You've had the bariatric weight-loss surgery and you are looking
fabulous as you are feeling healthier, able to live a more
active lifestyle, and wear more fashionable clothing. But you're
noticing that your skin seems to be so dry! If you've had a
problem with acne or oily skin before, then you are elated that
your skin has cleared up and is less oily. But for those who
started out with normal to dry skin to begin with, this new
extra-dry skin poses a bit of an issue, even perhaps, a
discomfort from itching and flakiness.
Developing dry skin after the surgery can become a problem for
many after they undergo the surgery. Not getting enough fluids
in is probably the biggest culprit but not solely responsible.
Acne and oily skin often come as a result of certain foods; and
since a bariatric patient has basically cut out such foods that
are fatty, fried, and greasy, the acne or oily skin goes away.
This is happy news for someone who battled acne or oily skin for
years. But for those who fall into the normal to dry skin
category prior to surgery, the increased dryness can be
irritating.
The skin is the largest organ of our bodies. It is a breathing
and functional covering of our body that holds our skeleton,
muscles, and vital organs all in one neat safe package. Our skin
sweats, absorbs, feels sensations, and also protects everything
inside. It is important that we take care of it so it can
continue to function at its best for us.
Hand and body lotions are the easiest remedies that offer a wide
range simple basics to vitamin-enriched formulas. It's wise to
experiment with little trial samples of these products to find
out what soothes your skin issues the best. Buy the smallest
amount possible at first so in the event your skin doesn't' like
a product, not so much money was spent on something you wont'
use again. And when you find that product that works best for
you, remember where you purchased it so you can buy more -
because you WILL buy more when you use your favorite hand or
body lotion everyday. Hand lotion will be used several times a
day, probably each time after you wash your hands; so carry some
hand lotion with you in your hand bag (men... have some in the
car). Washing hands really dries out the skin since soap and tap
water is harsh. Your hands may be clean, but they tend to get so
dry, you can barely pick up a single sheet of paper!
Along with daily applications of hand and body lotion, I highly
recommend the use of bath salts at least twice a week as well. A
good soaking bath in bath salts will give your dry skin the
extra treatment it needs. Bath salts soften the bath tap water
for the skin while the skin absorbs the softness from the
salts... just like clothing absorbs fabric softener. If you do a
lot of swimming in chlorinated pools, your skin will truly thank
you after a good bath salts soaking. Bath salts provide a
long-lasting effect and make the skin feel refreshed. Bath salts
come in loose crystals or in solid forms that dissolve in warm
water. I prefer the crystals because this allows you to control
the amount you want to use per bath, be it a lot or a little.
Plain Epsom salts are the barebones if that's all you want, or
you can buy the bath salts that are colored and perfumed to
enhance your soaking pleasure and ambiance.
Don't forget the lips! They are suffering too from dryness after
surgery! Use a good moisture-rich product. For problem lips that
need help instantly, try a medicated lip balm that has special
healing medicines that will take immediate affect to stop the
cracking and burning. Lip balm should be worn throughout all
seasons as the cold, heat, wind, and sun are not kind to
unprotected lips.
When you buy sunscreens for outdoor activities, select a product
that offers not only efficient sun blockage for you, but also
offers moisturizers.
If you've never babied or pampered your skin prior to surgery,
then you need to begin doing it afterward. You'll find that
you're experiencing more "touching" encounters than ever before
because people want to hug you in congratulatory embraces as
they tell you how happy they are for you. Make it a "softer"
experience for everyone involved as you drench your skin with
great skin products.
Skin care is something that needs to become a part of your daily
routine as much as getting enough fluids in after surgery. If
you do this, your skin will feel healthier, look more radiant,
and you will probably knock a few years off of your appearance
too! Continue to amaze others - not only in your weight-loss
achievements, but in your general overall healthy appearance as
well. Remember those hugs that are coming!
About the author:
Meloney Hall successfully lost 170 pounds in 19 months after a
gastric bypass bariatric weight-loss surgery. She is dedicated
to helping others achieve their goals along their weight-loss
journey. Visit her website at
http://www.rnyachievegoals.com for
more information on the RNY procedure and how it can cure morbid
obesity.
