This Morning star Josie Gibson has showcased her post-surgery arms on social media, receiving widespread praise from fans and friends. The 41-year-old ITV host underwent a brachioplasty—a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms—as part of her treatment for lipoedema, a chronic condition causing abnormal fat buildup.
Social Media Reveal
In a new Instagram post, Gibson posed in a variety of summer dresses from OddMuseLondon, writing: 'Showing off my new arms,' as she twirled to present the full picture. The fading traces of scars on both arms were visible, but the positive outcome was clear. Fans and friends quickly commented, with Laura Adlington writing: 'You look incredible!! Love the black xxx,' and auntincath17 adding: 'Baaaaabe you look so gorgeous.' Another user, rantsandbigpants, echoed: 'You look amazing!'
Lipoedema Diagnosis and Surgery
Gibson opened up about her lipoedema diagnosis at the start of the year, revealing she had spent £7,000 on liposuction for her calves. In March, she shared that she had 45 per cent of her arm removed in a brachioplasty, according to the Daily Mail. The media personality then spent spring and early summer recovering from the procedures, telling Women and Home in April: 'I can't wait to get my bandages off. I've just been at home. It stopped me in my tracks a bit – I couldn't even put the bins out, and I struggle with stopping and relaxing.'
She explained the necessity of the surgery: 'No matter how fit you are or what your diet is, with lipoedema you can't lose fat [in the affected areas]. So I had to do something about it and I've had two surgeries now – liposuction and an arm lift. My arms were really lumpy and horrible. I've got this little waist, I shouldn't have cellulite on my arms!' Gibson also spoke about the pain she felt at the end of long work days in her arms and legs, another common symptom of lipoedema.
What is Lipoedema?
According to the NHS website, lipoedema is an abnormal build-up of fat in the legs and sometimes arms. It can be painful and affect daily life. The condition tends to be more common in women and can make the bottom, thighs, lower legs, and sometimes arms look out of proportion with the rest of the body. Treatments range from eating healthily and wearing compression socks to procedures such as liposuction.
Speaking Out to Help Others
Gibson was keen to say that she hadn't 'done anything courageous', just had surgery. But she continued: 'You've been fighting all your life to get rid of this fat, then you realise it's your genetics that you're fighting. I think it's made a few women feel like: 'Thank God, it's not just me.'' In January this year, she discussed her condition for the first time on the This Morning sofa, reflecting on the work she had done on her legs. She said that the 'last thing I wanted to do is put myself through surgery' and especially wanted to push back against speculation she had 'lost five or six stone'. 'I wish I'd lost that much weight, but I haven't,' she added. She also hoped that speaking about it would help other women with the same condition feel less alone.
Strictly Come Dancing Rumors
As for what's in store for the star, she is heavily rumoured to be stepping onto the dance floor later this year for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. A source told The Sun: 'The BBC is hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs. Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.'
