Nutrition, the Lymphatic System, and Lipedema: Evidence-Based Strategies with Dietitian Jean LaMantia
Stronger than LipedemaShow Notes
Cindy welcomes registered dietitian Jean LaMantia, a Canada- and US-registered practitioner, cancer survivor, and author, to discuss lipedema, lymphedema, and nutrition. Jean shares how a lymphoma diagnosis at 27 led her to focus on the lymphatic system and later work with lymphedema and lipedema clients. She highlights her books on cancer nutrition, lymphedema (with a therapist co-author), intermittent fasting, and complementary therapies, plus lipedema self-care journals. The conversation emphasizes evidence-based guidance amid nutrition misinformation, tracking symptoms to identify triggers, and focusing on “non-scale victories” like pain and function rather than weight loss. Jean explains gut-lymph connections, notes frequent IBS-like symptoms, and recommends anti-inflammatory eating tailored to the individual. Listeners can find resources and a free consult at JeanLamantia.com. 00:00 Show Introduction 00:55 Sponsor Message 01:42 Meet Jean La Mattina 02:23 Cancer to Lymphatic Awakening 04:29 Why Lymphatics Matter 07:07 Books and Resources 09:50 Tracking Symptoms With Journals 13:56 Nutrition Career Origins 17:26 Career Path to Lymphedema 20:34 Evidence Over Fads 23:30 Nutrition and the Lymphatic Gut Link 26:21 Gut First Strategy 27:27 Personalized Nutrition Reality 28:21 Anti Inflammatory Basics 30:22 Tracking Symptoms Signals 31:45 Progression Debate Genetics 33:54 Edema Controversy Care 36:07 Medical Gaslighting Fight 39:33 Awareness Social Media4 1:21 Early Screening Teens 44:40 Why Diets Feel Like Failures 48:46 Non Scale Victories 49:27 Advice Resources Wrap
Follow us on Social media!!! Kristy's Contact information: IG https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/ FB Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C Dellalunawellness.com Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information FB: https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell Private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921 IG: https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/ Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC Website: www.withcindyhowell.com Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161 Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link: https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/ Free surgery course: https://l.bttr.to/6cATB
This episode is proudly sponsored by Lipoelastic Compression Don’t forget to check out Lipoelastic and use code STLpodcast for 10% off your next order. https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/ https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/ Follow Jean Lamantia https://www.facebook.com/jean.lamantiahttps://jeanlamantia.com/
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Understanding Lipedema Care With Dr. Ellen Derrick: Diagnosis, Inflammation, and Better Medical SupportHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Dr. Ellen Derrick, a Seattle-based double board-certified general and vascular surgeon also certified in obesity medicine, to discuss lipedema medicine, an emerging specialty focused on diagnosis, non-surgical management, and pre- and post-operative support for lipedema reduction surgery. Dr. Derrick explains that lipedema care lacks clear evidence-based guidelines compared to diseases like atherosclerosis, but emphasizes inflammation as a key driver influenced by stress, comorbid conditions (including venous insufficiency, MCAS, and Ehlers-Danlos), hormones, and especially processed foods. She describes lipedema through the lens of capillary dysfunction and disrupted fluid exchange leading to swelling, pain, and fibrosis. The conversation covers challenges educating families and clinicians, the need for earlier screening and medical training, and Dr. Derrick’s efforts on social media and building a provider directory to improve access to informed care.00:00 Welcome to the Show01:40 Meet Dr Ellen Derrick02:16 What Is Lipedema Medicine04:32 Patient First Approach05:49 Before Surgery Strategies09:47 Inflammation Drivers11:17 Food and Nutrition Talk12:57 How She Found Lipedema16:15 Explaining Lipedema Simply18:33 Capillary Traffic Jam24:44 Symptoms and Comorbidities28:05 Talking With Family33:48 Fixing Organized Medicine39:24 Doctors on Social Media44:02 Where to Find Dr Derrick45:55 Final Takeaways Not Sure What Your Next Step Should Be? You’ve learned a lot about lipedema—but knowing how to put it all together can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering “What applies to me, and where do I start?”, the Lipedema Roadmap Session can help. In this private 60-minute Zoom session, we’ll look at where you are in your journey, identify your priorities, and create clear next steps for now, next, and later. Ready to put the pieces together? Book Your Lipedema Roadmap Session Here:https://l.bttr.to/cxLdl Follow us on Social media!!! Cindy contact information FB: https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell Private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921 IG: