Stronger than Lipedema

About Stronger than Lipedema

Welcome to Stronger Than Lipedema, the podcast dedicated to empowering women managing lipedema. Hosted by Cindy Howell and Kristy Dellacroce this show dives into all things health, wellness, and self-care to help you navigate life with these unique challenges. Each episode explores practical tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you reduce inflammation, boost your energy, and feel confident in your body. From understanding the science behind lipedema to uncovering the best strategies for nutrition, movement, and mindset.

Publisher

Cindy Howell & Kristy Dellacroce

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Jan 2025

Latest episode

18 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

90 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Oct 2026

   Demystifying Lipedema: Insights from Vascular Surgeon Dr. Ellen Derrick

   Understanding Lipedema Care With Dr. Ellen Derrick: Diagnosis, Inflammation, and Better Medical SupportHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Dr. Ellen Derrick, a Seattle-based double board-certified general and vascular surgeon also certified in obesity medicine, to discuss lipedema medicine, an emerging specialty focused on diagnosis, non-surgical management, and pre- and post-operative support for lipedema reduction surgery. Dr. Derrick explains that lipedema care lacks clear evidence-based guidelines compared to diseases like atherosclerosis, but emphasizes inflammation as a key driver influenced by stress, comorbid conditions (including venous insufficiency, MCAS, and Ehlers-Danlos), hormones, and especially processed foods. She describes lipedema through the lens of capillary dysfunction and disrupted fluid exchange leading to swelling, pain, and fibrosis. The conversation covers challenges educating families and clinicians, the need for earlier screening and medical training, and Dr. Derrick’s efforts on social media and building a provider directory to improve access to informed care.00:00 Welcome to the Show01:40 Meet Dr Ellen Derrick02:16 What Is Lipedema Medicine04:32 Patient First Approach05:49 Before Surgery Strategies09:47 Inflammation Drivers11:17 Food and Nutrition Talk12:57 How She Found Lipedema16:15 Explaining Lipedema Simply18:33 Capillary Traffic Jam24:44 Symptoms and Comorbidities28:05 Talking With Family33:48 Fixing Organized Medicine39:24 Doctors on Social Media44:02 Where to Find Dr Derrick45:55 Final Takeaways Not Sure What Your Next Step Should Be? You’ve learned a lot about lipedema—but knowing how to put it all together can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering “What applies to me, and where do I start?”, the Lipedema Roadmap Session can help. In this private 60-minute Zoom session, we’ll look at where you are in your journey, identify your priorities, and create clear next steps for now, next, and later. Ready to put the pieces together? Book Your Lipedema Roadmap Session Here:https://l.bttr.to/cxLdl (https://l.bttr.to/cxLdl) Follow us on Social media!!! Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0) Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921) IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/withcindyhowell/) Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (about:blank) Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161 Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠⁠⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠⁠⁠ (https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/) Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://l.bttr.to/6cATB)⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ (https://l.bttr.to/6cATB%E2%81%A0) https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/) Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/sunrisehealingaz?igsh=bnNleGpubHhhdDFr&utm_source=qr)⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/) FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr) Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ (http://www.dellalunawellness.com) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://sunrisehealingaz.com/)Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 This episode is proudly sponsored by Carla Whorton, AGNP-BC, AAHP Carla treats Lipedema, hormones and weight optimization Website:CarlaWhortonagnp.com (http://carlawhortonagnp.com) https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/ (https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/) https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np (https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np) Facebook: Dr. Ellenderrick (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577074295729) Instagram: @drellenderrick TikTok: @drellenderrick Website: drellenderrick.com (http://drellenderrick.com/) Linktree: https://linktr.ee/drellenderrick (https://linktr.ee/drellenderrick)

2. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Lipedema, Venous Disease, and Advocacy Part #2 with Dr. Francois

   Hosts Cindy and Kristy welcome back Dr. Francois, an emergency medicine physician subspecialized in venous and lymphatic medicine in northern Virginia, to discuss how venous disease and lymphatic dysfunction intersect with lipedema. She explains that many patients seek venous evaluation as an insurance “checklist” step before lymph-sparing liposuction, and she often delays venous procedures until 1–2 years post-op when seen afterward. Dr. Francois outlines venous disease as chronic “venous hypertension,” describes risks like increased blood clots, and details treatment options (compression, pool therapy, and procedures that close insufficient veins via heat, glue, irritation, or phlebectomy) while noting recurrence can occur. The conversation emphasizes whole-body thinking, the importance of compression and conservative care, what “lymph-sparing” aims to avoid, patient self-advocacy amid common gaslighting, and ongoing insurance barriers to covering compression and care.00:00 Welcome to the Show01:40 Meet Dr Francois02:39 Veins Before Surgery07:17 Why Vein Disease Matters09:39 Whole Body Perspective13:22 Self Advocacy in Care24:04 Vascular Health and Lipedema30:58 Vein Procedures Explained35:00 Compression and Recovery37:56 Pneumatic Compression Wins39:00 Pool Therapy Basics40:40 Lymph Sparing Liposuction50:38 Why Compression Matters54:02 Insurance Coverage Battles01:00:20 Building Patient Community01:04:42 New Northern Virginia Hub01:08:03 Advice and Closing Not Sure What Your Next Step Should Be? You’ve learned a lot about lipedema—but knowing how to put it all together can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering “What applies to me, and where do I start?”, the Lipedema Roadmap Session can help. In this private 60-minute Zoom session, we’ll look at where you are in your journey, identify your priorities, and create clear next steps for now, next, and later. Ready to put the pieces together? Book Your Lipedema Roadmap Session Here:https://l.bttr.to/cxLdl (https://l.bttr.to/cxLdl) Follow us on Social media!!! Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0) Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921) IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/withcindyhowell/) Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (about:blank) Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161 Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠⁠⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠⁠⁠ (https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/) Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://l.bttr.to/6cATB)⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ (https://l.bttr.to/6cATB%E2%81%A0) https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/) Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/sunrisehealingaz?igsh=bnNleGpubHhhdDFr&utm_source=qr)⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/) FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr) Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ (http://www.dellalunawellness.com) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://sunrisehealingaz.com/)Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 This episode is proudly sponsored by Carla Whorton, AGNP-BC, AAHP Carla treats Lipedema, hormones and weight optimization Website:CarlaWhortonagnp.com (http://carlawhortonagnp.com) https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/ (https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/) https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np (https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np) https://www.centerforvein.com/ (https://www.centerforvein.com/)https://www.instagram.com/centerforveinrestoration/ (https://www.instagram.com/centerforveinrestoration/)

