Question:
Ever heard of this? Can you advise me?

Had a gastric bypass in 2000 and a revision to a more distal bypass in 2003. Have not lost alot of wieght but have lost body fat and muscle. It is difficult to walk now, I can hardly hold myself up. I have a massive pannus that makes it difficult for me to walk upstairs, drive my van etc. It is heavy and fluid filled. My skin on my arms and legs and elsewhere is just so loose and wrinkly. Also my skin twitches and is itchy all the time. I take my vitamins daily, try to get in as much protien as possible. The itchy skin is irritating enough and I am cold all the time. It is very difficult to get exercise when I can hardly walk anymore. Any suggestions for me.    — Sarah B. (posted on December 21, 2005)

December 21, 2005
you can contact dr schiemer's office for assistance. he is in charlottesville. i think that this is closer than richmond. he is located at uva. i had gbp in 2003. i have not had any major problems. i lost 100 pounds in 6-7 months. then became pregnant. i am going for a tummy tuck with a private surgeon. maybe you need to see a plastic surgeon for the loose skin and this will help you. how are your iron and other levels? i know that when things are real low it can cause problems. i will be glad to answer any other questions. you can e-mail me at [email protected] thanks tammi
   — tjjjx6

December 21, 2005
Sounds like you need to see a plastic surgeon to remove the excess skin which probably making things uncomfortable for you. Once that is gone, you will feel relief and like a new person. As for being cold, I am cold all of the time. My doc told me that I just don't have the excess fat around my body to warm me up. I dont mind, I use sweaters 24/7 all year round. A small price to pay for a size 4. Good luck to you.
   — Missy H.

December 21, 2005
Sarah, I agree with Missy. Sounds like it's time for plastic surgery and it also sounds like it would be covered by your insurance because it's medically necessary. The weight of the excess skin is causing you problems. I saw a show similar to your situation on the Discovery Health channel. The woman had WLS and in the process loss the weight, but the excess skin made it difficult for her to walk and do the basic things in life. See your WLS surgeon again or primary care and then a plastic surgeo so these things can be documented. Good luck
   — the7thdean

December 21, 2005
I think you need to be thoroughly checked out by a physician who will listen to all your symptoms , as it sounds like you have something else going on. If you have lost muscle and you can "hardly hold yourself up", plus you are itchy and cold, haven't lost much weight, you could be hypothyroid or be suffering from some vitamin or mineral defiency. That needs to be addressed before you look at having any other surgery. And if there is fluid in your pannus, that is something else again. (How do you know it is fluid and not tisssue?) You sound like candidate for a panniculectomy or an abdominoplasty but find out what else is happening to you first. Good luck - Sue
   — koogy

December 21, 2005
Since you are as distal as I am, I'd be interested in hearing your nutrition regimen, food, water, protein and vite supplements. Along with the need for some plastic consults, I'm wondering if you are not undernourished.
   — vitalady

December 21, 2005
Sounds like you need to have that panniculus removed ASAP. My Dh had his removed in October and they took 32lbs off of him. His life is a thousand times better now. He also had a fluid filled panni and it would actually start leaking fluid all over him. It was aweful. Good luck!
   — catleth

December 21, 2005
Sarah, have your doc do thorough lab testing. It's more difficult to get in enough nutrients when you're distal and you probably are deficient in some things. I'm guessing that you're malabsorbing fat so much, that you're not getting enough GOOD fats in your system which would cause dry itchy skin. You need someone who will help you get to the bottom of this! You may need PS earlier than later to get you more mobile. Good luck!
   — mom2jtx3

December 22, 2005
Are you drinking all your water (for the dry skin)? Having your pannus removed will probably help. I am cold all the time, too. It comes from not having the fat insulation and partly from not taking in many calories.
   — Novashannon

December 22, 2005
Have your doctor check your B-12 level.
   — ** Judy **

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