Lipoedema Awareness Month: My Personal Story of Surgery, Recovery, and Renewal

Speaking Out: My Journey to Lipoedema Awareness and Self-Love

Since June is Lipoedema awareness month, I thought it would be fitting to give a progress update since all my surgeries are now complete.

I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since I began this journey. Surgery has hands down been the best decision I ever made and I wouldn’t change a thing about the whole process. It has quite literally given me my life back.

Image Credit: @chloeanneox1

For the first time in 5+ years I’ve regained confidence in myself and my appearance. I’m no longer scrutinising every inch of my being. I no longer feel shame when leaving the house. I now wear clothes that I wouldn’t have dared to look at years ago. I go onto the rugby field wearing only shorts and for those that know me knew I used to wear long under shorts AND leggings, if I forgot them I simply wouldn’t play.

Since surgery I started a new journey of bettering myself and managing my Lipoedema to prevent a relapse. MLD massages, compression therapy, supplements, dietary changes and changes to my exercise routine. Before surgery I weighed in at 115.7kg and after all surgeries I weighed in at 103.2kg (roughly due to fluctuations of swelling/water retention). 12.5kg lost through surgery. Today I weigh in at 94.8kg after my own hard work and lifestyle changes, I’m now 6 pounds away from a 4 stone loss. The best I’ve felt in YEARS.

Image Credit: @chloeanneox1

This month I will be a guest speaker at the @rejuvenate.lt ‘Let’s talk Lipoedema’ event where I will be speaking about my experiences, how life has changed since surgery and taking part in a Q&A with audience members. To support in raising awareness of this condition.



As always, I am eternally grateful for everyone at @manchesterprivatehospital for their treatment and support through all these surgeries. And a huge thank you to my amazing surgeon @dr_anuj_kr_purbey, who has completely changed my life.



Thank you to my sponsor @trainedbytr who has helped me and tailored my training and nutrition post-surgery to keep me going in the direction I want to for myself.