Delphine's testimonial

After years of research, reading forums, and watching compelling testimonials, including the Sept à Huit report with Emmy, this patient finally found answers with Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger.

Today, she shares her journey and her two surgeries for lipedema with sincerity and hope.

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

So I am a mother of two children, I am 36 years old, married, and a medical secretary by profession.

How did you hear about lipedema?

I did a lot of research on the internet and forums, read countless testimonials, and, above all, thereport on the TV show Sept à huitavec Emmy was a revelation for me. I discovered Dr.Nicolas Zwillingeron the internet while reading the testimonial of one of his patients,Chloé.

Six months passed between discovering my lipedema diagnosis and researching Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger.

What impact did your lipedema have on your life?

A lot of pain and physical disability. I couldn't dress the way I wanted to, I couldn't find boots that fit my calves, and putting on shoes was complicated.

I didn't like seeing myself in skirts, so I always wore very long skirts or dresses. I always bought flared pants... Now I wear slim-fit pants!

Tell us about your operation

I was calmer during the second operation, but I was much more stressed during the first one! I had a lot of questions and wondered if there would be quick results... I had a difficult day after my second operation. I was supposed to leave at 9 a.m., but I ended up leaving at 6 p.m. because I was very tired.

The two procedures were very different. In addition to the stress of the first procedure and the stress of the unknown, the post-operative period was very painful, especially when putting my foot down. Fortunately, I saw quick results and noticed my leg taking shape at the end of the first month after the first operation.

Three months later, I had my second operation. I wasn't stressed and didn't ask myself any questions. I didn't experience any post-operative pain, but I did feel unwell and had anemia. I bled heavily from my thighs for the first few days, but then it settled down.

I had both procedures done under general anesthesia, and everything went well.

(Doctor's note: this patient chose to have her two operations close together, which may cause greater fatigue and more severe anemia than if the two operations had been spaced further apart).

We returned by train after the two operations, and it went very well. I was able to get up on the train to stretch my legs. We considered taking the car, but in the end we took the train and didn't regret it. I even saved an hour compared to driving!

Did you experience any post-operative pain?

Yes, there was pain during the first 15 days (especially after the first operation on my lower legs). I am slowly regaining feeling in my thighs. Sometimes I feel like electric shocks, which tell me that sensitivity is returning.

What do you think of the results of your two surgeries?

You can see the results quickly! Even though I paid a lot, it was worth it. My coworkers keep saying, "You've changed!" They've all commented on it! It changes your everyday life.

We rediscover ourselves in a different way. It feels like we have a whole new life. I rediscover my daily routine in a different way. It's a small thing, but I climb stairs three times faster now! I don't think about how much money I spent at all anymore.

Have you started exercising again?

It's on hold at the moment, but I've tried to get back into it a little... I've found it difficult to resume certain sports. I used to do CrossFit with my partner, but after the operation I tried and realized I couldn't do it.

Right now, I can't do the sports I want to do. Three months after my last operation, I'm still limited to brisk walking.

Do you have any advice for those who are considering surgery?

So my advice: take the plunge! You'll feel alive again! I find myself taking photos of myself in fitting rooms.

After the operation, Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger and his team respond quickly and effectively. If I have any concerns, I can send an email and receive a reply immediately.

It was quite difficult for me at first to accept my new leg image. It had a certain psychological impact on me at first, but it's all positive...

Do you have any plans for this afternoon?

Now that I'm in Paris, I'm going to take the opportunity to go to the aquarium with my family! And tomorrow we're going to the Vincennes Zoo! Goodbye...