MeAgain

Hi Dr. Callery

I had gastric bypass with you 4-1/2 years ago, and the good news is...I lost 110 lbs. and am at my goal weight of 128! I feel fabulous and look fabulous in clothes, which I am very grateful for.

However, I'm getting very concerned about the amount of wrinkling in my skin, all over my body. Yes, I have sagging skin, which I expected, but my arms and thighs are absolutely horrible. I have the skin of a 75 year old woman, but I'm only 52! I have crepiness and thin, fine wrinkles all over my thighs and arms.

Here's my question: This appears to be an abnormal amount of wrinkling. Could this be due to a vitamin deficiency of some kind, or due to insufficient protein? I must admit, I stopped tracking my protein two years after my surgery and now I just eat whatever, since I am at my goal weight.

What is the consequence of not consuming enough protein years after WLS? Is there a vitamin deficiency that would cause this? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated, because I can't bear to wear a bathing suit or look at myself without clothes. Needless to say, this has put a serious crimp in my intimate relationship...I am seriously insecure about my body and feel unlovable. Help!

Thanks,
Katherine Basha
230/128
Sept. 2004

Dr. Callery

Congratulations on your excellent weight loss. If you are eating a balanced diet, taking multivitamins, and feeling fine, you probably don't have a nutritional deficiency. However we generally recommend that you have your CBC, full chemistry panel, Vitamins A, B1, B12, D, E, Lutein, and Iron levels checked periodically. If your blood tests are normal, then that confirms that you are healthy metabolically.

Smokers (past or present), folks who were particularly heavy, women who have had babies, and people who have had a lot of sun exposure are more likely to have more loose skin and wrinkles.

Have your labs checked, and have a consultation with a good plastic surgeon. Good luck.

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