I have late stage 2/early stage 3, types 3 & 4 Lipedema. I was diagnosed in early 2018 by my vascular doctor, and it was life changing. Like many Lipedema patients, I tormented myself with restrictive diets and excessive exercise, and faced the judgements and stares of others including medical professionals. My diagnosis was life changing - it wasn't my fault! I could do something about it! When I heard liposuction was the recommended treatment, my heart sank. What insurance company could possibly cover liposuction? At that time, almost none had policies that recognized Lipedema, let alone stated they would cover treatment such as liposuction. I decided I was going to fight, and fight hard, because my quality of life and mobility were at stake. After a single appeal, I was able to get my first two surgeries covered! Success! I've since been able to help others get coverage, and I'm seeing the insurance world change around Lipedema. I'm now working on covering my next surgeries after switching insurance companies, and the environment in 2021 is already much friendlier to Lipedema patients so I'm optimistic. But more than anything, I want to help others see the same success I have in getting their insurance companies to cover liposuction and other treatments for Lipedema.