The July Lipedema Patient Roundtable focused on hope, practical strategies, and the importance of community as patients navigate life with lipedema. Featured guest Rebecca Griffeth, a finalist for the Pattie Cornute “All or Something Award,” shared her inspiring personal journey from years of confusion and frustration to diagnosis, treatment, and advocacy.
Rebecca described the discouraging experience of gaining weight despite following an extremely restrictive diet and exercising for hours each day. Like many women with lipedema, she was repeatedly told to simply lose weight until a chance encounter with a Facebook image led her to investigate the condition further.
American Lipedema Association (ALA) Board Member and panelist Jenny Beaujean discussed the implementation of the new ICD-10 diagnostic code and ongoing efforts to integrate lipedema into electronic medical records and physician documentation.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was embracing progress over perfection. Rebecca encouraged patients not to become overwhelmed by trying to implement every recommended therapy at once. Instead, she emphasized building sustainable habits one step at a time, reminding viewers that consistent, manageable actions are far more effective than striving for perfection. Whether beginning with compression, manual lymphatic drainage, nutrition, exercise, or pneumatic compression therapy, every positive step contributes to long-term health. An abundance of Lympha Press questions, from “Does it help fibrosis?” to “Can I increase the pressure?” were addressed. When choosing a pneumatic compression pump, the most important question? “Is it easy to use?” The answer will determine compliance and ultimately, positive outcomes.
The panel also addressed common day-to-day challenges, including wearing compression garments in hot weather, maintaining treatment routines while traveling, and balancing self-care with busy schedules. Participants acknowledged that treatment plans must often be adapted to fit real life, emphasizing that flexibility does not equal failure. Even modified routines can provide meaningful benefits and help patients remain consistent over time.
Rebecca encouraged patients to pursue healthy habits without guilt or an all-or-nothing mindset, noting that quality of life remains an essential part of overall wellness.
You can learn more about Rebecca’s advocacy on her Facebook page, Rebecca Griffeth, and special thanks to Angelique Charles (@TheLippyButterfly), Jenny Beaujean (@Jenny_Beaujean), and moderator Brenda Viola (@BrendaViola_ViciCommunications) for another inspiring hour, courtesy of Lympha Press. Find out more at lymphapress.com.
This Roundtable was originally recorded live on July 15, 2026, and has been edited for time. The views and opinions expressed in this Patient Roundtable are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Lympha Press.
This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition or treatment.