea like bumps. Dr Byrd says none of her other patience have had that post surgery. I am wondering, Catherine , if you have heard of anyone who has still had this post surgery? They feel a lot like they did pre-surgery even though my thighs are much much smaller. I would appreciate any input! Thank you for all your hard work!
Hi Amy, I have not heard of that before Amy, perhaps someone else might have some info about it.
Best,
Catherine
Hello, I’ve had two surgeries with Dr.Mark L Smith, they went pretty well. My arms kinda filled up with water and I’m hoping they will go down. My legs still have fluid from an April 2015 surgery. I did get “bulk off my legs” so I can walk better and exercise.
Hi Kelly, Be sure to have MLD (manual lymphatic drainage therapy) and to wear compression, especially for some months after the surgery as the swelling from the surgery itself can be significant and last for many months, 6 months – even much longer. Also be sure to revisit for check ups with Dr Smith.
Best,
Catherine
I was diagnosed with lipedema in 2014 and since my diagnosis I have progressively gotten worse. I was wondering if anyone knows of any places that perform the surgery near Oklahoma. Which would be the closest? Also, anyone know of places that offer financing or payment plans? I, too, am terribly depressed and don’t know how much longer I can stand this pain. Thanks for any help you can offer!
Dr Donald Buck is in St Louis, he was at the Symposium and the Think Tank in NYC and has been treating lipedema. https://wuphysicians.wustl.edu/for-patients/find-a-physician/donald-w-buck-ii Good luck!
Hello Catherine,
Do you know if there are any physicians and/or treatment centers in the Washington DC or Northern VA area that treat lipedema?
Thank you in advance,
Monica
My wife recently contacted one of these lipedema surgeons, only to be told she was fat. She already has a diagnosis of lipedema, and was devastated by this. She now sees no reason to try.
Hi Barry, that’s so unfortunate since there are strides being made now in the medical profession to care for patients with lipedema. I will contact you directly and see if I can help you find a good match for your wife. Best, Catherine
Hello Catherine,
Do you know if there are any physicians and/or treatment centers in the Washington DC or Northern VA area that treat lipedema?
Thank you in advance,
Monica
Hi Monica, we are working on a directory that will be posted soon, in the meantime, feel free to email me at catherine@lipedemaproject.org.
thanks,
Catherine
Hi Catherin, I was diagnosed with Lipedema stage two in my legs and upper arm through a surgeon In California, I would like a second opinion. I don’t know where to start really, do you know any doctors in southern California ? thank you
Hi Dina, we are working on a directory that will be posted soon, in the meantime, feel free to email me at catherine@lipedemaproject.org.
thanks,
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
I have just today discovered all of this information on lipedema, and have bounced back and forth between devouring all of this information and crying my eyes out that I am not the only one. I currently work at Duke University. Are you aware of anyone in this area (NC) that is treating this or possibly conducting studies in this regard? I was also wondering if you had posted the directory yet? Thank you so much for your time, effort, and all of this exclusive research!
Hi Cindy,
Lots of great information at http://LipedemaProject.org
The provider directory is on that site under Resources.
Feel free to email me with any specific questions.
catherine@lipedemaproject.org
Best,
Catherine
Thanks Catherine! I sent you an email. 🙂
Hello Cindy, are there any centers/doctors in the Birmingham Al. Area or surrounding this area that treats lipedema
Dr Marcia Byrd is in Roswell GA
http://lipedemaliposuctioncenter.com/
Hi I have recently been told that I have lipedema. For many years I wondered why my lower body was almost like stumps. When I was told I was happy that it wasn’t just me but sad because I was told that there is nothing I can do about it. I have been researching and found this and it has made me feel so happy to know that there is a treatment. Now my hurdle is that I live in for Ontario Canada and apparently the treatment is not available here. So my question is how do I go about getting treatment and how much will it cost me?
Jennifer