Preparing for Lipedema Liposuction (mind, body and wallet!)

A little over a week to go until my surgery and I’m preparing as much as possible to ease the recovery process. I spoke with a consultant who specialises with Lipedema and I was recommended to have Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) at least two times prior to surgery.

So I would like to focus on two things that you should prepare: your physical body and your bank account. LDM is, at least where I live, rather expensive and from what I understand, not covered by insurance so it comes directly out of my pocket. As of yet I haven’t researched whether or not the rest of my surgery will be in some way claimable in my country but I will hopefully remember to report on that later (if not, please remind me)!

From what little I’ve prepared I am at least having LDM! It basically means I lie on a flat bed while a large Hungarian man uses a sucking device (connected to a machine) that gently massages my legs in this manner. So far I’ve only been once (yesterday) but I will go again this Friday and then again next week two days before my operation. This, coupled with LDM post-op will hopefully assist with a speedy recovery. From what I’ve read, LDM is extremely useful not only for faster and less painful recovery but also for the success of the operation itself.

Now…on to the financials. It really is up to you how you want to go about it, and I basically split up my future with Lipedema in two categories:

• Have a one-off cost surgery that will be expensive but have permanent results or;
• Have LDM and wear compression garments which costs less in the interim but will add up over time

Below is a summary of the costs I have endured thus far and well, all I can say is brace yourself. It isn’t cheap but fortunately I was financially able and now (though initially unwillingly) mentally prepared to. It is a lot of money, but this is my health and I don’t think there should be any compromise.

A breakdown of my expenses for treating Lipedema with tumescent liposuction:

• €180 – x 3 LDM pre-op (€60 per session)
• €3580 – total cost of surgery of both calves and outer thighs, including pre & post-op consultation
• €400 – liposuction of inner thighs (elective)
• €155 – Overnight stay in hospital
• €270 – Compression pants and socks
• €400 – x 2 plane tickets to Frankfurt, Germany
• €88 – x 2 return train tickets to Landstuhl where I will be having the surgery
• €216 – x 3 nights hotel room for two in Landstuhl (breakfast included)
• €68 – Overnight hotel room for two in Frankfurt
• €180- x 3 LDM post-op (€60 per session)
• Total: €5573

Keeping in mind the above price doesn’t include food and drinks during my time in Germany and other miscellaneous costs I can’t (or perhaps don’t want to) remember right now.

Lastly there is the mental preparation. To be honest, I am extremely nervous and not at all looking forward to the fact that I will actually be awake during this surgery. As you might already be aware, this surgery is performed under local anesthetic only since I will be required to move my legs in the midst of it all; this terrifies me greatly but with any luck I’ll get some happy gas. At least I’ll be asking for the happy gas! Oh, and the morphine! Give me all the things! 🙂