To think that there's no solution for me (fat legs and the beach)

I have same issue. People can tell me not to care until they're blue in the face but I do care. I do look awful. People HAVE commented, to my face! Even, years ago, my parents asked why I had such awful legs when the whole family had skinny legs. I don' t know!!
I keep thinking, at least they work, but tbh they are agony too as I have severe arthritis everywhere.
I have been single for many years, as I cannot face one more man saying they love me but hate my legs. I'm divorced, due to my legs, honestly, I swear!

I. Hate. Them.
I have avoided, swimming, holidays, relationships, skirts, dresses, shoes, sandals, shorts, even going out.
I used to be very slim, but still had huge legs. I've had SO many comments I could do a book of them.
Fat stomachs can be hidden. Fat stomachs are forgiven. But legs? "Walk more". " Exercise more" , " go to the gym" I've heard it all. I dieted to the point where my Dr told me I was too thin. I still had massive ankles, massive swollen calves, fat thighs.
I hope you are braver than me OP.
My life is now lonely crap because of my bloody legs. I had liposuction , Dr said some of my fat was " resistant" & as a result it all looks worse! I tried to be brave the other day & wore a long skirt for work. I got " Ooh, what's happened to your ankles? They look so painful!"
I was back in trousers next day.
I bet 100% your legs are fine & not as bad as mine!! I swear, everyone who says their legs are bad look like model next to me.
Shall I come on hols with you? You'll look great ;)

@evilharpy and @Jen63
Join us on the Lipoedema thread chat - we’re all in the same boat and understand:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/general_health/4824822-lipoedema-chat?page=1

I can’t stand the while ‘just get your legs out and enjoy yourself attitude’ - it’s so patronising and really lacks both empathy and understanding.

Which is fine if you have the same mind set. I don't, probably due to years of conditioning, even my own father bullied me about my size. I literally would rather die than get my legs out and just telling me life is too short will never change that. I don't want to be looked at and judged or even worse, pitied!

"You just need to do more squats"

Dear every woman on this thread, who is feeling shit about their legs or body.
You have the right to take a holiday, you have the right to feel the sun on your skin and the sea water lapping around you, you have the right to relax and to feel ok.
I am in the same boat as many of you, I am very overweight with lipoedema legs. I made a decision when my lids were small that I was going to claim my right to enjoy holidays with my kids including enjoying the pool and the beach. Ok a little I have still felt a bit conscious of my body but not enough to stop me doing the things I want. Fuck it, life is too short. Just do it.

I love this video (it's not me) - https://www.tiktok.com/@jos_unfiltered_life/video/7245584853582826779?_r=1&_t=8dMEgvK7dXO

I tried to watch but won't let you without app.

How did you get diagnosed? My Dr hopeless. I've had lipo privately, but not made barely any difference other than bank account lighter!
I'd love to meet some lipo ladies.
It's a peculiarly separate thing having huge legs. Everyone can hide or forgive a fat tummy, but wow betide you have cankles or fat legs, you must be lazy! You don't walk enough! Omg could write a book on the " advice" I've had in my lifetime!! Bet you've had same?

Oops sent too quickly.
Not even slim or skinny legs, just normal. Lipodema means you have "column" legs. No shape, and these weird pads under the knees. If I show legs ( rarer than Hallie's comet) then people think they're swollen & say things like " ouch, that looks painful" . Which is kind but embarrassing. Difficult to even get trousers to fit. You'd think men were more forgiving than women but they're not. Even the kindest ex partner has said, ooh perhaps a longer skirt? :(

Thanks. At least when I was slim I had some redeeming features! I so envy people with " normal" legs. Not even sl

I couldn’t read this without saying how sorry so am to hear about awful some people have been to you. Loosing weight is really hard. You deserve support not bullying.

https://www.tiktok.com/@jos_unfiltered_life?_t=8dMEgvK7dXO&_r=1

Grab a cuppa and watch this woman on tiktok. She's got big legs and cares not a jot!

