Understanding the Lymphatic System, MLD, and Early Lipedema Support with Carmen of Monarch Continuing EducationHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Carmen, director and owner of Monarch Continuing Education, who shares her background in physical therapy and massage therapy and how discovering manual lymph drainage (MLD) led her to become a certified lymphedema therapist and eventually create accredited training programs to expand access to care, especially in rural areas.

Carmen explains why lymphatic education isn’t mainstream, gives a simple overview of the lymphatic system’s role in moving and filtering interstitial fluid, and discusses signs of lymphatic issues and early lipedema indicators. She recommends practical ways to support lymphatic health, emphasizing movement, reducing toxins, and tracking habits and symptoms.

Carmen clarifies why MLD is light yet effective, its role in maintenance, and shares a multigenerational lipedema case highlighting early intervention benefits. She also provides resources at monarchce.com.00:00 Welcome to the Show00:55 Sponsor Message01:42 Meet Carmen02:02 From Clinician to Educator06:04 Why Lymphatics Are Overlooked10:47 Lymphatic System Explained15:03 Signs of Lymphatic Trouble18:10 Simple At Home Support20:53 Tracking Habits and Symptoms25:34 Manual Lymph Drainage Basics29:42 MLD for Wellness and Fitness34:37 Three Generation Lipedema Story39:59 Resources and Where to Find Carmen41:07 Conference Talk and Progress42:20 Final Thoughts and Goodbye

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Kristy's Contact information:

IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠

FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

Cindy contact information

⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠⁠⁠

Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠⁠⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠⁠⁠

Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠

Podcast IG:https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/

This episode is proudly sponsored by Lipoelastic
Compression

Don’t forget to check out Lipoelastic and use code STLpodcast for 10% off your next order.

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/⁠⁠

Monarch Continuing Education:

https://www.monarchce.com/

Email: [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/MonarchCE/

Cindy and Kristy welcome Dr. Grace Villaver from Levelupptdoc.com

• 7:45 — Lipedema fat is metabolically different and causes inflammation, muscle inhibition, and joint damage beyond just added weight. Even small amounts of joint swelling can significantly reduce muscle recruitment.

• 8:54 — Lipedema fat is metabolically distinct and creates a different kind of inflammation in the body.
• 16:24 — Custom compression garments are more effective and improve compliance — especially for patients with asymmetrical body shapes or sensitivity.
• 31:59 — Surgery is a valid option for many women — but vetting surgeons and having realistic expectations (including the possibility of deeper nodules becoming more visible post-surgery) is critical.
• 43:15 — CDT (Complete Decongestive Therapy) is the gold standard for lipedema management and includes MLD, compression, exercise prescription, and skincare.
• 44:52 — Your body is not failing you — it has been failed by a system that wasn't built to understand it.

Connect with Dr. Grace Villaver:

• Website: levelupptdoc.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Location: Leesburg, Northern Virginia
• https://www.instagram.com/levelup.therapy/

Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by Lipoelastic — compression garments designed specifically for patient comfort and support. Use code STLpodcast for 10% off your order. Link in show notes.

Lipedema Literacy, Surgery Realities, and Trusted Resources with Kasi GrosvenorHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome back Kasi Grosvenor, a project manager at the Lipedema Foundation, to discuss her lipedema journey, the way pain and functional limitations can be normalized, and how functional capacity evaluations may reveal hidden impacts—especially when conducted by clinicians familiar with lipedema.

Kasi shares that she was diagnosed about five years ago (stage 2–3), has used conservative therapies since diagnosis, and has undergone five removal-related procedures (including brachioplasty, abdominoplasty, and low-volume liposuction), emphasizing surgery as a reset—not a cure—requiring ongoing daily management.

The conversation covers comorbidities (including mast cell activation syndrome, hereditary alpha-tryptasemia, hypermobility, perimenopause), the slow progress toward ICD coding, and Lipedema Awareness Month’s focus on “lipedema literacy,” urging patients to seek vetted resources like lipedema.org, provider directories, print brochures, and the Legato Library.00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:55 Sponsor Message01:42 Meet Casey Grosvenor02:34 Kasi’s Diagnosis Story04:35 Normalizing Pain and Limits05:30 Functional Capacity Testing10:12 Finding the Right PT or OT14:43 Life After Five Surgeries17:32 What Areas Were Treated19:08 Regrowth and Fibrosis Tools23:14 Habit Stacking at Home26:08 Comorbidities and Connections30:10 Hypermobility and Early Signs31:34 Aging With EDS Challenges32:43 Grassroots Awareness Materials34:44 Billboards And Viral Moments36:27 ICD Codes And Policy Progress41:58 Patient And Foundation Perspective44:26 Awareness Month Literacy Push47:04 Elevator Pitch For Lipedema49:41 Obesity Bias In Healthcare52:49 Trusted Resources And Legato

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IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠

FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

Cindy contact information

⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠⁠⁠

Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠⁠⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠⁠⁠

Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠

This episode is proudly sponsored by Lipoelastic
Compression

Don’t forget to check out Lipoelastic and use code STLpodcast for 10% off your next order.

