Kasi Grosvenor: Insights on Lipedema Awareness Month Lipedema Awareness Month’s focus on "lipedema literacy"
Stronger than LipedemaShow Notes
Lipedema Literacy, Surgery Realities, and Trusted Resources with Kasi GrosvenorHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome back Kasi Grosvenor, a project manager at the Lipedema Foundation, to discuss her lipedema journey, the way pain and functional limitations can be normalized, and how functional capacity evaluations may reveal hidden impacts—especially when conducted by clinicians familiar with lipedema. Kasi shares that she was diagnosed about five years ago (stage 2–3), has used conservative therapies since diagnosis, and has undergone five removal-related procedures (including brachioplasty, abdominoplasty, and low-volume liposuction), emphasizing surgery as a reset—not a cure—requiring ongoing daily management. The conversation covers comorbidities (including mast cell activation syndrome, hereditary alpha-tryptasemia, hypermobility, perimenopause), the slow progress toward ICD coding, and Lipedema Awareness Month’s focus on “lipedema literacy,” urging patients to seek vetted resources like lipedema.org, provider directories, print brochures, and the Legato Library.00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:55 Sponsor Message01:42 Meet Casey Grosvenor02:34 Kasi’s Diagnosis Story04:35 Normalizing Pain and Limits05:30 Functional Capacity Testing10:12 Finding the Right PT or OT14:43 Life After Five Surgeries17:32 What Areas Were Treated19:08 Regrowth and Fibrosis Tools23:14 Habit Stacking at Home26:08 Comorbidities and Connections30:10 Hypermobility and Early Signs31:34 Aging With EDS Challenges32:43 Grassroots Awareness Materials34:44 Billboards And Viral Moments36:27 ICD Codes And Policy Progress41:58 Patient And Foundation Perspective44:26 Awareness Month Literacy Push47:04 Elevator Pitch For Lipedema49:41 Obesity Bias In Healthcare52:49 Trusted Resources And Legato 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/
Lipedema Foundation Website: https://www.lipedema.org Access Lipedema Awareness Month Resources: https://www.lipedema.org/lipedema-awareness-month-2026 Join the Lipedema Foundation Newsletter: https://lipedema.org/contact-us Educational Resources: https://www.lipedema.org/educational-resources Follow Lipedema Foundation on Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube Explore the Lipedema Research Library (LEGATO): https://www.lipedema.org/library Access Treatments Resources: https://www.lipedema.org/treatments Find a Lipedema Provider: https://www.lipedema.org/provider-directory Kasi Grosvenor https://www.instagram.com/kasi.grosvenor/
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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
Lipedema Support Tools with Katie of 3 Bluebirds: Softening Tissue, Cupping, Compression, and Sustainable CareHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Katie, an occupational therapist and lymphatic specialist of 20 years and owner of 3 Bluebirds, who explains her holistic approach and how she began focusing on underserved women with lipedema. They discuss gaps in medical education about the lymphatic system and how Katie gently raises the possibility of lipedema with clients by asking about heaviness, bruising, and other common symptoms. Katie emphasizes that lipedema care is not “cookbook,” recommending softening fibrotic tissue before manual lymph drainage using methods like gentle myofascial release, a spiky ball, and properly taught cupping, keeping pain under 1/10 to avoid inflammation and improve compliance. They cover overwhelm from doing too many conservative measures, individualized compression use (including post-surgery timelines), favored garment brands, and emerging modalities like shockwave therapy. Katie shares top starter steps, compression, tissue-softening, basic nutrition and hydration, and journaling, plus her virtual courses and lipedema retreats with Bonnie, including an upcoming Arizona retreat.00:00 Welcome to the Show01:35 Meet Katie and 3 Bluebirds02:55 OT Background and Lymphatics06:29 Spotting Lipedema in Clients08:43 Why Katie Advocates12:55 First Sessions and Debunking Online Info14:06 Softening Tissue Before MLD15:13 Tools Like Cupping and Spiky Ball19:19 Pain Rules and Staying Consistent24:54 Where to Cup and Virtual Course27:13 Shockwave Therapy Talk28:14 Shockwave Trial Results29:59 Skin Tightening Decisions31:28 Choosing Surgeons Wisely33:14 Compression After Surgery35:37 Best Compression Brands37:52 Flight Prep and Wrapping39:51 Top Self Care Essentials42:02 Arizona Retreat Details45:22 Virtual Courses and Coaching46:40 Where to Find Them47:26 Episode Closing MessageNot 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
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