Hi, my name is Marsha, I was born in ’97 and I live between Bremen and Hamburg.
I was given the contraceptive pill at 16 and gained around 20 kg within 12-18 months – without making any significant changes to my lifestyle. Since then, I’ve been in a constant battle with diets: from Weight Watchers to Almased to an online program that I started in 2020 and really liked. However, despite a year of discipline and 100% commitment, I only lost 6 kg. A frustrating feeling – even though my waist circumference decreased by 10 cm, my arms, legs and stomach remained unchanged.
Due to this stagnant development and other symptoms, I had my blood values checked again. I am still grateful to my GP today: He treated me without prejudice and without the usual phrases such as “lose weight, do more sport”. However, I often heard such phrases from other doctors or people – like many of us.
My thyroid was examined back in 2018 without any abnormal results. In 2021, however, I clearly felt that something was wrong. The constant pain in my arms and legs just wouldn’t go away. The journey from doctor to doctor finally paid off: I was diagnosed with lipoedema.
For me, it was more of a blessing than a curse. If I had had this answer earlier, I would probably have spared myself a lot of self-hatred and learned to accept my body earlier without giving up the right to continue working for it.
My journey began with the diagnosis. I received my first compression garment and started with manual lymphatic drainage. But after just six days of compression, I suffered a massive flare-up of neurodermatitis: itchy, cracked, painful skin that tore open with every movement… after a strong cortisone therapy, it got better week by week. That’s when I realized that I couldn’t live permanently with compression. Even lymphatic drainage and new dietary changes following nutritional advice did not bring any noticeable relief. Which I would have liked so much…
Finally, I found out about liposuction. The exchange with other people affected led me to the Lipoclinic. The consultation there was a turning point: for the first time I felt really understood, well informed and completely accepted. I had my consultation with Dr. Marion Heck and I knew immediately that she was the right doctor for me.
My application for cost coverage by the health insurance company was rejected twice despite medical certificates – even after an appeal procedure.
With the help of my family and my husband, I was still able to walk the path. A path that finally gave me the prospect of a pain-free life.
Today – since September 2025, my “last” year of healing – I can look back on five liposuctions and a total of 16.6 liters of morbid fat removed. I am infinitely grateful to have taken this step. For me, these operations are among the best decisions of my life. I would do them again at any time.
Since the beginning of my lipedema journey, I’ve been taking you with me on Instagram, sharing every step and being there for you from the bottom of my heart. It fulfills me to encourage, listen and show you: You are not alone.
If you have any questions, need support or would like to exchange ideas, you can get in touch with me at any time – either via the contact field below or on Instagram at @marshas.diary.
