Products I Used
Heads up, these are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase these products I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commission help support this website. Thank you for using them to purchase your lipedema surgery supplies. <3
Compression pants– https://amzn.to/38P0BOl (this the brand Dr. Byrd uses for her patients)
I highly recommend buy extra so you aren’t doing laundry every single day. Order when you leave the office after your surgery, you’ll know what size to order. Get two extra pairs if you can afford them, and order them immediately so they’ll be there when you get back home, or shortly after. You’ll probably also need a size smaller within a few weeks. Your MLD therapist (if he/she is a PT/OT/nurse) should be able to help you determine what size you need. Plan ahead though. Once the compression get too big they can’t do their job anymore and the swelling and tenderness will remain.
Gloves for pulling on your pants– https://amzn.to/3aZDR0T
These will be a life saver when it comes to pulling your compression. Order them before your surgery and take them with you.
Nuun Hydration Tablets– https://amzn.to/3o1JSOv
Hydrating yourself really well a few days before your surgery will help loosen up the lipedema fat, make drawing blood easier, and prevent you from being dehydrated after surgery. Staying hydrated after surgery will help you feel better and reduce swelling more quickly.
My Favorite Water Bottle– https://amzn.to/2WWydEv
For reasons listed above
A Vibration Plate– https://amzn.to/38RNewS
A hefty, but worthwhile investment that will help relieve swelling and is great for long-term use to keep swelling down, improve balance, and burn extra calories than exercise alone. I got this after my second surgery and it felt so good. Still does!
Postpartum Belly Band– https://amzn.to/2KEDLkL
Because the one they give you post op isn’t very helpful and the more support you have the better you’ll feel.
Marena Post-Surgical Compression– https://amzn.to/2WU84pU
4-6 week out, according to your surgeon’s directions, these are great because they’re so much more comfortable to wear under your clothes than the CZ Salus compression leggings, and they’re crotch-less so you don’t have to take them down every time you pee.
(Pay no attention to the small-child hand prints on my mirror! LOL)
Resources
Dr. Byrd/Lipedema Surgery Center https://lipedemaliposuctioncenter.com/
11050 Crabapple Road
Building B
Roswell, Georgia 30075
Telephone: 770.587.1711
Lipedema Foundation– https://www.lipedema.org/
Do you have lipedema quiz– https://lipedemaproject.org/do-you-have-lipedema-quiz/
The article that introduced me to lipedema–https://www.obesityaction.org/community/article-library/lipedema-and-obesity/
Interesting new research– https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2020/11/biomarker-for-lipedema-discovered.html
Facebook support groups that I’ve found helpful
Surgery Groups
https://www.facebook.com/groups/liposuctionforlipedema/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LipedemaSurgeryinGeorgia/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mylipoedematreatmentjourney/
General Support
https://www.facebook.com/groups/536486686555453/
There may be groups for other insurance companies too. Do a search on Facebook and if you can’t find one, ask for help in one of the other groups.
Insurance Help
https://www.CoverLipedema.org is a company that helps women get pre-approval, single case agreements, reimbursement and navigate the appeals process for lipedema surgery. I do not have experience with this company as I was able to do everything on my own as outlined in this document. From what I understand they offer a free phone consultation and charge a fee for their services. They also have a membership site that gives information on the process and access to necessary forms. I have seen some women in the groups say that they love this organization and others who paid a lot of money and still didn’t get what they expected. I’d say, try on your own using the steps I used, if you don’t have success, hire an advocate.
GO TO NEXT POST IN THIS SERIES
I hope you find the information in this series of posts helpful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me.
<3 Andrea
Andrea Matthes
Body Image and Healthy Lifestyle Coach
Founder of I’mperfect Life, LLC.
FB: www.facebook.com/imperfectlife
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All content found this website, including: text and images, were created for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read in this document.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Andrea Matthes does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in this document. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.
PRESS HIGHLIGHTS
