I found this article very interesting and wanted to pass it along. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/09/050920082333.htm Amy

I also have been diagnosed with lymphedema. Thank the Lord that it is not a sever case I have custom compression stockings for both legs up to the knees. As long as I wear them daily, I have no problems I have a pair of full leg compression pumps that I use about once a month to six weeks. These pumps cost $5,000.00 but Thank God for insurance, we were to pay $250.00 of that. When I first got them about a year ago, I used them like they told me to....at least twice a day for anywhere from 30-45 minutes. Well, the first day was wonderful; I could walk better, etc. By the end of that week, I could barely stand My knees were weak and I had to rely on holding onto something to walk & get around. My legs were so weak they could barely hold me. I went to the doctor and she told me to quit using them because she felt that they were actually "crushing my blood vessels". It took about 2-3 weeks to heal, but after that I was back to "normal". This is why I am now to only use them occasionally to rid my legs of excess fluid. When the leg pump company heard this report from the doctor, they sent me a wonderful letter telling me that I didn't have to pay ANYTHING for the pumps! God really does work in mysterious ways Just thought I would share my exerience with lymphedema and pumps! Blessings to anyone reading this! Cindy

Hi, I have Lymphedema. Until reading the letters that your post brought out, I hadn't thought about my gain being from it. I have only gained 10 pounds, but it is up and down, which should have clued me in to being from the swelling of my right leg primarily. I haven't been receiving any treatment and haven't been wearing my hose because they are too big now. I am going to get back to my Doc and begin treatment on them again. I have the pump but have no faith in it, and after reading the others stories realize it must be outdated. I will send my prayers to you all and will appreciate yours. Hugs, Vicki

Girls... I know nothing about this condition, but I feel so bad for you both. Do you think that it was as a result from your WLS or is it genetic or simply from your ps. I don't know what to say to you other then I will pray for you! You have worked so hard to lose and now this. Prayerfully Rebecca

Hi. I had gastric bypass in February of '03, and went from 305 to about 125. In December of '04 I had a circumferential abdominoplasty. I had no complications with either surgery. My mother has primary LE, all over.. not just her legs. I know that I am a risk for LE, and had no symptoms until 2 months ago. Since then, I have gained about 25 lbs, primarily in my upper legs. I am unable to pull my jeans up over my thighs. In May, I noticed a little swelling (around my period). I went to my GYN and he gave me Dyazide to take on the days when I felt swelling. I took it more often, and took an over the counter diuretic at the same time. I don't know what I did to myself, but something is NOT right. I am wondering if maybe this is secondary lymphedema and maybe they damaged my lymph vessles in the inguinal area during my abdominoplasty. Maybe it is primary lymphedema and just now appearing the way it did with my mom. Perhaps it is all caused from the *almost* diuretic abuse for the past few months. What if it is a true kidney problem?? I made an appointment for the 1st of September. I am not really looking for answers from those reading this, just someone who understands my frustration. I know that this gain is not caused by overeating. There is no way that I have eaten enough to gain 25 lbs in the last two months. The swelling is primarily in my thighs and a little bit in my calves. It is not really painful. It is somewhat relieved by elevation, but it is hard to tell because I still have a lot of excess skin on my upper thighs. I am so depressed and it taps in my worst fear and greatest nightmare.. regain and being fat again. Please help!