https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/ Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC Website: www.withcindyhowell.com Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161 Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link: https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/ Free surgery course: https://l.bttr.to/6cATB https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ Kristy's Contact information: IG https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/ FB Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C Dellalunawellness.com Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 This episode is proudly sponsored by Carla Whorton, AGNP-BC, AAHP Carla treats Lipedema, hormones and weight optimization Website:CarlaWhortonagnp.com https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/ https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np Facebook: Dr. Ellenderrick Instagram: @drellenderrick TikTok: @drellenderrick Website: drellenderrick.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/drellenderrick
Hosts Cindy and Kristy welcome back Dr. Francois, an emergency medicine physician subspecialized in venous and lymphatic medicine in northern Virginia, to discuss how venous disease and lymphatic dysfunction intersect with lipedema. She explains that many patients seek venous evaluation as an insurance “checklist” step before lymph-sparing liposuction, and she often delays venous procedures until 1–2 years post-op when seen afterward. Dr. Francois outlines venous disease as chronic “venous hypertension,” describes risks like increased blood clots, and details treatment options (compression, pool therapy, and procedures that close insufficient veins via heat, glue, irritation, or phlebectomy) while noting recurrence can occur. The conversation emphasizes whole-body thinking, the importance of compression and conservative care, what “lymph-sparing” aims to avoid, patient self-advocacy amid common gaslighting, and ongoing insurance barriers to covering compression and care.00:00 Welcome to the Show01:40 Meet Dr Francois02:39 Veins Before Surgery07:17 Why Vein Disease Matters09:39 Whole Body Perspective13:22 Self Advocacy in Care24:04 Vascular Health and Lipedema30:58 Vein Procedures Explained35:00 Compression and Recovery37:56 Pneumatic Compression Wins39:00 Pool Therapy Basics40:40 Lymph Sparing Liposuction50:38 Why Compression Matters54:02 Insurance Coverage Battles01:00:20 Building Patient Community01:04:42 New Northern Virginia Hub01:08:03 Advice and Closing Not Sure What Your Next Step Should Be? You’ve learned a lot about lipedema—but knowing how to put it all together can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering “What applies to me, and where do I start?”, the Lipedema Roadmap Session can help. In this private 60-minute Zoom session, we’ll look at where you are in your journey, identify your priorities, and create clear next steps for now, next, and later. Ready to put the pieces together? Book Your Lipedema Roadmap Session Here:https://l.bttr.to/cxLdl Follow us on Social media!!! Cindy contact information FB: https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell Private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921 IG: https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/ Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC Website: www.withcindyhowell.com Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161 Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link: https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/ Free surgery course: https://l.bttr.to/6cATB https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ Kristy's Contact information: IG https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/ FB Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C Dellalunawellness.com Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 This episode is proudly sponsored by Carla Whorton, AGNP-BC, AAHP Carla treats Lipedema, hormones and weight optimization Website:CarlaWhortonagnp.com https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/ https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np
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Navigating Insurance, Surgery Prep, and Realistic Expectations in Lipedema Care (Part 2 with Dr. Volshteyn)Cindy and Kristy conclude part two of their interview with Dr. Volshteyn on Stronger Than Lipedema, They discuss why BMI is often misleading for lipedema patients and how insurers rely on shifting metrics, requiring clinicians to build detailed, patient-specific cases through appeals and peer-to-peers. Dr. Volshteyn describes insurance barriers including inconsistent medical director knowledge, arbitrary restrictions (e.g., fat-removal limits), delayed or denied payments even after approvals or single case agreements, and how insurance incentives can distort pricing. He outlines pre-op expectations (diet, exercise, stable weight, compression/pump use, social support, psychological stability, and often tirzepatide) and strict post-op protocols (double-layer compression, MLD/pump use, hydration/diet), emphasizing surgery remediates symptoms but ongoing management is required, especially around menopause, and