What's up with hair loss?

I've read that hair loss generally starts at the 3rd month out and usually lasts until 6 months out. I'm a little worried. I started losing my hair at the end of October, which is only 2 months out, and I'm still losing it. I've started taking Biotin, and I'm doing my best to keep up with my protein, but I've lost so much hair, and I'm really upset. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to slow down this hair loss problem, or when it generally stops? Are any other August post op's losing their hair yet? Help. Corinne

Hi Connie, Yes, mine has been falling out since about the beginning of November. I hear it only lasts about 3 months as well. Also, from what I've heard, there's really not much you can do to stop it. My surgeons office said they've never had anyone go bald and when it comes back, it's thicker & fuller than before. I'm looking forward to that.... Take care Tammy

I'm losing my hair too. I was in denial for the last 2-3 weeks, but just got out of the shower, and there is a clump in the drain. I had full hair and now it's just flat. My friends think that I should perm my hair but I'm afraid that more of it will end up in the drain. Any ideas? Jackie B

Hi Corrine, Yes, I have been losing hair too... It started in mid to late October and still continues but it does seem to be slowing... I take 2 Biotin pills a day and that seems to have been helping... Thankfully I had REALLY thick hair and as sad as I am to have it not be as thick as it used to be it still is thicker than what most people have! As for going to get a perm... DON"T!!!! Perms damage your hair quite badly and will often make your hair fall out faster... while you will have a bit more volume, you hair become so damaged and brittle that it can just break mid-shaft.... Also try washing your hair every 2-3 days and try not to use blow dryers or flat irons.... My usual routine for my hair is that I wash and style my hair on day one (I let it air dry most of the way and then just blow it out at the end to style), on day 2 I put hot rollers in my hair (gives some added volume) on day 3, I will usually just put it in a pony tail.... If you have issues with you hair being oily, try using a bit of baby powder around your scalp. it will help absorb the oil... don't use too much or you willl have white hair! Hope this helps! Bridget 280/197/140ish

My hair dresser said the same thing...try not to wa**** every day! I don't work, so this is not an issue. But while I was working (was a teacher, but quit to work on my master's degree), I don't know if I could've NOT washed my hair everyday! My surgeon, PCP, and nutritionist have all said it's a phase, not much you can do to prevent it or stop it. I use Nioxin shampoo and try to get in more protein. It seems to have slowed a bit since I started using Nioxin, but it still falls out pretty regurlarly and more so than average, but NOT nearly as much as it was. OMG....handfuls in the shower drain...I panicked a few times in the shower. But my hair is thick, so it's not that noticeable, once it's dry and styled. But I sure do notice and feel a difference! Hopefully, it will stop soon! Tina 335/233/140-ish

Oh yeah... losing it by the handful and since it's longer now it's really obvious. Most folks get embarassed by dandruff - mine is hair all over my clothes. Mine started about the same time as yours, it's gotten progressively worse and I'm hoping it will slow down/stop soon. Just remember that our hair has a 3 month growing cycle so hopefully by February we'll see it stop and then we'll get to deal with new short hairs sticking out all over the place. Dawn 258/162/135

Hi, I went on thge May 2005 message board to see if the hair loss has stopped for them. Look at my post over there. Lots of replys from the group a few months before us. I don't think there is anything we can do to stop it , however, I did read something on bariatriceating.com that if you take you vitamins and eat correctly when the hair comes back it will be healthy new growth. Check it out. Hope it helps. Diana

I too started losing early (October) and thought that the whole process of thinning hair would stop sooner. Well, I was wrong! I am still losing...I have taken Biotin from the beginning and it hasn't seemed to make a big difference. I do use the Nioxin shampoo and other products and that seems to really help...don't get me wrong, my hair still falls out, but when I style it the Nioxin stuff makes it not look so thin. Pantene has a product line for thinner hair and it is cheaper and probably easier to find than Nioxin. I think pushing Protein is helpful, but once we have started losing the whole process has to run its course. I did discuss with my hairdresser and she is cutting my hair to compensate for the thinning on top and at the front....My highlights that cover most of my gray are in need of a "re-do", but I will talk to her and see if that is OK...I did get them done post-op before I started losing my hair, and the hairdresser used a single process (less damaging). I think it is less noticeable in shorter hair....I would find a really good hair person (ask them if they deal with lots of people with thin hair, or with cancer patients). Does anyone know if Rogaine would be helpful for us??? I know it helps some people with thinning hair, but since ours is due to surgery, I don't know if those products would do anything to make it grow back faster? I am going to have to buy my husband a snake to clean out the drain in the shower soon if it doesn't stop!! Hang in there...I heard of someone whose hair grew in curly...I have always wanted curly hair, so I am hoping !!

No solution for the hair loss. Mine's leaving me like crazy. I have found that Infusium shampoo and conditioner for fine/thin hair (the maximum body kind) really makes my hair look fuller. Best wishes, Kina 220/152/120-130

It is reassuring to know that the hair loss usually only lasts 3-4 months. I am fortunate that my hair is pretty thick. I am fanatical about keeping up on my protein. I'll have to try Biotin. What form is it in? Where to do you get it? Mary