Question:
I have very dry skin now .

I am drinking a lot of water.Could it be from not enough fat?    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 5, 2002)

February 5, 2002
I have very dry skin as well and I am 3 months post-op. I think it is because as you lose weight your fat cells try to stay full and since there isn't any fat for them to store they use water. I get all of my water in daily and it doesn't seem to matter. I am beginning to think that there is a lot more to it and because of our malabsorbtion rate, we are not getting enough of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need to get that moisture to our skins surface. So, I bought a book about vitamins and minerals to help me understand this more and a book about skin. So far I have found that a good vitamin B complex will help to aliviate some of those symptoms that we experience do to WLS, such as brittle finger nails, hair falling out and dry skin. The other thing that has helped me is baths. Nice long soaking baths to allow the body to soak up moisture and then using a good all over body moisturizer. Using a humidifier in your house during winter months helps some too. I am still reading the book about skin, so if I learn any more helpful tips, I will be sure to pass them along. I started taking a good vitamin B complex last week and I can already tell the difference in my finger nails and I feel more energetic too. Vitamin B12 is an energy booster and some Doctors give shots. But, the book I am reading about vitamins cautions not to over take on any single vitamin B, but to take a good B complex instead and stick to the recomennded dosage. Hope this helps.
   — Susan M.

February 5, 2002
Partly, yes. We malabsorb the fat soluble vites, A, D & E. A = eyes, D= bones, E= hair, skin, nail & capillary walls (and boy stuff). So, if you supplement those things in DRY form, you might notice a difference. Our doc puts even proximals on two 400IU dry caps a day, and with distals more. I personally take four 400IU E's, as I alredy had dry skin and am distal, as well. Am assuming you're doing water & protein supps and a good multi vite, too?
   — vitalady

February 5, 2002
I never eat anything with low-fat or fat-free, and we eat such a small amount that I don't count fat grams. I eat like a normal person, never want to diet again. Since we mal-absorb fats, and you need fats for you skin, hair, and nails, you need to consume some. My skin was so dry before surgery. I asked a question a couple days ago about noticing my feet getting softer. I always put lotion on them twice a day before surgery with no improvement. Now, only once a day, sometimes I don't, and they are getting softer by the day. I thought it had something to do with taking the weight off, but that doesn't appear to be the case. My nails are so healthy now, they have *always* had ridges, peeled in layers. Not anymore. They are smooth and healthy. And eating fats has not slowed the weight loss. I have lost 51 lbs. (lightweight) which is 50% to goal and its only been 3 months. Don't be afraid to eat something with fat in it. I wish I could show you my nails.
   — Cheri M.