#148: Could You Have Lipedema? What You Need to Know with Dr. R Daniel Hagerty

Could the changes you’re seeing in your body be more than a matter of diet, exercise, or weight? In this episode of The Well Nourished Mama Podcast, I sit down with my dad, Dr. R. Daniel Haggerty, a surgeon who specializes in lipedema, to break down what lipedema is, who it affects, how it develops, and why so many women go years without an accurate diagnosis. Together, we discuss the physical and emotional impact of lipedema, common symptoms and characteristics, and why hormonal changes — including pregnancy and postpartum — can play an important role in its onset or progression. We also explore what happens after a lipedema evaluation, the medical and surgical treatment options available, why early intervention matters, and how to find a provider who understands this condition. If you’ve experienced disproportionate swelling or heaviness in your legs, easy bruising, or changes in your lower body that don’t seem to respond to traditional diet and exercise approaches, this conversation may give you important questions to bring to your healthcare provider.