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/⁠⁠

• Access Lipedema Awareness Month Resources: https://www.lipedema.org/lipedema-awareness-month-2026
• Join the Lipedema Foundation Newsletter: https://lipedema.org/contact-us 
• Educational Resources: https://www.lipedema.org/educational-resources
• Follow Lipedema Foundation on Social Media:  Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube
• Explore the Lipedema Research Library (LEGATO): https://www.lipedema.org/library
• Access Treatments Resources: https://www.lipedema.org/treatments
• Find a Lipedema Provider: https://www.lipedema.org/provider-directory 

Kasi Grosvenor

https://www.instagram.com/kasi.grosvenor/

Cindy welcomes registered dietitian Jean LaMantia, a Canada- and US-registered practitioner, cancer survivor, and author, to discuss lipedema, lymphedema, and nutrition.

Jean shares how a lymphoma diagnosis at 27 led her to focus on the lymphatic system and later work with lymphedema and lipedema clients.

She highlights her books on cancer nutrition, lymphedema (with a therapist co-author), intermittent fasting, and complementary therapies, plus lipedema self-care journals.

The conversation emphasizes evidence-based guidance amid nutrition misinformation, tracking symptoms to identify triggers, and focusing on “non-scale victories” like pain and function rather than weight loss.

Jean explains gut-lymph connections, notes frequent IBS-like symptoms, and recommends anti-inflammatory eating tailored to the individual.

Listeners can find resources and a free consult at JeanLamantia.com.

00:00 Show Introduction

00:55 Sponsor Message

01:42 Meet Jean La Mattina

02:23 Cancer to Lymphatic Awakening

04:29 Why Lymphatics Matter

07:07 Books and Resources

09:50 Tracking Symptoms With Journals

13:56 Nutrition Career Origins

17:26 Career Path to Lymphedema

20:34 Evidence Over Fads

23:30 Nutrition and the Lymphatic Gut Link

26:21 Gut First Strategy

27:27 Personalized Nutrition Reality

28:21 Anti Inflammatory Basics

30:22 Tracking Symptoms Signals

31:45 Progression Debate Genetics

33:54 Edema Controversy Care

36:07 Medical Gaslighting Fight

39:33 Awareness Social Media4

1:21 Early Screening Teens

44:40 Why Diets Feel Like Failures

48:46 Non Scale Victories

49:27 Advice Resources Wrap

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Kristy's Contact information:

IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠

FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

Cindy contact information

⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠⁠⁠

Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠⁠⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠⁠⁠

Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠

This episode is proudly sponsored by Lipoelastic
Compression

Don’t forget to check out Lipoelastic and use code STLpodcast for 10% off your next order.

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/⁠⁠

Follow Jean Lamantia https://www.facebook.com/jean.lamantiahttps://jeanlamantia.com/

Guest: Dr. Meegan Gruber, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Tampa, FL

Episode Highlights & Timeline

[1:42] – Meet Dr. GruberDr. Gruber introduces herself: 25 years in plastic surgery, ~10 years specializing in lipedema awake surgery based in Tampa, FL.

[2:40] – Groundbreaking Research: University of Virginia StudyDr. Gruber announces an upcoming collaboration with Dr. Karol Gutowski at UVA to study lipedema at the molecular level – examining why lipedema cells behave the way they do. Surgeons like Dr. Gruber will contribute tissue samples (with patient consent) to help uncover what's happening at the cellular level.

[4:54] – How Dr. Gruber Got Into Lipedema SurgeryShe shares how working with Art Lipo in Tampa exposed her to lipedema patients organically – they "came with the territory" of arm and leg procedures.

[9:10] – Lipedema Surgery vs. Standard LiposuctionKey differences: lipedema fat is "hungrier" and more likely to regrow if not fully removed. Surgical planning must account for long-term behavior of remaining fat, especially in younger patients.

