Question:
What is the itchng after RNY?

I'm 5 weeks post op for RNY and itching. It started 3 weeks out with the steri strips, then I broke out in hives all over my chest and stomach (had to have a steroid shot and took benedryl). Now that is clearing up but I still itch under the skin (again only on chest and stomach region). Any ideas?    — KKGA (posted on December 31, 2008)

December 30, 2008
You can try one of the Cortizone creams for the itch, but they can't be used long term. There is a Caldryl cream also that I've used for bites that itch. I'm kind of surprised about Benedryl, that usually works pretty well. Hope you get some relief. Carole M
   — carolem

December 30, 2008
Bond Gold has a great product for itch and checks it right now. Good for mesquito bites or insect bites or try calamar lotion or mabye call calomone lotion.
   — Eneleh

December 31, 2008
Pain meds can do it. Also, I had some bumps that came up under my tatoo after weight-loss surgery that itched. No one could explain that one. Dry skin maybe? I also have a problem with bandaids, and adheisives. The place where they put the probes for an EKG stayed red for several months. Good luck in solving your delima.
   — lesleigh07

December 31, 2008
Pain meds can do it. Also, I had some bumps that came up under my tatoo after weight-loss surgery that itched. No one could explain that one. Dry skin maybe? I also have a problem with bandaids, and adheisives. The place where they put the probes for an EKG stayed red for several months. Good luck in solving your delima.
   — lesleigh07

December 31, 2008
It could be a reaction to the anesthesia.
   — Billie R.

December 31, 2008
I would suggest going to your doc immediately; or go to the ER if the itching persists. If it is an allergy and not just something transient it needs treatment. And if you are allergic to something that was surgically done it really does need to be medically addressed. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl
   — vinnigirl

December 31, 2008
I was allergic to the tape that was being used for my bandages. I ended up with my whole stomach looking red and angry and it took awhile to go away.
   — VickiLyn

December 31, 2008
I had the same issue after my surgery & still do from time to time. Directly after surgery, I was covered with "hives" from head to toe & itched just about everywhere. I was told that it was just a reaction to the anesthesia and pain medications & told to watch for any warning signs. Well there weren't any warning sign, but I itched for months. I still do from time to time. I have been tested for almost every allergy imaginable. Finally it was suggested that it could be a number of things: new skin forming to replace the older, stretched out skin; a release of toxins that had been built up in my fat for years; stress... since I have shown no other major symptoms, this is where things have been left. I do agree that you should speak with a doctor to make sure that there isn't anything serious that is causing it. There is a chance though, that like myself you may just experince the itching from time to time. I am just over a year out. I still experience the itching & hives, but less frequently & for less time. For me, it is just one more interesting thing that has come with my new life. :) Good luck with your progress!
   — naebrs

December 31, 2008
I'm so sorry for you! I'm also allergic to Steri-Strips. After my gall bladder surgery, even though I TOLD EVERYONE not to use Ster-Strips, the surgeon did it anyway. I had exactly the same reaction as you. My PCP gave me a cortisone cream--even though she didn't really want to--to help with the after effects. I took as much Benedryl as I could and still be able to drive to work & function normally. It'll still be awful for awhile. Remember, you also have healing going on under the skin which is also itchy. You're probably going to have to grit your teeth and bear it for awhile--I'm really sorry to say!
   — Tina G.

December 31, 2008
There are also stitches under your skin that dissolve... and I am too allergic to all adhesives (bandaides, EKG rounds, etc) so the itching will last about 6 weeks .. oh so for me... mine was red whelps and not pretty... Bebdryl only works for about 1.5 hours at longest. There is a cream called SARNA that works well for me and there is one for sensitive skin as well. Walgreens usually cares it. Good luck, it is a pain I know. MONICA Houston TX
   — MonHay

January 1, 2009
I had the same thing...Found out I had a reaction to the tape they used during the surgery....I just used an anti itch cream...and just put up with it...It would get worse if i got too hot....It does go away.... Elisa in ohio
   — british88

January 1, 2009
My surgeon warned me of itching between 4-6 weeks post op. He said that is was due to the internal stitches dissolving and that there was not really anything that relieved it. He said that some people have it and some don't. I was lucky and did not have any itching.
   — txsewrn

January 1, 2009
I can identify with this too. Except my itching has been mostly in my throat. I have to make that terrible sounding noise in the back of my throat, like clearing it as if I was a lion roaring to get it to go away. I don't know why, but this started about a week after surgery. I am also allergic to surgical tapes and bandages, but since we knew this before surgery, they used other things to cover my laproscopic inscisions.
   — spicymama

January 6, 2009
I started itching after my surgery. My doctor said it was my body adjusting do to the lack of vitamins. I was really itching especially my hands. He said that it wears off with time and it did.
   — MaryCL

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