sharing details on compression options, recurrence patterns, and a two-surgeon approach enabling spinal anesthesia.00:00 Welcome to the Show01:41 Interview Part Two Begins01:48 BMI and Insurance Metrics03:41 Fighting for Coverage10:20 Why Surgeons Avoid Networks17:06 Insurance Incentives Exposed18:44 Pre Op and Post Op Protocols23:38 Tech Updates and Supplements28:28 Compression Tips and Fit35:24 Surgical Volumes and Anesthesia42:26 Closing and Next Steps Not Sure What Your Next Step Should Be? You’ve learned a lot about lipedema—but knowing how to put it all together can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering “What applies to me, and where do I start?”, the Lipedema Roadmap Session can help. In this private 60-minute Zoom session, we’ll look at where you are in your journey, identify your priorities, and create clear next steps for now, next, and later. Ready to put the pieces together? Book Your Lipedema Roadmap Session Here:https://l.bttr.to/cxLdl Follow us on Social media!!! Cindy contact information FB: https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell Private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921 IG: https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/ Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC Website: www.withcindyhowell.com Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161 Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link: https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/ Free surgery course: https://l.bttr.to/6cATB https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ Kristy's Contact information: IG https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/ FB Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C Dellalunawellness.com Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 This episode is proudly sponsored by Carla Whorton, AGNP-BC, AAHP Carla treats Lipedema, hormones and weight optimization Website:CarlaWhortonagnp.com https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/ https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np
Building a Regional Lipedema Surgery Center: Dr. Volshteyn & Dr. Kaminsky on Techniques, Safety, and Comprehensive CareHosts Cindy and Kristy introduce board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Volshteyn and Dr. Kaminsky about joining a growing hospital-based lipedema practice in central New Jersey. Dr. Volshteyn describes accidentally entering lipedema care after a persistent patient, learning high-volume liposuction, and evolving into a regional center as demand grew (now about 50% of the practice). Dr. Kaminsky shares becoming convinced after a Boston symposium and focuses on comprehensive, lymphatic-preserving, patient-specific care. They outline a consultation and insurance-authorization process, extensive pre-op screening (e.g., thyroid, iron, clotting, PCOS, mast cell activation), overnight hospital stays, and week-long local follow-up. Dr. Volshteyn explains liposuction methods (tumescent, power-assisted, water-assisted, VASER, and skin-tightening add-ons), emphasizes technique and safety, and discusses treating higher-BMI patients by improving function and pain to enable activity and weight loss.00:00 Welcome to the Podcast01:41 Meet DrVolshteyn02:24 Accidental Lipedema Discovery05:50 Building a Lipedema Center08:33 Meet Dr Kaminsky10:42 Why Care Is Fragmented14:05 Consultation and Insurance Steps21:17 Safety and Personalized Planning24:29 Liposuction Techniques Explained36:32 Training and Surgical Cautions38:59 BMI and High Risk Patients45:30 Closing and Part Two TeaseNot Sure What Your Next Step Should Be? You’ve learned a lot about lipedema—but knowing how to put it all together can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering “What applies to me, and where do I start?”, the Lipedema Roadmap Session can help. In this private 60-minute Zoom session, we’ll look at where you are in your journey, identify your priorities, and create clear next steps for now, next, and later. Ready to put the pieces together? Book Your Lipedema Roadmap Session Here:https://l.bttr.to/cxLdl Follow us on Social media!!! Cindy contact information FB: https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell Private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921 IG: https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/ Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC Website: www.withcindyhowell.com Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161 Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link: https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/ Free surgery course: https://l.bttr.to/6cATB https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ Kristy's Contact information: IG https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/ FB Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C Dellalunawellness.com Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 This episode is proudly sponsored by Carla Whorton, AGNP-BC, AAHP Carla treats Lipedema, hormones and weight optimization Website:CarlaWhortonagnp.com https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/ https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np