[13:38] – Florida's 4-Liter Fat Limit ExplainedA clear breakdown of the 4-liter fat rule: it refers to extracted fat, not total aspirate (which includes fluid). Hospital-based procedures allow up to 10 liters. Recovery scales exponentially with volume removed.

[22:33] – What Awake Surgery Actually Looks LikeStep-by-step walkthrough of the awake lipo + lift procedure for arms. Custom numbing fluid (with ropivacaine for 8-hour relief), no general anesthesia, and an interactive, patient-centered experience – "somewhere between the dentist and a spa."

[35:10] – Splitting Up Surgeries: Lowers, Uppers & LiftsHow Dr. Gruber stages procedures by body weight, area, and goals. Legs typically require 2–3 separate sessions spaced at least 3 weeks apart.

[36:23] – Post-Op Follow-Up & Traveling PatientsNext-day follow-up for garment fitting, negative pressure bandages, and how Dr. Gruber supports out-of-state patients with a direct line and nationwide colleague network.

[51:10] – Why Awake Surgery Delivers Better Aesthetic ResultsThe real advantage: patients can stand up, flex, and point their toes during surgery, allowing Dr. Gruber to assess anatomy, correct asymmetry, and achieve a refined look impossible to achieve when a patient is under general anesthesia.

[1:01:04] – Insurance: The Honest TruthDr. Gruber doesn't take insurance but helps with prior authorizations and letters. One patient successfully got 100% coverage by writing to her state senators. Discussion on "sick care society" and the challenge of accessing lipedema surgery.

Follow us on Social media!!!

Kristy's Contact information:

IG⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠

FB Group⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

⁠⁠ ⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

Cindy contact information

⁠FB:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠

Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠⁠

Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠⁠

Free surgery course:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠

This episode is proudly sponsored by Lipoelastic
Compression

Don’t forget to check out Lipoelastic and use code STLpodcast for 10% off your next order.

⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/⁠

Resources & Links

• Website: www.drmeegangruber.com
• YouTube & Instagram: @DrMeeganGruber
• TLC Show: Awake Surgery — streaming on Hulu, Discovery+, and Paramount+ (includes a lipedema patient episode)
• https://www.facebook.com/meegan.gruber

Samantha’s Lipedema Journey: Self-Diagnosis, Insurance, Surgery, and Sharing the Lived ExperienceHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Samantha, a 38-year-old Oklahoma public school administrator and mom of two, to share how she recognized body differences starting in seventh grade (first in her arms) and later in her legs, faced family criticism, and eventually self-diagnosed lipedema after developing severe autoimmune-like symptoms following breast implants and being dismissed by her surgeon.

She recounts realizing her wedding photos had been photoshopped, pursuing official diagnoses in Oklahoma (including Dr. Ryan Morgan and PT documentation), and using conservative measures like vibration plates, manual lymphatic drainage, and pneumatic compression.

After a three-year insurance process and multiple failed surgeon consults, she chose surgery with Dr. Azouz in Dallas to prevent progression, detailing four procedures in 2025 (legs, arms with brachioplasty, mini tuck/trunk, and thigh/calf/knee lifts) and recovery challenges.

Samantha now advocates on TikTok by documenting real surgical realities and building community.00:00 Welcome to the Show00:55 Sponsor Message01:42 Meet Samantha02:27 Early Signs in Middle School05:37 Family Reactions and Early Legs Changes07:08 Implants and Autoimmune Spiral08:16 Researching and Finding Lipedema12:54 Wedding Photoshopped Wake Up Call15:44 Diet Exercise and Progression19:40 Getting an Official Diagnosis21:45 Insurance Proof and PT Tracking22:51 At Home Conservative Treatments27:30 Choosing Surgery and Consult Setbacks30:58 Surgeon Search Roadblocks32:05 Finding Dr Azouz33:46 Supportive Diagnosis Moment35:22 Insurance Packet Strategy38:15 Four Surgery Breakdown40:38 Recovery Complications42:00 Life After Pain44:32 Advocacy on TikTok50:24 Beyond Before After Photos58:54 Where to Follow Samantha01:00:38 Episode Wrap Up

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Kristy's Contact information:

IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠

FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

⁠⁠ Dellalunawellness.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

Cindy contact information

⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠

Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠

Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPCH

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠

Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠

This episode is proudly sponsored by Lipoelastic
Compression is key in managing lipedema — and finding pieces that are both supportive and comfortable makes all the difference.

