Help! I am only 13 and....

I had my surgery in september and I am only 13, so far I have lost 90 pounds and I am the happiest I've ever been. There is only one problem. My hair keeps on coming out constantly. I find it everywhere on my clothes, pillowcases, in the shower, everywhere! I have been intaking a lot of protein and have been taking my vitamins but I still can't get it to stop. I can't go through more self-essteem issues again because of my hair. I'm only 13 and that would give kids another reason to make fun. Does anybody have any tips so that this will stop?

Hi Erica first let me say congrats on the weight loss you are doing fantastic and unforunately the hair is going to fall out i'm dealing with the same thing right now and have heard many people talk about something called Biotin I haven't tried it some say it works some say it didn't good luck to you -85

Hi Honey!! Congratulations on having surgery at such a young age. I wish they had had this surgery when I was 13 lol. My hair has been falling out a good bit lately too, but my doctor assures me that it will not all fall out, and what has will grow back Hang in there and try not to worry about going bald!! I'll bet people are so busy noticing your weight loss that they won't even notice your hair loss!!! Again, I'm so proud of you!!! Pam

Hi Erica Congrats on your wonderful weight loss! Like you, I am finding hair EVERYWHERE. My bathroom floor gets truly scary in just a day from all of my hair falling out as I blow dry. Fortunately there is a lot of good news though, just as the others have told you. 1) It's temporary 2) Even though it seems like you can make several wigs with what you collect from the shower and the floor, it probably looks ok on your scalp. You are probably more conscious of it than anyone else. If it is really bad, you might try some other remedies such as Biotin, Nioxin or zinc, but I've heard that they don't always work and since the loss stops after a while anyway, you can't tell if the treatment took care of it or the hair loss stopped on it's own. Hang in there, this is a very short term consequence, and you might be able to experiment with some hairstyles to conceal it a bit. My daughter who is 13 likes to pile her hair on top her head and do kind of a very messy updo thing. This might work for you too. They even have clip on pony tails to supplement your hair if need be. But make sure the color is a good match if you try this. One last thing about kids and teasing... keep in mind, the ones who will be the type to make fun of someone will always find something if they want to. Either the weight, or the clothes, or too smart, or too short. Try to tune out anyone with anything negative to say, and focus on the amazing courage you have shown and the reward of a healthier and happier life you are going to have. We're all proud of you here! Love, Sue

Erica, I don't know how long your hair is, but mine used to be past my shoulders when it all started falling out. I got it cut to a little past my ears and now I hardly notice the shedding. Maybe a hair cut would help?! Congrats on the weight loss so far! -Katie

Erica, The hair thing stinks and I know how you feel! It is my one thing that bothers me. I'm looking into wigs right now because I have lost 1/2 my hair. I'm taking Biotin and using Nioxin and it seems like it slows down and then it speeds up. Bottom line I haven't found a cure but I just deal with it and am looking at wigs. I have heard from others that a SHORT haircut helps hide the look of missing hair. You could do that and say you wanted a new style and no one would know it is because your hair is falling out. I know it is hard because kids your age are especially cruel to each other. Keep in mind that some of those kids might feel threatened because of your success and they might say things to bring you down in order to feel better about themselves. Keep in mind that those that pick on you do it because of how they feel about themselves and try to not let it bother you. I know that is easier said than done, so good luck and know we care about you here. Congratulations on getting this done so young. You get the added benefit of enjoying your older teen years and twenties as a thinner person. Enjoy it!

Well this is new for me, I was unaware they did the surgery on such young people but I would say you can't do much more then what we are doing. I don't take anything extra, just my vitamins and it is slowing down some, but hasn't stopped. I guess our only solice is that is is suppose to stop and is suppose to come back. I wish you luck though and I hope yours all comes back..... Shannon

Hey Erica, I know how you feel, my hairs been coming out like crazy. I finally went and bought the Nioxin treatment set (about $40). Some days it really seems to be working, other days the hair comes out in handfulls. I will keep using it and see what happens. Best of luck to you and congrats on your surgery!! With love, Em PS. Im not that much older than you, 20 in april, so if you ever need to talk to someone closer to your age send me an email.

Hi! Glad to meet you!!! Unfortunately, no matter what some of us do, we will lose the hair. It won't matter how religious we are about taking our vitamins, protein, adding Biotin, using special products... sometimes our bodies just lose it due to the traumatic changes. And, hormones sometimes too - which, at your age, I'm wondering if your hormones are affected more so than some of us 'old ladies'??? Anyway, go to a good stylist. They can do cuts that will make it look better... and also, they might suggest other things to help. I'll be thinking of you, sweetie. And know that most people have it grow back fuller, thicker and more beautiful!!!! Katie