Testimonials

In October 2022, I underwent my first surgery on my lower legs and the front of my thighs. Prior to the procedure, Dr. Walgenbach provided me with a thorough explanation of the surgical process and post-operative care. He answered every question in detail, which helped alleviate some of my concerns. This allowed me to focus entirely on preparing for the surgery. I bought incontinence pads to place on the bed so the mattress wouldn’t get soiled by fluid that might leak from the incisions after surgery. I also used many old towels and old bed sheets to cover everything well. For the arm surgery, I recommend two nursing pillows so you can rest your arms on them. I also started taking arnica pellets two weeks before the surgery to prevent excessive hematoma formation after the procedures. After the surgeries, as soon as I no longer needed anti-thrombosis injections, I took tablets containing the active ingredient “bromelain.” This has a decongestant effect and promotes blood circulation.

Since my health insurance didn’t cover the cost of the surgery, the liposuction took place at the Beethoven Clinic in Cologne. I was the first patient to undergo surgery that day and arrived at the clinic around 7 a.m. Once there, I had a consultation with the anesthesiologist. Afterward, Dr. Walgenbach marked the areas to be treated and answered any final questions I had. The procedure began at 8 a.m. The very caring surgical nurses helped ease my nerves. When I woke up, I was in the recovery room and immediately felt—something had happened to my legs. I didn’t feel any pain, just a burning and tingling sensation. Since I was very cold after the surgery—which is completely normal—I was given a heater that blew warm air under the blanket, allowing me to wake up properly in peace. After the surgery, I spent one night at the Beethoven Clinic. The nurses there were very kind and took good care of me. The first few days at home weren’t easy and were sometimes very painful, but you’re given enough pain medication to make it bearable. My circulation gave me a hard time for the first four to five days, and I could only do one thing at a time, like combing my hair. After that, I had to lie down again. You definitely need support during the first few days or weeks. But you notice an improvement every day, and that really motivated me. I took my first shower five days after the surgery, and despite the swelling and bruising, I noticed a huge difference right away. That first shower after the surgery was a challenge for me, because my circulation wasn’t quite up to speed yet while I was showering. Putting on the compression tights was also a real struggle.

The first follow-up appointment took place two weeks after the surgery. During that visit, it was discovered that a seroma had formed on my right lower leg, which now needed to be drained. That was uncomfortable, but it also brought immediate relief. During subsequent follow-up appointments, the area had to be drained several times. After more than four weeks, the area had unfortunately become severely inflamed, so I had to be admitted to the university hospital. That was a shock at first, because such an infection is extremely rare. Blood was drawn and the inflamed area was examined. It turned out that only intravenous antibiotics could kill the bacteria. I was there for a total of seven days and received treatment. In the time that followed, I thought a lot and was afraid of the next surgery, which was scheduled for December 2022. I was worried that such a complication might occur again and wondered whether I should even have another surgery. I also shared these thoughts with Dr. Walgenbach, and he reassured me once again that it is very unlikely that something like this would happen again. After several conversations with other people affected by lipedema and my family, I decided to have the surgery on my arms, since I had already felt an incredible improvement after the first liposuction on my lower legs, despite the inflammation. The typical lipedema pain and discomfort were almost gone! Despite serious complications, I have not regretted the surgery and would make the same decision again.

Dr. Walgenbach also performed the surgery on my arms in Cologne. The procedure on the day of the surgery was the same as it had been for the first surgery. I didn’t have to stay overnight at the hospital and was able to go home that same evening. The wounds oozed heavily during the first night. That’s why it’s important to line the bed with plenty of sheets and old blankets so that the mattress, comforter, and pillows don’t get ruined. For the first two to three weeks, movement in my arms was limited, but the pain wasn’t as bad for me as it was during the leg surgery.

My second leg surgery was scheduled for April 2023. Dr. Walgenbach performed the procedure on the backs of my thighs. Beforehand, I worried a lot about how I would sit, lie down, or go to the bathroom after the surgery when everything was swollen and painful. I have to admit, the first few days after the surgery were definitely not pleasant or easy, but even then I saw a change when I looked at my legs in the mirror and felt an improvement every day. That really helped me stay strong. But unfortunately, I was a bit too eager and ended up in the emergency room ten days after the surgery because I collapsed on my way home from lymphatic drainage. It sounds more dramatic than it is. It was determined that the three liposuction procedures had caused anemia. Even though they take care during the surgeries to minimize blood and fluid loss as much as possible, this can’t be completely prevented, of course. Based on my experience, I can generally say that it’s advisable to start with short walks around the apartment, gradually increase the distance, and then venture outside. It’s a good idea to always have a chair nearby during the first few days or the first week after surgery. I also kept glucose tablets scattered throughout the apartment. I especially needed them in the bathroom after showering. You shouldn't underestimate these procedures and should prepare thoroughly for them.

Today, I can say that I would go through it all again and again and endure all the pain and complications once more. I can finally climb stairs, go for long walks, blow-dry my hair, or brush my teeth without any lipedema pain! For a long time, that was unimaginable to me, but today I’m glad I decided to have liposuction with Dr. Walgenbach, and I don’t regret it.