Don’t forget to check out Lipoelastic and use code STLpodcast for 10% off your next order.

https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/

https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/Follow Samantha on Social Mediahttps://www.tiktok.com/@samanthawlipedema?lang=enYouTube @samanthawlipedema https://www.instagram.com/samanthawlipedema/

Connecting Estrogen Metabolism, MTHFR, and Fibrosis in Lipedema with Carla HortonHosts Cindy and Kristy interview nurse practitioner Carla Whorton, who presents findings from her 112-page mechanistic integrative review proposing a unifying model linking lipedema with other estrogen-related fibrotic disorders via the 16-hydroxy estrogen–TGF-beta–mTOR axis. Drawing on her ICU background and experience as a breast cancer and lipedema survivor and mother of a survivor.

Carla explains how methylation polymorphisms such as MTHFR can impair estrogen detoxification, increasing proliferative metabolites (especially 16-hydroxy) that bind estrogen receptors, drive inflammation, activate TGF-beta, chronically stimulate fibroblasts, inhibit normal fibrosis breakdown, and suppress AMPK leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, fatigue, pain, and liver burden.

She discusses puberty, pregnancy, and surgery as overload triggers, stresses monitored, individualized methylation and hormone balancing, and notes fasting/keto may raise cortisol in lipedema due to reduced metabolic flexibility.00:00 Welcome to the Show00:55 Sponsor Message01:42 Meet Carla Horton04:08 Research Thesis Overview05:18 Why Pathways Connect06:54 Dutch Test Walkthrough07:30 Progesterone and Symptoms10:15 Testosterone and Metabolism11:17 Three Estrogens Explained14:53 Estrogen Detox Pathways16:51 Methylation Trash Analogy18:34 Hypoxia and Fibrosis Link19:30 16 Hydroxy on Receptors21:16 Microtrauma and Mast Cells22:54 TGF Beta Takes Command24:35 Acute vs Chronic Fibroblasts26:14 MMPs vs TIMPs Breakdown27:39 Hormone Overload Explained28:48 Puberty Pregnancy Triggers31:26 MTHFR Testing Gap34:28 Folate Brain Chemistry Links36:39 Homocysteine Clot Risk38:53 Methylation Treatment Cautions43:15 Mitochondria and TGF Beta47:20 Surgery Plus Restoration50:54 Finding Care and Resources51:34 Fasting Keto Warning52:31 Episode Wrap Up

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Kristy's Contact information:

IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠

FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

⁠⁠ Dellalunawellness.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

Cindy contact information

⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠

Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠

Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠

Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠

Carla Whorton

https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/

https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np

Sponsor: Lipoelastic

⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/

Integrating Obesity Medicine, Hormones, and Lipedema Care with Dr. Minnie Cruz StinoHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Dr. Minnie Cruz- Tolentino, a double board-certified family and obesity medicine physician in Leesburg, Virginia, whose clinic has evolved into a metabolic practice integrating weight, hormones, and primary care with a multidisciplinary referral network.

She explains how increased awareness and more comprehensive exams led her to identify lipedema among patients who were compliant yet stalled on the scale, emphasizing that lipedema is a clinical diagnosis supported by detailed history and physical exam and guided, individualized lifestyle changes. Dr. Cruz highlights the importance of mental health support, avoiding information overload, and using vetted resources, plus referrals to dietitians and specialists.

She discusses observed benefits of GLP-1 medications (including tirzepatide) for lipedema-related inflammation and pain, often at low doses, and describes her women’s wellness approach that includes cardiovascular and metabolic prevention alongside hormone therapy.00:00 Show Introduction00:53 Sponsor Message01:44 Meet Dr Minnie Cruz03:07 Clinic Approach and Network04:14 Discovering Lipedema in Practice06:37 Screening and Clinical Diagnosis07:58 Nutrition Guidance and Referrals11:29 Lifestyle Change and Mental Health13:43 Diet Myths and DNA Insights18:03 Education and Trusted Resources19:11 Raising Physician Awareness21:49 Obesity Lipedema and Hormones25:47 Labs Insulin Resistance Autoimmune28:44 Shared Decision Testing29:26 Dutch Test Approach30:56 Hormones Weight Priorities32:54 Whole Body Wellness Plan35:19 Mental Health First39:09 GLP Ones Lipedema Relief41:14 Case Study Maintenance Dosing45:56 Misconceptions Next Steps49:03 Awareness Provider Education51:40 Contact Clinic Wrap Up

Follow us on Social media!!!

