refused surgery because of bmi.

[Rhiannonimity1]

hi. Just as the title says really. I have been diagnosed with lipoedema stage 3 for years now. It has got worse as I go through menopause, but the worst problem is that I have heart problems which they won’t treat until I lose weight, also knee problems and the nhs won’t operate. Worse still I am due for bariatric surgery which the surgeons say will get rid of lipoedema, and allow the other surgeries, but despite being tier 3 for 3 years, they have now decided I can’t have it because my pulse rate is too high. I’m going in circles. Anybody got any advice?

[LadyL07]

I can’t comment on the actual bariatric surgery but I can tell you that it won’t ‘get rid’ of lipoedema. The only possible surgery to remove lipoedema is tumescent liposuction and currently it is not available in the UK on the NHS nor is it available privately. Any specialised lipoedema removal surgery at this time would have to be paid for privately and abroad. Also to add that surgery is not a guarantee that the lipoedema will be gone forever as it can grow back and/or move to other areas. Can I suggest you look at the Talk Lipoedema website or Facebook group, there is also a separate Facebook group - Talk Lipoedema on Liposuction where you may be able to get advice from ladies who have experienced these surgeries.

[WardijaWardija]

Hi there.I read your post with interest, as I too have the worst lymphodema ever in the left arm. I also have life-limiting heart and kidney conditions and struggle with my weight on a daily basis. Because of all the heart meds I have to take to slow my heart, my metabolism is so low, losing weight in now very difficult to achieve.

I also have insulin dependent diabetes and chronic kidney disease, Stage III.

In relation to your situation, and I write this from a place of love and concern, not judgement ever. You already know what you need to do, to get, your pulse rate down and for you to have access to the other available treatments and surgeries in the future.

Being overweight is a barrier to you having a healthier, happier and god willing, a much longer life.

The barrier is in your hands.

You sound way younger than myself so I would imagine you have time on your side. I wish I did, so try and make use of it.

I know it's not easy. When I was 40, I weighed in at 18.07 stones 😱 shock horror I can tell you - all my own fault, no one else to blame. I loved food, but food didn't love me . . . I was an emotional comfort eater. But I let it almost destroy me.

At that weight, I really had no choice but to go on, yet another diet.

I went the standard way, of reduced calories and some excersize (and yes, I hated excersize and had to wait till I lost a couple of stone, before the excersize got underway).

I lost a total of 7 stone. Took just over a year. There were good days, and bad, where I'd totally fall off the wagon, and eat for England.

But you just have to keep going, 1 day at a time.

I didn't restrict any foods, I just ate a lesser amount and counted the calories.

I weighed myself 3 times a week, this kept me motivated, and focused.

Suffice to say, I kept this weight off for 15 years and felt great. I also needed, and had, several skin surgeries.

Unfortunately during the past 5 years or so, I put back on a couple of stone.

I went back to my previous weight loss plan, and found, despite my best efforts, I could barely lose a lb. ☹️.

Now at nearly 62, with all my medical issues, it's pretty much a losing battle.

Insulin makes me beyond ravenous, making portion control a nightmare and my metabolism is in reverse.

Moral of my story, use the time you have, to get as well as you can possibly be. You won't regret it.

You don't need to be "thin" - I never was, nor wanted to be.

Find the eating plan that works for you, and excersize (if appropriate).

Show the people who refused you, or you felt put you down, that you can do it, and are worthy of the rewards, yet to come your way.

I wish you the very, very best X

🙏🙏🙏