Curvygirlbeth

Update for My Wellness Warrior Girlies!

Trusting the process is always scary. Especially for those of us with chronic illnesses like Lipedema, Hypermobility, and Obesity that are all interconnected. We all have seasons and Girl, many of us have had one heck of a 7 yr cycle that needs to be overcome.

I am in my Revival period for sure. It is a process and everything reveals itself in its own time. I am coming up on my 21st anniversary of my Rouen-Y ( RNY) gastric bypass Bariatric surgery on November 6th and I am down 75% of the excess that I lost initially back in 2003. That is an incredible win and I am thankful that with the help of this glp1 medication as another tool in my tool box, I have been able to reduce the increases I have had as a result of these past few years.

Feels like I am getting back to where my body operates most efficiently and will continue to get to its optimum capacity. However, this month has thrown me many challenges along with my wins that I am continually processing and not quite ready to share. As I write this, I realize I am persistent in persevering and that is my strength. Surely, I am covered and blessed and so thankful for the near misses that keep me on my toes.

Here’s to knowing “this too shall pass” and staying diligent in a favorable outcome. I LOVE you ladies and pray that the sharing of my journey inspires yours. Reach out whenever you need a hand.

Long Overdue Update About My Journey!

Fall is in full swing and the Lipedema community follows suit starting first thing tomorrow morning with the Heart to Heart Conference, hosted by Lipedema Simplified, going through Sunday, 9/29/24. Join me! But first, an update (much overdue) about my GLP1 journey!

Last Friday, I was out shopping with my husband when I saw this RED SWIMSUIT  still front and center in the store.  You may remember when back in May, this exact one piece was part of my Spring suggestions. Well, with 4+ months of my GLP-1 journey under my belt, I thought, “let’s try it on and see if it looks any different now?” Pictures are always a great way to have your brain and eye catch up to each other. And, I’ll  be the first to admit I could see a difference!

Since May, I’ve had 19 shots, most of which have been at the 5.0 dose, and I’m down 42 pounds in total, which is thrilling! It’s been a journey that started last November when I discovered my 26 food allergies (what a shocker that was) and eliminated them from my diet.

A big part of the progress has come from using the @lumen.me metabolic tracker to guide my nutrition, along with focusing on protein and staying hydrated. This combination has truly made a difference throughout this process! 

I know it may sound weird but I admit I rarely look at myself in the mirror – even though I’m often in front of the camera! When I do, I am beginning to see the shift in my silhouette, especially in my thighs where my Lipedema is most visible. The reduction has been encouraging, though I’m still figuring out how to improve the aesthetic. When I find a solution, I’ll be sure to let you know!

If you want to hear more about my journey, check out this LIVE video from my visit to UCLA! I’ll be posting a video update on YouTube soon—be sure to turn on your notifications so you don’t miss it.

YAY, the Lipedema Heart to Heart Virtual Event starts TOMORROW Morning and is running from September 27 to 29, 2024. This year’s event is all about creating a holistic roadmap to living well with Lipedema and Lymphedema, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it. I’ll be joining the expert panel for a session titled “Self Care Isn’t Selfish,” co-hosting with Patti Cornute and Tamara Carroll on Saturday, September 28. Be sure to REGISTER NOW and join us!

Bariatric Retreat 2024 in San Diego

WOW, I cannot believe the Bariatric Retreat 2024 in San Diego is now just a little over a month away and there’s still time to secure your spot—use my discount code CURVYGIRLBETH here to grab your ticket. I’m really excited to meet up with many of you this November, and if you need help with outfit ideas, don’t hesitate to REACH OUT. I’d love to help you feel your best!

With love,
Beth

www.thecurvygirlbeth.com

PS – the LTK (LiketoKnow.IT) Fall Sale begins today. Be sure to FOLLOW ME on the app for updates and the best deals.

See You at the Heart to Heart Conference Next Week!

How has your September been so far? With school ramping up and students heading back to their classrooms, we are ramping up things here with the Lipedema community to get ready for a big week ahead. The Lipedema Heart to Heart Conference is around the corner and I hope to see you there!  Reply to this email for my registration link. I look forward to connecting with you and enjoying the chance to engage with a supportive, dynamic community. 

Lipedema Project’s Heart to Heart Conference.

In just about a week, September 27-29, this year’s Heart to Heart Virtual Event focuses on creating holistic blueprints for living well with Lipedema and Lymphedema. I’m looking forward to coordinating with the panel of expert speakers for a session “Self Care Isn’t Selfish,” co-hosted with Patti Cornute and Tamara Carroll on Saturday, September 28. I would love for you to join us and participate in our discussion! It’s a great opportunity to learn, share, and connect with our fantastic community.

