Living with Lymphedema

[icyblufrz88 33]

I'm just curious as to if anyone else here is dealing with or had been dealing with lymphedema of their legs or arms? If so, for those who had weight loss surgery, how did the surgery affect the lymphedema? Can having severe lymphedema be a reason for not being able to have surgery?

I only ask this because I have been dealing with severe lymphedema in my legs and feet. Currently only my right leg and foot are extremely swollen and deformed due to this. I am unable to move around or walk much because of both this debilitating lymphedema and being very obese. I have also been hospitalized several times due to cellulitis infection of my leg that is affected.

I'm only afraid that my lymphedema might be affected and get worse if I do have weight loss surgery. Any suggestions, comments, recommendations, or stories? Thanks for the help everyone!

[jane13 2,256]

@@icyblufrz88 - I would think, IMO, that a benefit of any WLS would be helping the lymphedema. The same with the cellulitis. The inability to be somewhat mobile I believe adds to both of these medical conditions in a negative way. Have you seen a WLS surgeon? Gone to a seminar? Hubby and I went to a seminar before I started this journey. There were a few folks there who were struggling with both cellulitis and lymphedema. If I remember correctly there were questions about both and the surgical staff said that the WLS did not adversely affect either -

[Djmohr 6,965]

It should definately help with that issue not hurt it. Yes there is more risk, the important thing will be to get you as mobile as possible and that means the weight loss should definately help.

[dsart 3]

Yes, I have primary (inherited - thanks Dad!) lymphodema in both of my lower legs and feet. Mine is naturally very severe (+4) if it goes without treatment. I just had my WLS Aug. 27 so I can't say it will or won't affect it per se, but based on what I know of lymphodema there's not a direct correlation with WLS and the lymphodema. Of course, any weight loss and staying very mobile will be helpful to your overall health and thereby your lymphodema.

I went through a VERY INTENSE lymphodema treatment this summer. It involved my spending a tremendous amount of time in the treatment center (2 - 4 hours/day - EVERY DAY) where I would undergo manual massage, 2 hours of maching massage (sometimes was able to complete this at home) and then my legs and feet would be wrapped in foam which was HOT and uncomfortable, but necessary to support my lymph system to get the excess Fluid out. Depending on how severe the lymphodema is, how good a patient you are, and how your body responds the treatment can take from a month (my case) to years. You also have to really clean up your diet - NO SALT, soda, alcohol, and I tried to stear clear of preservatives too. You must exercise - walking is best if you can.

I decided for me and would suggest for anyone else too, to treat the lymphodema first and get it under control. You have to stop the cellulitis attacks. I'm fortunate in that I've only had one, but with each one you have, more permanent damage occurs. Once it's stable and under control then go on to the WLS. I lost almost 30 lbs before sugery (in part required for insurance and also I was done with how I felt and needed to make a difference). So I would strongly suggest overhauling your diet now and trying to lost weight by without WLS by increasing vegetables, fruits, lean meats, reducing carbs, and eliminating fats and sugars.

Keep in mind that the lymphodema will not go away and requires lifelong treatment. When I was getting my treatment over the summer, there were people of all ages, sizes and shapes (including adults weighing less than 100 lbs) getting the same treatment I was. Yes, you are more likely to have lymphodema if you are overweight, but odds are losing weight will not make it go away. It's just to me I would rather deal the 2 hours of therapy I now do as maintenance at home EVERY DAY and wear HEAVY (30-40 mcg) compression stockings (day) or wraps (at night) CONSTANTLY then risk more damage to my feet and legs and potentially have to have something amputated. My doctor flat out told me that I would be facing amputation if I didn't make drastic changes and get it dealt with as my lymphodema was so severe it was interferring with my blood supply to my skin. Most of that has now been reversed, but I'm ever vigilent!

Good luck!

[eowynmn 3]

Your surgeon will probably work with a lymphedema specialist or OT that will help make a plan pre and post op. I know performing surgery on a limb that has lymphedema can increase the risks, definitely discuss w your team.

[icyblufrz88 33]

Thanks to everyone who so far has given their advice. I really appreciate the info.!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I have a lot of fluid:swelling in my legs. Post-op, one thing that helped me was getting a hospital bed. I can raise my legs at night which really helps. I saw an immediate change in one of my legs post-op. The other is slower to catch up but has definitely improved.