100% the same for me ! My legs are truly revolting. My family always took p* out of them. My ex husband said they put him off me.
All my exes have commented on them. When I was slim I often had comments from total strangers how I was so slim yet my legs didn't match. Now I'm a lot fatter & there is nothing nice about me. Legs are quite painful too, knees & ankles agony some days. Arms are joining in now. Simply cannot lose weight even on liquid diet. A big lady at work lost 5 stone on same diet. Me? 2 kilos then nothing. Lipodema is the pits. Even friends don't get it & say their legs are slim because they run/walk/gym/swim. As though I'm stationary my whole life! I actually probably exercise more than they do. I wish, wish I could say sod it. But I can't. I cringe at even showing a cankle. I've had no relationship for decade as I'm sick of put downs. I hope OP is braver than me & I bet her legs aren't anywhere near as bad as mine. Dare to bare. She should be brave for all of us & we want pics!!

Not sure if anyone will see this as the thread has moved on but if you are not body confident I highly recommend following Laura Adlington on instagram - she was on Bake Off in 2020 and is amazing

I have fat pale legs too - I look terrible in shorts. I wear dresses sometimes but mostly keep my legs covered. I wear a swim dress usually as it makes me feel a bit more comfortable. I guarantee nobody cares that much about your legs though! We are our own harshest critics

I don't have time to rtft, so apologies if this has been mentioned, but ladies with big veiny legs please have a Google of a disease called lipoedema. The NHS offer next to nothing in way of treatment but at least you know its not your fault if you think it may be you! I'm stage 3, have had 2 leg and 1 arm surgeries both in the UK and Germany and still can't wear bloody shorts or a vest top!! 🤣

Short term, it's fake tan and a sarong. It is rather annoying when posters say 'I'm sure your legs are fine' (thats about where I stopped reading tbh) because unless you've come across lipoedema you won't understand just how different we do look, but I get it and long floaty clothes are actually quite elegant so head in that direction rather than shorts. Have a fab time!

You have my sympathy because I am also v overweight and going to Greece next month, if it’s mainly the top of your legs - how about swim shorts with a Tankini top?

But TBH no one is going to notice your legs on the walk between the sun lounger and the pool, or on the sun lounger. Get yourself a nice sarong to swan around in the rest of the time.

Get fake tan done before you go - makes anyone’s legs look better.

I think in Greece swimming leggings might make you feel a bit stand out, but maybe take a pair and see how you feel.

I am morbidly obese with hairy, veiny legs and don’t give a hoot about what other people think. If anyone stares at me they see only whatever they deserve to see.

enjoy the water x

I'm the same. I carry a lot of my weight in my legs, always have done.

TBH, I've just reached the point of brazen it out. This is my body, this is what it looks like. Honestly, no one cares as much as you do, and the moment you accept that, the happier you are.

Ah just such a gorgeous post to read x

Yep, definitely! Just tag me! Or a PM! There's also a Facebook group: Global Lipoedema Awareness - Surgeries/Doctors It's been quite the ride for me so delighted to share my knowledge/experience.

I have these swim capris

www.evans.co.uk/swim-capri-navy?catfilter=eyJpZCI6IjExMTAyIn0%3D

I absolutely hate my legs and these give me more confidence. I don't actually care if they make me look daft, the make me feel better and that's what matters.

On my first holiday abroad I couldn’t understand why all the bigger girls were all covered up. Years later there are all shapes, sizes, & ages, & they are all wearing their bikinis or swimsuits. I tell you this my gurl, they look far more attractive than the slimmer girls. Nobody wants a bone. Lamp some fake tan on & off you go, the wipes are good from Savers.

Oooh I’m planning this! Are you interested in talking about this on another thread?

Exactly. There’s nothing wrong with board shirts, especially if it makes you feel comfortable.

Literally came back from Corfu last week, full of people of all shapes and sizes and ages. People are going on holiday to enjoy themselves, the beach, the food, and not to judge others. Have a great time!