Had surgery 2&1/2 months ago. I'm down 45 pounds with 40 to go. It's hard to get in all my water and protein and I have to work at it. I'm managing about 500 to 600 calories a day, and losing about 3 pounds a week. I have awful fatigue, and that's the biggest factor right now, but I have an appointment with my doc next week to look into that. If any of you have experience with fatigue and want to comment on that, great! I would love to hear it. I've now lost enough that I have a stomach flap, and sometimes it hurts. I've gotten it somewhat better by using some A & D ointment, but sometimes that itches. What have you guys used successfully to care for those skin flaps. I totally plan to get plastic surgery when the time is right, but obviously that's a ways away. Thanks for any advice you have!

Let me start off by saying I'm pre op. My surgery is in a week.

That said, I have a mother's apron from being overweight and having 3 c-sections. I struggled for years with random issues from it. My suggestion is a little unorthodox but it's never failed me and I've never had any sort of issue or infection since then. Keep an open mind...

Stick a thin sock between the skin fold. Seriously. It keeps it dry. If you don't trust me just give it a try. My Dr thought it was genius.

You're welcome!

Edited November 8, 201510 yr by HopeandAgony

You probably have a yeast infection from the moisture. Use lotrimin or

other anti-fungal cream. You can get these at Wal-Mart or a pharmacy. Keep the area clean and dry. You can use powder or cornstarch. You can also buy powder for jock itch like Tinactin.

That being said....if you think you might want that skin removed someday, see your doctor and document the problem and take pictures. If it is an ongoing problem, your insurance may pay for skin removal.

Make sure you get it really dry after a shower and use an antiperspirant in the area. Powder is also great too.

I forgot say.....mix a little otc hydrocortisone cream with the lotrimin if the area itches.

That being said....if you think you might want that skin removed someday, see your doctor and document the problem and take pictures. If it is an ongoing problem, your insurance may pay for skin removal.

That's such a good suggestion!! We don't have insurance in England but at least if my GP suggested it, I would be legally able to have full sick pay whilst recovering!!

I keep mine dry. The doc has me using Gold Bond Medicated Powder.

Are you taking b12 supplements? That helped me a lot with the fatigue.

As for the skin, I think the best thing you can do is start with your PCP. Even if he/she wants you to try over the counter treatments at least you can get them documented. Then from there they can prescribe you other creams/meds to try to show insurance that you have tried a variety of things and they didn't ultimately cure it (because ultimately you will still have the skin issue). That is what I did for about 4-5 months and then submitted to insurance. They completely covered my TT & panni. Good luck! I hope you get some relief in the meantime!

I forgot say.....mix a little otc hydrocortisone cream with the lotrimin if the area itches.

This is the concoction my dermatologist recommends. It works great. It will control the redness and itching but it won't cure it.

I've had it for years and did use antiperspirant with good results but i understand that there is stuff in antiperspirant that are not healthy for you (aluminum i think but don't quote me on that). My dermatologist said she has never heard of any insurance company paying for skin removal due to the infection but I'm willing to try. I'm just starting on my journey as i was sleeved Oct. 14. I will start with the documentation on the infections

The lotrimin will cure it as the hydrocortisone helps the itch. I don't have any real issue (extra skin but no rashes) insurance will not be paying for any tummy tuck for me : (

I know this isn't what you are asking, but the fatigue might just be a product of not eating enough calories. Are you doing any kind of exercise? If so, that is probably not enough. I think 500-600 is on the low end for 2.5 months out, but opinions vary on this. I am also about 2.5 months out, and I aim for (but rarely meet) 800 calories per day, but usually end up closer to 750. I noticed a big change in my energy when I upped my calories and added exercise, and I'm still losing at a good rate (down about 54 lbs including 2 week pre-op diet). It couldn't hurt to try adding an extra 100 or more calories per day. If it doesn't help, and you feel it is slowing your loss, you can always go back, no harm done.

As for the skin... Ugh.. I don't have any advice, but I feel you. It sucks.

~*~ Find me on YouTube: Trisha's Sleeve Story ~*~

I used A & D ointment and gauze pads and stick that under my flap. I'm about to have my surgery and I get those periodically ???? But the stuff I just told u about works great. Keep powder down there also.

There is a powder called Monkey Butt that works wonders! It was originally made to help motorcyclists with chafing but works with skin flaps too.

Hi where would you be able to find that powder ? Would help out so much ????.

ttdish, I agree, but I can't get in more calories. I have been using fitnesspal this last week to see exactly how much it was. I'm getting 625 to 640 per day. Usually closer to 625. It's a little better than I thought, but I just can't get in more. There's not room. I also am active with lots of walking for my job on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and then walk over the weekend. But I often feel faint or in a cold sweat at work, and I drive with my son home, which is good, because I fall asleep. I can live with it if this is how it has to be until I get more energy, but if it isn't that world be great because this sucks. Upside, now down 47 lbs with 38 to go.

I go to the doc today. If they tell me I just need to increase my calories, I'm going to scream. It is not possible to do that. If this is it OK, but please don't try to tell me is my fault because I'm not doing X, when X is impossible! If they run some blood work and find all is good and this is just it, well, 6 months of fatigue (even though honestly I deal with pain better than fatigue) is worth decades of more energy and movement. I might be expecting the worst because that sort of happened last time when I complained of fatigue. I'm the opposite of a whiner, but I've got shit to do. Don't we all?