I'm losing my hair! It's happening!

I always kind of suspected that I might be one of the people for whom hair loss is a side effect of this surgery. I was right! Oh, it's not much yet...just about 2 or 3 times as much hair is falling out after my showers and throughout the day. I constantly have loose hair on my shoulders. Luckily, I have nice thick hair to start out with. I don't see any bald spots yet...I just know it's thinning. I take in plenty of protein, but I cannot afford extra Biotin (can barely afford my regular vitamins and have to buy the cheapo brands right now) or the special shampoos. Especially since it's doubtful that they actually work. Some people swear by them, but many people say their hair was just ready to grow back anyway. Oh well, I'll just add even more protein and wait it out. Please keep your fingers crossed for me, and I'll keep you all updated. Julie *hoping she doesn't go completely bald or get any hard to cover bald spots*

Wow, Julie.. it seems kinda soon to be having hair issues. I saw biotin at walmart for a few bucks per bottle. I don't remember exactly how much it was, but 'm pretty sure it was less than $5. Good luck! Hugs, Tracy

Thanks, Tracy. Well, I'm nearly 3 months out, and that's when it supposedly starts (3-6 months, right?). I'll check into the Biotin, as I'm willing to try what I can to prevent further loss. However, my impression was that if you haven't been taking it all along, it doesn't help much to take it once the hair loss starts. We'll see. I should've been on it, so I can't complain much.

Yeah, I know what you mean about the drain. I have to get in there every day now and unclog it to keep things running smoothly. Oh well...the price we pay! I sure hope it slows down!

Julie, The losing hair is usually just an overall thinning though some thin more than others. There shouldn't be any bald patches. I went through the hair loss in 1988 while following WW. My hair got thin for a few months and then picked back up. The problem was not protein but the stress on the body of losing 50 lbs in 5 months. That is a stressor - big time! I'm starting to see a few strands falling out where I rarely saw any before so I think I'm starting to thin. At least having "been there, done that" in the past...I hopefully know what to expect. This too shall pass. Kathy

I wouldn't worry so much, but I did see one woman at my support group meeting who was about 4 months out and she had a huge (maybe I'm exaggerating, but it was about 3 inches) bald patch right in the front of her beautiful thick black hair. There was NO way to cover it, unless she kept a hat on pulled down over her eyes. She said, "they said it probably wasn't the surgery...but I beg to differ, as I've NEVER lost my hair before." Anyway, I'm trying to keep my chin up. I didn't have this surgery to be beautiful, I had it to be healthy.

Wow! Never heard of it being *that* bad. I do believe that certain people will tend to lose more. I would guess those to be the folks that have difficulty getting enough protein because they don't tolerate protein well or end up having eating issues or perhaps their bodies don't absorb protein as well as others. You have a great attitude Julie. I couldn't agree more with ya. I had the surgery to avoid going down the road my mother trod. I don't want to have triple bypass surgery at age 60ish and I certainly don't want to be gone at 71. I did this to break my cycle of following in her footsteps. Kathy

Thanks, I try! I know exactly what you mean about breaking the cycle. I try very hard to be sure that my son eats healthily. I always have. He's nearly 8 years old and is in excellent health. I just don't want him to deal with what I've always had to fight. I certainly do have eating issues, with the stricture, and then the not tolerating solids well. Maybe that's the problem. Anyway, I'll keep you updated! Jules

I have been taking my GNC Hair, Skin & Nail tablets daily, but it is finally happening to me too. I noticed that I am losing more hair than usual for the past few days. I have thick hair too and am not worried about it. Funny how we all go through these things at the same time! Comforting too.

Sorry you're dealing with this too, but I'm glad I'm not alone!