P2 Lipoedema Surgery: Germany, Recovery & Two Years On & Red Flags To Watch For When Researching Surgery

In Part 1, Vanessa shared how she went from **“I don’t need surgery”**, to becoming curious, researching her options and eventually developing her own **Surgery WHY**. In Part 2, Carrie and Vanessa continue the conversation with what happened after the decision was made, as well as how you can begin to research and be aware of RED FLAGS. Vanessa shares her personal experience of travelling from Australia to Germany for lipoedema surgery with Dr Christian Stanger at Rosenpark Klinik — including preparing for surgery, the reality of surgery and recovery, and what life looks like approximately two years later. We talk about the things that can be harder to see in an Instagram before-and-after: • preparing your body and health before surgery • why your complete medical history matters • the emotions and fear that can come before surgery • travelling overseas for treatment • Vanessa's experience of tumescent/TLA lipoedema surgery • the early recovery period and allowing your body time to heal • expectations versus reality • body image after surgery • protecting the investment you have made in your health • what improved for Vanessa — and what surgery did **not** magically change • what she has learned now that she can look back approximately two years later. Most importantly, this is **one woman's experience — not a roadmap for yours**. Vanessa is not recommending that anyone have surgery, travel overseas for surgery or choose the surgeon or clinic she chose. There is no single “best” surgeon, country, technique or pathway for everyone. Your health, stage of lipoedema, medical history, risk profile, finances, family situation, priorities and personal Surgery WHY may be very different. Do your own due diligence. Research beyond the beautiful results on social media. Speak with long-term patients where possible. Understand the qualifications and experience of the clinician treating you. Ask about the actual procedure being recommended, risks, alternatives, aftercare and complication pathway. Knowledge should help you make **your own informed decision**, not convince you to make Vanessa's. **Lipoedema Empower You** https://lipoedemaempoweryou.com.au Follow the podcast and find our latest episodes, resources and ways to connect with Carrie and Vanessa. **Vanessa's personal lipoedema surgery journey** https://www.instagram.com/lipoedema.aus.germany.surgery/ This is Vanessa's personal, educational account documenting aspects of her own surgery journey. It is not a recommendation of a surgeon or surgical pathway. **Global Lipoedema Awareness - Surgeries/Surgeons** https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19WrvDusgd/ An international Facebook community where women with lipoedema can connect, share experiences and learn from others around the world. As with any social-media group, patient experiences can be incredibly useful starting points for research — but they should not replace your own medical advice and due diligence. **Vanessa Armstrong** Health & Mindset Coach Founder – Keto Buddies & Lipoedema Coaching Keto Buddies: https://www.ketobuddies.com.au Lipoedema Coaching: https://www.lipoedemacoaching.com.au If you would like support to clarify your own **Surgery WHY**, prepare your body and mindset, explore conservative-management strategies or build sustainable health habits, you can connect with Vanessa through Lipoedema Coaching. **Carrie Reedy** Functional Nutritionist Founder – Carrie Reedy Functional Nutrition You can also connect with Carrie through the Lipoedema Empower You website: https://lipoedemaempoweryou.com.au **PLEASE FOLLOW & REVIEW THE PODCAST** If you're enjoying Lipoedema Empower You, please follow the podcast and leave us a **5-star review**. Thank you for listening. 💜 **Educational disclaimer:** This podcast shares personal experiences and general educational information. It is not medical advice and should not replace individual advice from appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.