Question:
I am 3 months post-op and I have dry skin patches on my cheeks.

My hands and elbows are also really dry and flaky. My cheeks are my biggest concern because it is making them too rosey. Its a quarter size patch on each cheek that i keep creamed up really good but it seems my skin is very dry. Is this from surgery since I have never had it before, and is there anything I can use besides the cream I am using that is specially for that? Thanks. Cindy    — Cindy S. (posted on December 23, 2000)

December 23, 2000
Cindy, Is your fat intake too low? I know I actually have a hard time getting much fat in at all, which for the most part, is a good thing, but not for my skin! I try and eat 1 piece of regular cheese (not low fat) a day cuz everything else I eat is low fat or fat free. When I don't get enough fat, my skin really dries out and even slathering lotion won't help. The cheese fits into my snack schedule and seems to help. Good Luck and Merry Christmas!
   — M B.

December 23, 2000
Hi Cindy...I notice you live in Michigan, too! My skin also dries out in the winter. You might want to try sleeping with a humidifier in your room. With the moisturizer and additional fat in your diet, I bet you'll see enough improvement to get your skin to get you to spring! Ah Spring, now there's a lovely thought...
   — Allie B.

December 24, 2000
I exfoliate every day . Since I shower I put bath OIL on a washcloth when I am done and rub it allover my body (not my face) then I lace the cloth across my shoulders and rinse again quickley this distributes the oil to my back and legs. Then dry off. Make sure you use a mild soap. I use oil of olay soap or dove. As SOON as I am dry I use a vitamin C oil on my face and then use my moisturizer. Make sure it is designed for your face , and not a general body lotion. You only need a little. And cream is more moisturizing than lotion so you may need a cream. Work some into your elbows also. Be sure to drink a lot of water , amd take your vitamins I take extra B vitamins with zinc. and I eat a hard boiled egg every day. Someone once told me this is very good for skin and hair. I dried out quite a bit after surgery and I used to have oily skin! This was a new experience. I just want to mention when you exfoliate your face...I use a buff puff ,please use this very lightly. No need to scrub your skin , which can actually do harm. and I use one of the nylon scrubbies on the bod , works great. Good Luck , and I hope this helps. Have a great holiday!
   — Rose A.

December 25, 2000
Cindy , I agree that the best thing is to nourish your skin from the inside if possible. I try ( little word that measn a lot , try) to get in lost of water and I too usually eat a piece of cheese or two every day or use olive oil in my cooking to get the fat into me. I love a fresh greek salad with oil and vinegar house dressing. Eating that big salad and having the dressing I figure evens itself out with the bad and good aspects , and I make sure I have an extra protein source for that day. Good luck and keep up the good work. I still have dry skin especially in the winter , and I sleep with a humidifier, drink lots of fliuds and take a bath with oil at least every other night. I am doing it all , and still my lips burn from being dry ans I get flaky skin at times. It is just one of the prices to pay , and i do it gladly. Hearing my whole family tell me how thin I am getting is all worth it. Take care, Heather Heath Open RNY May 26,2000 -107 pounds
   — Heather T.