3. 

   4 Oct 2026

   Lipedema Support Tools with Katie of 3 Bluebirds

   Lipedema Support Tools with Katie of 3 Bluebirds: Softening Tissue, Cupping, Compression, and Sustainable CareHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Katie, an occupational therapist and lymphatic specialist of 20 years and owner of 3 Bluebirds, who explains her holistic approach and how she began focusing on underserved women with lipedema. They discuss gaps in medical education about the lymphatic system and how Katie gently raises the possibility of lipedema with clients by asking about heaviness, bruising, and other common symptoms. Katie emphasizes that lipedema care is not “cookbook,” recommending softening fibrotic tissue before manual lymph drainage using methods like gentle myofascial release, a spiky ball, and properly taught cupping, keeping pain under 1/10 to avoid inflammation and improve compliance. They cover overwhelm from doing too many conservative measures, individualized compression use (including post-surgery timelines), favored garment brands, and emerging modalities like shockwave therapy. Katie shares top starter steps, compression, tissue-softening, basic nutrition and hydration, and journaling, plus her virtual courses and lipedema retreats with Bonnie, including an upcoming Arizona retreat.00:00 Welcome to the Show01:35 Meet Katie and 3 Bluebirds02:55 OT Background and Lymphatics06:29 Spotting Lipedema in Clients08:43 Why Katie Advocates12:55 First Sessions and Debunking Online Info14:06 Softening Tissue Before MLD15:13 Tools Like Cupping and Spiky Ball19:19 Pain Rules and Staying Consistent24:54 Where to Cup and Virtual Course27:13 Shockwave Therapy Talk28:14 Shockwave Trial Results29:59 Skin Tightening Decisions31:28 Choosing Surgeons Wisely33:14 Compression After Surgery35:37 Best Compression Brands37:52 Flight Prep and Wrapping39:51 Top Self Care Essentials42:02 Arizona Retreat Details45:22 Virtual Courses and Coaching46:40 Where to Find Them47:26 Episode Closing MessageNot Sure What Your Next Step Should Be? You’ve learned a lot about lipedema—but knowing how to put it all together can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering “What applies to me, and where do I start?”, the Lipedema Roadmap Session can help. In this private 60-minute Zoom session, we’ll look at where you are in your journey, identify your priorities, and create clear next steps for now, next, and later. Ready to put the pieces together? Book Your Lipedema Roadmap Session Here:https://l.bttr.to/cxLdl (https://l.bttr.to/cxLdl) Follow us on Social media!!! Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0) Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921) IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/withcindyhowell/) Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (about:blank) Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161 Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠⁠⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠⁠⁠ (https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/) Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://l.bttr.to/6cATB)⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ (https://l.bttr.to/6cATB%E2%81%A0) https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/) Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/sunrisehealingaz?igsh=bnNleGpubHhhdDFr&utm_source=qr)⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/) FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr) Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ (http://www.dellalunawellness.com) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://sunrisehealingaz.com/)Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 This episode is proudly sponsored by Carla Whorton, AGNP-BC, AAHP Carla treats Lipedema, hormones and weight optimization Website:CarlaWhortonagnp.com (http://carlawhortonagnp.com) https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/ (https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/) https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np (https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np) (https://www.instagram.com/threebluebirdskc/) https://go.threebluebirdskc.com/ (https://go.threebluebirdskc.com/)Cupping Course:  https://gu6oc6pqccbqh0c63zyw.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/872ca1fc-5f18-41a6-874c-5dd506c61cdd (https://gu6oc6pqccbqh0c63zyw.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/872ca1fc-5f18-41a6-874c-5dd506c61cdd)Conservative Therapy Course:  https://gu6oc6pqccbqh0c63zyw.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/b16f7378-1e22-4824-a24c-d9b46663ecb8 (https://gu6oc6pqccbqh0c63zyw.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/b16f7378-1e22-4824-a24c-d9b46663ecb8)

Who has been a guest on Stronger than Lipedema

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Debra Ford
• Dr Thomas Hagopian
• Debby Pelletier
• Dora
• Nurse Fonda

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 51 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

89

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Stronger than Lipedema

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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Questions about Stronger than Lipedema