u/Melodic_Trainer_7100

Hi everyone,

I have stage 2 lipedema with associated stage 2a lymphedema (lipo-lymphedema) and I'm thinking about pregnancy in the near future (maybe 1 or 2 years). Trying to figure out the best timing for surgery.

From what I've read, most specialists recommend liposuction before pregnancy to reduce pathological fat cells before hormonal changes kick in. But with a lymphedema component, the stakes feel higher — you need a lymph-sparing surgeon, and pregnancy also worsens lymphedema independently.

My questions:

1. Did you have liposuction before pregnancy — and did lipedema still progress, especially to the arms?
2. Did you get pregnant first — any regrets or was it the right call?
3. Anyone with combined lipo-lymphedema: how did pregnancy affect your lymphedema specifically?
4. Has anyone heard of or had FLLA-LVSP (Fibro-Lipo-Lymph-Aspiration with Lymph Vessel Sparing Procedure)? It maps lymphatic pathways during surgery to preserve them. Are there surgeons practicing this in Europe?

Thanks so much ! lived experience matters more than papers here. 🙏