ICD-10 Update: Building Momentum for Wider Recognition for Lipedema

Last week, Dr. Karen Herbst presented a powerful case for recognizing Lipedema as a distinct condition in the US ICD-10-CM. This is a huge step forward for our community, and we can help by showing our support in three ways:

  1. Email the CDC by October 11, 2024 at nchsicd10cm@cdc.gov with the statement: “I support implementing ICD-10 codes for Lipedema now.” Include your role as a patient, provider, or caregiver.
  2. Sign the petition here: ICD-10 Lipedema Petition.
  3. Forward this email to friends and family to help spread the word. Every email and signature makes a difference!

Bariatric Retreat 2024 in San Diego

The Bariatric Retreat 2024 is just around the corner, and it’s not too late to grab your ticket! Use my discount code CURVYGIRLBETH here to save your spot. I’m so excited to see many of you in San Diego this November! If you need help with outfit ideas, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help you look and feel your best!

In case you missed it last week

I was part of a creator meeting with YouTube and the National Alliance for Eating Disorders last week, we discussed some staggering statistics, and as someone who has personally struggled with Binge Eating Disorder, I want you to know that there is life beyond eating disorders. Also, I wanted to share some resources for people who are struggling with eating disorders. Remember, you are not alone, and help is always available. Feel free to reach out to me directly or these support options below.

For Help

There are also both virtual and in-person support groups to share your experiences and build a sense of belonging:

  • Email: groups@allianceforeatingdisorders.com

With love,
Beth

www.thecurvygirlbeth.com

Fall Glamour Style Women’s Formal Dress

Off Shoulder Bodycon Maxi Dress Long Sleeve Mesh Ruched Party Formal Wedding Guest Dress. The mesh sparkly fabric of this cocktail party dress is comfortable and fits well with a liner to ensure a non see-through silhouette.Eye-catching off the shoulder body con design with sheer long sleeves dress for women in Fall 2024 Elegant for dress up. The ruched fit is designed to show beautiful curves and highlights feminine charm. #ltkfallsale #ltkmidsize #ltkplussize

Diseases that Can Be Misdiagnosed as Lipedema

Lipedema can often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This  can lead to frustration and a delay in preventative treatment for those affected. Understanding the diseases that appear to be Lipedema is important for improving diagnosis and management trends.

Obesity

One of the most common misdiagnosis of Lipedema is obesity. While both conditions involve increased body fat, the distribution and nature of the fat differ significantly. Lipedema fat is resistant to diet and exercise and tends to accumulate symmetrically on the hips, thighs, and sometimes the arms, sparing the hands and feet. In contrast, obesity usually results in generalized fat distribution. Misdiagnosing Lipedema as obesity can lead to ineffective weight loss strategies and neglect the specific treatment needs of Lipedema patients.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema, another commonly confused condition, involves swelling due to lymphatic fluid accumulation, usually in one or both limbs. Unlike Lipedema, which generally does not affect the feet, Lymphedema affects the entire limb. In addition, Lymphedema often follows an injury or surgery and may present with skin changes such as fibrosis and thickening. In contrast, Lipedema is primarily characterized by painful fat deposits and easy bruising. Mistaking these two conditions can result in inappropriate therapies that may not address the underlying issue.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is another condition that can be mistaken for Lipedema. CVI occurs when the veins in the legs cannot effectively return blood to the heart, leading to swelling, skin changes, and leg ulcers. Although both conditions can cause leg swelling and discomfort, the presence of varicose veins and skin discoloration in CVI helps distinguish it from Lipedema. Additionally, the swelling in CVI is often more pronounced at the end of the day or after prolonged standing, whereas Lipedema swelling remains relatively constant.

Myxedema

Myxedema, associated with severe hypothyroidism, involves the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the skin and other tissues, which creates swelling and a waxy appearance. While Lipedema also causes swelling, it is concentrated towards fat tissue and does not involve the skin changes seen in Myxedema. Misdiagnosis between these conditions can occur, especially if the patient has hypothyroidism symptoms. Accurate thyroid function tests are essential to differentiate these conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.

Proper diagnosis of Lipedema is essential for effective management and treatment. Awareness of conditions that mimic Lipedema—such as obesity, Lymphedema, CVI, and Myxedema—can aid healthcare providers in distinguishing between these diseases. Recognizing the unique characteristics of Lipedema, including its resistance to traditional weight loss methods, symmetrical fat distribution, and sparing of the hands and feet, can prevent misdiagnosis and lead to better patient outcomes.

Skip to content
  • Get the Updates I Share First with My Closest Audience