I have lymphedema of both lower extremities and abdomen and both arms. I had RNY last Nov. Insurance approved within a week of knowing I had lymphedema added to my arthritis and sleep apnea and high blood pressure  and heart condition. I have lost 96 lb.s and dropped from sz. 26 to sz. 12/14. I am able to walk better and my arms and legs have greatly shrunk to the point I now can wear compression pantihose. My only regret is I didn/t have WLS 2 yr.s ago maybe my problems would not have gotten so bad. There are challenges with any surgery but the benefits far outweigh the complications if there are any. More people than not have good sucess and in the end you must weigh the benefits verses the worsening of your health problems. I would do this again in a heartbeat.

I have had lymphedema for 3  years and it just seems to be getting worse. I am in the process of  trying to get wls surgery.  Has anyone's mobility increased after losing weight?  I have lymphedema in both legs but fibrosis in the left limb which prevents me from exercising like I want to.  Any input is appreciated. 

I'm so glad I found this web site!!! I have been dealing with lymphedema on my legs for about 1 and 1/2 years now....and it sucks.I have a pump for my legs, but  sometimes don't use it because I expect it too much from it, namely, to take away all the fluid and make my leg normal. I have one of those garments with the straps, but I have trouble putting the d$%n thing on, plus, it falls down. Lymph massage drainage seems to help, but my insurance will only pay for limited amounts of it.I am a regular visitor ( about every 2 months) to the local wound care center due to the infection/drainage that happens.   I have to walk with a cane, stairs are nearly impossible. I starting thinking about gastric banding surgery couple of years ago, and now since I can barely walk, I must do banding  hoping I will lose weight all over and thus relieve this condition as well as helping with my Type 2 and Sleep Apnea conditions. I am 5'7" and 400lbs. I use to play tennis and be so active, but my quality of life has plummeted the past couple of years. I am single, and thank God my parents are around to help me!! Some of my friends can't handle my not being able to go out and run around as much, so I have felt quite isolated too lately. But I have faith in the universe to pull me through this dark time in my life. Anyway, just wanted to reach out and give my story.

 My mother-in-law just got diagnosed with lymphedema but it's in her lower abdomen.  She only has one leg and the extra weight in her abdomen makes its even harder to get around. Does anyone have any info on how to help? She is in a rehab unit now cause she is unable to live alone.  Is there hope for her???

Hi! Don't give up the thought of having your surgery. I had lower leg lymph since I was about 20. I am 53 now. When I had WLS 5 years ago my leg went down quite a lot and I believe it has a lot to do with what we eat or drink. Try to stay away from salt and sugars because that seems to be what triggers mine. I put myself through trial periods. I wrap my leg up in the morning when I first wake up with ace bandage wraps and start from my foot to my knee. This helps a lot. You will notice a difference in the lymph once you start on liquids after surgery. Just don't get discouraged. But try a massager and the wraps every morning. Good luck