Hair Loss After WLS

from a presentation at the Barrie Suport Group meeting (Thanks Kris for posting this on the OSSG list!!) _________________________ Hair Loss After WLS -it is TEMPORARY -it WILL grow back -ANYONE who has a major operation may notice increased hair shedding 1- 3 months after the operation Normal Hair Growth Cycle 10% of hair follicles are in the resting phase. After 2-3 months, the resting hair falls out and a new hair starts to grow in its place. After a 'stressor', anywhere from 30-40% of hair follicles may go into the resting phase. CAUSES Hair loss can occur with any form of stringent dieting and weight loss. After WLS 10-30% of patients will experience hair thinning or easily removed hair during combing. If it occurs, it will start around 3-6 months and stop around 6-9 months. This is because immediately following WLS, adequate protein intake is difficult and it takes about 3 months for the effects to become evident. It is part of the body's response to the sudden calorie and protein deprivation just after surgery. The body puts some of its normal maintenance activities "on hold" until nutrition is coming in again, and the effects take a few months to show up. In fact, nothing actually happens to the hair follicles, and at the time the hair loss is noticed, the follicles are probably busy regenerating hair. It is rare for patients to have thinner hair one year after surgery than what they began with. In fact, at 18 months after surgery, most patients have fuller and healthier hair because the body's hormone balance has been significantly improved. There are also many other things including that can cause hair loss: -Protein and calorie intake insufficiency -Iron deficiency -Mineral/vitamin insufficiency -Major systemic stress (surgery, trauma...) -Childbirth -Various medications (including: Ace inhibitors and Beta-blockers, Actigall, Allopurinal, coumadin, Birth control pills, Tagamet, Lithium) TREATMENTS -increase protein intake (we need at least 60g a day, according to most sources) -take a good quality multivitamin -take your iron supplements -some people take the B vitamin, Biotin (800-2,400 mcg a day). Also some have reported that Biotin shampoo helps (available at GNC) -zinc supplements (50 mg a day) sometimes helps -cutting your hair can make the loss appear to be less

I want to get this part of with ASAP...I'm dreading it but I just want it to start so I can get over this fear already!

Thanks for the info!!

My doctor told me to take Q10 enzyme and it will keep me from losing hair. I started them before surgery and so far so good. They are over the counter and expensive but at least I don't have to worry about hair loss. Also take gelatin capsules and that will help too. Hugs, Esther

My stylist said that the stuff that puts you to sleep, can't spell the correct term, can cause hair loss and hair damange. I had my hair cut into layers today to minimize the weight.

Hi, just wanted to say thanks for the great info. I am dreading this as I already have fine and very thin hAIr. So far....ok, but I know its coming. Thinking about loosing hair does help me get my protein in..Thats for sure. Thanks again tina

Very good info, thanks! I'm nervous as heck about the hair loss. I went back to work this week & it has made it quite difficult to get all my liquids, food, protein, & vitamins in me. I don't want to suffer w/ deficiencies to create more hair loss.