I am a Lipedema wellness advocate, dedicated to helping you overcome the shame and pain associated with the condition. My journey began with self-hatred, stemming from childhood experiences and reinforced by societal pressures.
I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. Around the age of 7 was the first time my mom took me to the doctor for my weight. It was right around this time, I started to believe I was not good enough. A thought that drove me to continuously trying to prove my worth.
Despite achieving academic and professional success, I have spent the majority of my life completely disconnected. I hated the lower half of my body, and did everything to pretend it wasn’t there, and that I wasn’t actually fat.
I did this by using numbing tactics - food, alcohol, and a complete inability to be present, which would always ultimately lead me to self-sabotage.
Starting in the summer of 2017, when I lost my father, followed by the ending of a relationship and the distancing of my brother. These losses plunged me into a deep depression, marked by isolation and self-sabotage.
In the summer of 2019, I embarked on a new job opportunity, hopeful for a fresh start. However, what ensued was a blow to my confidence—the job demanded prolonged periods of standing, triggering symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, and an inability to concentrate. I initially attributed these struggles to personal shortcomings, blaming myself for being either hungover or overweight on different days. Unbeknownst to me, I was grappling with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition often linked with Lipedema. The accompanying brain fog made grasping the intricacies of my role nearly impossible. As if that weren't enough, the onset of COVID-19 compounded my challenges, revealing the true nature of some relationships while I navigated life alone.
By fall 2022, I left corporate life behind for a journey of self-discovery.
Starting with a transformational trip to Thailand where I immersed myself in Muay Thai training for a month. Despite training 4 hours per day and eating clean, my body became inflamed, and weight loss remained elusive.
When the month was up, I was determined to find happiness, and delved into practices like Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and breathwork. During this time, I finally learned I had Lipedema. Immediately I knew I needed to learn everything so I could help myself and others.
I committed to my healing, prioritizing anti-inflammatory eating, low-impact exercises, and conservative therapies. Progress was tangible, and hiking no longer felt like hauling weights.
In late summer 2023, I geared up to fulfill my long-time dream of wintering in San Diego. However, another blow struck at the border when they doubted my intentions and denied entry. Devastated, with no backup plan, I reluctantly returned to Calgary.
I spent a few months looking for a job, and when I turned down a job offer to work in ESG for a prestigious oil and gas company, I knew it was finally time for something new.
At the beginning of 2024, knowing that nothing changes when you continue to do things as you always have, I took a leap of faith and started my own business.
Being a business owner has challenged me immensely. But using my Reflective Dreaming technique, I have been able to find phycological safety and stay grounded, throughout the process.
And I can’t begin to explain to you the relief I have felt since connecting with women who've lived experiences similar to mine.
Living with lipedema can feel incredibly isolating. But no matter where you are in your journey, please know that you're not alone.
I encourage you to nurture your innate resilience and trust that healing is a journey with ups and downs.
Believe that improvement is possible — And know, I'm here cheering you on every step of the way!
XO Tannis