Holly's Lipedema Surgery Fund

As some of you know, I have lipedema. It is an inherited condition of the connective tissue that primarily affects the fat cells. My fat grows in an abnormal way that causes pain, swelling, easy bruising, and poor circulation. Often it is mistaken for obesity and never diagnosed, but lipedema fat cannot be dieted or exercised away because it forms as a fibrotic, sticky matrix of fat cells. See the image of a woman with anorexia and lipedema at the bottom.

The first signs of this disease started showing around the time I was ten years old and got a lot worse by the time I hit puberty. It almost exclusively affects women and is worse with hormonal changes - my biggest concern is that my lipedema will get much worse when I hit menopause. I’m what’s considered an early stage, but it can progress to debilitating advanced stages resulting in lymphedema and immobility.

I have issues standing for prolonged periods, I have swelling and pain in my legs that is worse in the summer and requires me to wear compression leggings at all times, extreme bruising and poor circulation in my arms and lower legs, and chronic fatigue. It impacts my ability to do my job and my mental health. I have managed this condition for so many years with: lymphatic treatments, diet, exercise, herbs, acupuncture, and massage, and have lost over 100lbs of non-lipedema fat, but it is only management and can still progress.

I am asking for donations to help fund my surgery in Spain. lipedema was discovered by a German doctor, and the surgery started there. European surgeons have treated more lipedema, and use more gentle techniques than US surgeons. It is not only way more affordable, but safer. The surgery could quite possibly be a cure, as the surgeon removes all of the diseased fat, and with a proper lifestyle can potentially be kept away for the rest of my life. This would be life-changing!

Update: I have had my arms done, and I feel amazing! The recovery was difficult, but the surgery was absolutely worth it.

Lower legs are scheduled for April 23rd, 2024

Upper legs are scheduled for October 28th, 2024

Lipedema information and resources:

https://www.lipedema.org/about-lipedema

Woman with lipedema and anorexia

Me, mom, grandma, and aunt. Showing the genes here….

My legs at 10 years old

Bruising after a bike trip. No idea where any of them came from. This is normal for me.