Question:
Has anyone wirh lymphedema in the legs had a slow wt loss?

I had surgery in Sept of 2000 and have lost 157 lbs. I started out at 535 but because of lymphedema in the legs it has been so slow. I had a tummy tuck and leg debulking last Nov, for which i still have drains in.    — Carol M. (posted on January 17, 2002)

January 17, 2002
I started out at 494 and over the past 20 months have lost 200 pounds. The weight loss has slowed considerably in the last couple of months and my legs, while smaller, still are subject to water retention and swollenness. I would love to undergo a 'leg debulking' just to get rid of the skin that hangs and is subject to gravity water retention. My skin swings when I walk now and I am torn between wearing tight pants that reduce that or loose pants that make me look like a walking waterbed. I wonder why my doc is making me wait until I hit 220 before he will refer me for the panni and any other skin reduction. I am thinking about going around him....must be some doc out there who will hack off this skin for me...Until then, I just keep riding my bike, walking, climbing the stairs and anything else I can think of to keep moving. Good Luck to you!
   — merri B.

January 17, 2002
Merri, I had RNY surgery on 7-06-01 and have lost about 90 pounds at this point. During the first month after surgery, I suffered from lympehedema in my legs. They were very swollen and painful, I could hardly walk for a few days. I visited my chiropracters office, and had a massage session with one of her therapists who specialized in lymph drainage. The session was very painful, but offered almost immediate relief from about 80% of the pain, and the rest soon after. I continued to hav sessions every 2-3 weeks for about 6 months . I always found an extra bit of weight loss after each session, it helped deep the fluid retention down in my legs and ankles. Perhaps you could find a massage therapist in your area that is skilled in manual lymph drainage and give it a try. Good luck! Annette Smith
   — Annette S.