Meet Jessica, a 35-year-old wildlife biologist from Geelong, Victoria. Jessica believes most women that have Lipoedema, always know that something isn’t right. However, she says the tipping point for her came in her early thirties, after some stressful circumstances led to weight gain, and caused a progression of her Lipoedema symptoms. “I’ve always had a disproportionate torso to legs, but part of my legs suddenly seemed more than just cellulite.”
Jessica also describes an ‘overnight change’ at age 11 – around the time she first started her period. Up until that point, as an active child, she had an athletic figure. Overnight however, her legs changed to a larger and ‘heavier’ appearance with cellulite. At the time, Jessica put it down to puberty, and continued to think that she just had ‘larger ‘legs’ – and that was how it was. As she grew up, the heaviness in her legs continued, although Jessica says she finds it difficult to tune into that, because it was her ‘normal’. Jessica says as her Lipoedema progressed throughout her life, it began to affect her mobility – and bushwalking and basketball became much more difficult.
“So many people don’t realise that mental health is also a huge component of Lipoedema” Jessica says. “Always knowing that your body looks different to everyone else’s, to what’s portrayed in media, combined with the lack of control you experience when you notice progression, can really stress you out mentally. Plus, all the little things add up and begin to take a toll. I go through work pants so quickly because my thighs rub together and put holes in my pants.”
Jessica tried Microsclerotherapy to treat spider veins, which she now recognises as a common comorbidity of Lipoedema – however, she now understands that her veins had an underlying cause.
Initially thinking she may be suffering from Lymphoedema, Jessica sought out a physio that specialised in that. It was that physio who first suggested that Jessica may have Lipoedema. Following her appointment, Jessica spoke with a friend about Lipoedema, who had heard of Lipoedema on social media. Jessica also notices similar symptoms in her father’s side of the family.
Jessica then decided to pursue an official diagnosis from Dr Lekich at Lipoedema Surgical Solution at the end of 2022, by the time Jessica received her diagnosis of stage 3 Lipoedema however, she says she had already ‘put two and two together’ and knew that she had Lipoedema. “It was a real sense of relief” Jessica says of her diagnosis, “I always knew that something wasn’t right, so the diagnosis gave me an answer for that – but it’s also daunting because it’s a disease that I don’t control, and it can progress if I don’t manage it effectively.”
At the time of her consultation, Jessica was also advised to undergo vein treatment due to having a backwards flow. Jesica also suffers from hypermobility and was subsequently diagnosed with ADHD following her Lipoedema diagnosis.
Jessica says her main reason for deciding to pursue surgery was to get back to doing the things that she loves, and to have the freedom of mobility back. “As soon as I became aware of Dr Lekich, I could sense his passion for awareness to get the message out there, and that really spoke to me.” Jessica also participated in a Lipoedema awareness photoshoot, hosted by the Lipoedema Surgical Solution team in April 2023 – to help raise awareness for Lipoedema.
In the lead up to surgery, Jessica utilised daily flat knit compression, regular Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) sessions, consulted with a nutritionist to assist with a low-carbohydrate diet, used a vibration plate, compression pump and performed dry body brushing. Jessica says her tissue has softened and feels all her efforts optimised her surgery outcome. “I’ve definitely seen some benefits from the conservative management, although it’s also hard to tell” Jessica says.
In June 2023, utilising a protocol to manage underlying venous disease and a Lymph-Sparing technique, a total of 4.3 litres of diseased fat was removed from the anterior of her upper legs by Dr Lekich. Following a period of recovery, Jessica describes experiencing a ‘lighter’ feeling in her legs. “I play basketball and just running around at basketball feels like 10 years ago – before I progressed. I already feel a difference.”
Subsequently in October 2023, Jessica underwent her second surgery on the posterior of her upper legs, which resulted in a further 4 litres of diseased fat being removed by Dr Lekich.
Jessica says she felt well prepared for this surgery, given that is wasn’t her first experience this time. “It all felt like an easier process, and it’s been interesting seeing my body change shape, it’s not yet good or bad – just a little surprising!”
Jessica currently has her third surgery booked for March 2024, which will be on her lower legs, and a fourth surgery scheduled for May 2024 on her arms and abdomen.
Jessica says she wants to improve her lifestyle and become more active than ever. She also says she would like to spread awareness of Lipoedema, “It’s so important that awareness is spread – I see older women that clearly have (Lipoedema) and are struggling. They’ve probably gone their whole lives with medical professionals telling them to lose weight – and they don’t even know that have a chronic illness.”
Jessica shares her story so that others with Lipoedema know they’re not alone. “The only good thing about this disease is the community of amazing people. Connect with others, find support, and help each other out, it’s a part of the journey.”
One Year Update
It has been a year since Jessica underwent four surgeries for her Lipoedema. She says the biggest change since completing her surgical journey is that the heaviness in her legs is gone. She describes it as feeling like a weight has been lifted. It has made a huge difference in her daily life, making activities like climbing stairs, walking, and simply getting around feel ‘so much easier’. Jess also shared that her mobility has significantly improved, allowing her to return to strength training, which is something she truly loves. She added that now, with the Lipoedema fat removed, there is finally room for her muscles to grow.
Reflecting on how her self-confidence has changed post-surgery, Jess shared that she initially struggled with some weight gain after the procedures. The weight went straight to her abdomen and tummy, rather than where the Lipoedema tissue would have previously developed. She found this mentally challenging, along with adjusting to the loose skin on her legs. However, she says her confidence has definitely grown now that her legs have more shape, and she can see muscle forming from her gym sessions. She’s noticing definition and tone, which has made a big difference. Looking back, she said she works hard at the gym and it’s finally starting to show. “Never in my life have I gone to the gym and worn short shorts,” she said. “I never would have felt confident enough to do that before having the surgeries.”
The advice Jess would give to someone starting their journey is to lean on support wherever possible. She says it is a real emotional rollercoaster. Finding a Lipoedema community made up of others who understand the experience can make a big difference. Jess said the best part has been the amazing friendships she has made along the way. Connecting with people on the same journey has provided a strong sense of mutual support and comfort.
As the financial side of surgery can be overwhelming, Jess says the only way she was able to fund her four surgeries was through her divorce settlement. There were many sacrifices involved, as is often the case when paying a substantial amount of money. She is grateful to have had the opportunity to do this for herself. Jess said she would love to see Medicare recognise Lipoedema as a chronic illness that needs support, recognition, and most importantly, funding. It is not just the surgeries that patients pay for out of pocket, but also everything else that comes with it, such as MLD therapy, compression garments, and other forms of conservative management. She said this financial burden is part of the emotional rollercoaster and can be incredibly overwhelming for many Lipoedema sufferers.
Jessica said the advice she would give to other women starting their surgical journey is to take it slowly, be kind and gentle with yourself, and lean on others who are going through the same experience. She explained that those people understand it the most. Throughout the journey, you will have many questions such as “Is this normal after surgery?” Having people beside you who have either been through it or are going through it now can provide peace of mind and a great deal of comfort.
