Hair Loss...Anybody heard anything about this?

I've read that hair loss is a side effect of the surgery. Anybody out there talked with their surgeon about this and how to perhaps combat the problem???? Clara

Hi Clara, I think most (though not all) people go through this. My friend is in her 6 month post-op and she's losing it by the handfulls. But she's so happy about her 93 pound weight loss in 6 months, she said the hair loss really isn't bothering her. It's also not enough to really be noticable unless you know and are looking close. One of my clients had the surgery 8 months ago and she's lost quite a bit and it's VERY thin. But I've read many profiles on her that had NO loss. It is a result of the weight loss though and not the surgery. The most important thing as a preventative measure is to get all your proteins in, and the recommended daily fluids. They do recommend you take a daily zinc supplement but speak to your surgeon as to any supplements you may take. The hair does re-grow after the initial rapid weight loss. I have already started taking a multi-day vitamin specifically for low-carb dieters and it does have higher amounts of zinc and biotin (biotin is what your body is usually deficient in when losing a lot of hair -- on people who haven't had this surgery). I've got pretty thick hair so I figure some loss won't bother me. If it gets too bad, I'll wear a bandana on my head or a cute hat until it starts regrowing. I'd rather be wearing something on my head temporarily than 160 extra pounds on my body forever

In both of my support groups everyone has lost hair. They keep telling me that it comes out in handfulls. However, most of them didnt start to notice until about three months out. None of them care about the hair as long as they are getting thinner. I already ordered a wig just in case I lose too much. Jennifer

I am worried about hair loss too, but from the readings protien, vitamins and water intake play very important in prevention. Sheri

From what I have read, some people will lose lots of hair, some people will lose very little. Remember it's a temporary situation... it will stop falling out and it will grow back! Also, the hair loss is caused not as a result of weight but because of a shock to the system -- in this case believed to be the surgery or the anesthesia, which stops the hair follicles from growing for a time. Once you've shocked the hair follicles into not growing, supplements or shampoo is (theoretically) unable to prevent or stop the loss. However, some folks swear by certain shampoos (Nioxin), supplements (zinc, biotin), etc... Since I lost handfuls of hair after giving birth to each child (which all grew back thankfully), I'm pretty much counting on losing it this time too. I actually hope to lose enough to buy a nice wig! Wouldn't that be fun?! Lola

Lola, I bought a wig just for the heck of it already. LOL It is a really long one. Jennifer

Oh Jennifer -- Is it blond? We'll have to put on our wigs, take on secret identities and spend a night on the town, eh? I say, if we're going to lose our hair -- let's have fun with it! Lola

Clara, I have bought some vitamins called Biotin I have been reading on OH since dec and gotten alot of great infor they say it helps with hair loss so I plan to take it post op of course you may still lose some but it wont be as much best of luck Hugs Lisa

Thanks Ladies! After I posted I realize that losing a little hair is minor when compared to losing weight and gaining a new life. Wigs, hair pieces, scarves -- the possibilities are endless!

I keep telling people I'm going to shave my head and buy a wig. LOL I once shaved my head in highschool and it didn't look so bad, so maybe I'll just go without the wig and let people say what they want. My hair already falls out more than most thanks to PCOS so I'm used to it. But that combined with the after effects of surgery I expect to be pretty thin (hair and body...lol) by the time it's all said and done. My surgical groups recommends a biotin supplement which should help. Also, they say that if you get all your protein in that should help prevent it from being too bad.