Kristy's Contact information:

IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠

FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

⁠⁠ Dellalunawellness.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

Cindy contact information

⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠

Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠

Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠

Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠

Dr. Minnie Cruz-Tolentino

https://www.instagram.com/mywellnessphysicians/

[email protected]

tel:7037779355https://www.mywellnessphysicians.com/

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=mywellnessphysicians

Sponsor: Lipoelastic

https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/

https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/

Sarah Kitchens on Lipedema: Diagnosis, Advocacy, and a Multi-Surgery Journey with Dr. HagopianHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Sarah Kitchens, a wife, mother of three, professor, and trauma-focused therapist, to discuss her lipedema journey.

Sarah believes symptoms began around age 9–10 but she wasn’t diagnosed until 40 after discovering lipedema on social media; she then pursued research, sought medical referrals (including MLD), and obtained an official diagnosis with Dr. Byrd.

She describes years of body-image struggles, disconnection from her body, and confusion from being told to “eat less, exercise more,” and how diagnosis brought relief and deeper empathy for clients.

Sarah details surgeries with Dr. Hagopian: Sept 2025 (10 liters from legs), Dec 2025 (3.5 liters from trunk plus fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty/panniculectomy), and March 2026 (12 liters posterior legs/back with spiral thigh lift), with a future arm surgery planned; she discusses wound risks, recovery challenges, insurance hurdles, costs, and the importance of strong family support, social media awareness, and persistent self-advocacy.00:00 Welcome to the Show00:56 Meet Sarah Kitchens01:32 Early Signs of Lipedema02:21 Finding Answers Online05:10 Mental Health Impact08:31 Diagnosis Journey11:41 Doctors and Advocacy16:10 Surgery Consult and Timeline20:18 Recovery and Wound Risks25:19 Choosing Surgery Despite Risks26:25 Sharing the Journey Online27:43 Anesthesia Confessions and Gratitude28:08 Insurance Battles and Costs34:52 Family Support During Recovery38:32 Recovery Realities No One Mentions41:15 Social Media Community and Awareness44:24 Advocacy and Educating Doctors46:58 Advice and Episode Wrap

Follow us on Social media!!!

Kristy's Contact information:

IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠

FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

⁠⁠ Dellalunawellness.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

Cindy contact information

⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠

Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠

Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPCH

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠

Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠Sarah Kitchens

https://www.instagram.com/sarah.lifelipedema/https://www.tiktok.com/@sarah.lipedema.unmasked

https://www.facebook.com/share/18ZSgTfLfn/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Lippy Lymph Ladies: Lipedema, Lymphatics, Surgery Myths, and the Power of CompressionHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Lisa, an occupational therapist and certified lymphedema therapist in Utah, who now focuses on outpatient manual lymphatic drainage and works with a lipedema removal surgeon.

Lisa shares how she transitioned from acute care during COVID to outpatient lymphatic care, learned to better identify lipedema, and created Lippy Lymph Ladies on Instagram/TikTok to provide accurate education amid social media misinformation.

She discusses common misconceptions: surgery isn’t a cure and conservative care must continue, diet and exercise don’t remove lipedema fat but still matter, and many patients struggle to get diagnosed and feel blamed. Lisa emphasizes validating patients that lipedema isn’t their fault, highlights the importance of the lymphatic system, and advises prioritizing proper medical-grade compression and consistency over trying every modality.00:00 Welcome to the Show00:56 Meet Lisa the Therapist02:54 Finding Lipedema in Clinic04:49 OT Talk and Hospital Life07:03 Lippy Lymph Ladies Origins10:12 Surgery Myths and Lymphatics12:53 Why Lisa Chose This Work16:29 Demand for Lymphatic Care19:55 You Are Not Crazy22:31 Diagnosis Struggles22:53 Guilt Shame Cycle24:40 Doctors GLP1 Debate26:38 Diet Exercise Nuance28:54 Nutrition Is Hard30:38 Fitness World Reality34:27 Not Your Fault38:13 Find Me Online40:12 Compression Matters42:32 Episode Wrap Up

Follow us on Social media!!!

Kristy's Contact information:

IG⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠

FB Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C

⁠⁠ Dellalunawellness.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437

Cindy contact information

⁠FB:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠

Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠

Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPCH

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161

Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠

Free surgery course: ⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠

https://www.instagram.com/lippylymphladies/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lipedema-stories-podcast/id1841961157https://www.tiktok.com/@lippylymphladies