Hair loss?!?

Hi Everyone, I have been lurking in the background for a bit. But here is my question. How many of you are experiencing hair loss? And if you are what has your doctor recommended? My hair is thinning really bad now. I get in lots of protein, so I don't know what else to do. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I don't go back for my 4 month checkup until next week. I plan on asking him at that time. Take care My November Bothers and Sisters! Sheryl H RNY 11/20/06 344-260-150.

Hi Sheryl, I'm also loosing hair like crazy. It's pretty scary everyday to see how much comes out when I wash my hair and when I bru**** I haven't actually talked to my surgeon's office, but I did talk to my regular doctor. He did labs on me to check my thyroid and my protein level, said both were fine. He told me that even if my protein levels are good, the hair loss is a common side effect. I started taking Biotin about 2 weeks ago after reading about here on these boards. I'm told that it's a good supplement to take for hair. So, hopefully I'll see a difference. Loretta

I think we are just going to have to grin and bear it (or should I say bare it!). We should stop shedding around the six month mar****il then ,just keep thinking how healthy our brand new hair will be once it grows in. I don't think it's nutritionally related. I understand that people experience the same thing after any major surgery--not just wls. It is embarrassing though, isn't it? I feel sorry for the housekeeper that cleans my office at work. There is hair everywhere!

Hi Sheryl, I've experienced quite a bit of hair loss (and my hair was thin before). I spoke to my surgeon about it and asked if there was anything by mouth I could take. He didn't recommend anything to take but told me to be patient, that it will start growing back in between 3 and 6 months (I'm 4months out). He told me he has not had anyone whose hair did not grow back. I was told to just keep taking my vitamins and everything would be back to normal soon. Deidrah RNY 11/14/06 312/227/150

Sheryl, Unfortunately for those of us that have to deal with this we just get to deal with it. When I started loosing mine in vast amounts and wanted to cry I got on the internet to do some research. This has almost nothing to do with your nutrition. At least not at this point. Hair has a growth cycle that lasts 3 to 6 months. Within that cycle hair has a resting period where pretty much the hair dies but stays on your head then about three months later it falls out. Normally you would have new hair replacing growing near it that basically replaces it. When you have a major surgery (like we all did) our bodies kill a lot more hair than normal, it's in shock trying to heal and figures it will kill off anything it really doesn't need and put all the energy to healing and not growing anything new, then all that hair rests for three months and now it's all falling out. At about the 6 month mark it will start growing back in. This is where the nutrition comes into play and will continue be important for the rest of our lives. A lady on my state board started suddenly loosing her hair at two years out...she also admitted that she had quit taking her supplements and protien about two months before so again, her body went into shock and wanted to retain all the nutrients it could, apparently our bodies feel that hair is one of the least important things to maintain. Darn it all. Another scary tidbit is that we will loose half of our hair before we're done. One thing I have noticed is that if I don't wash my hair everyday it helps. I loose the most when I wa**** so I go every other day. Oh and I've said it before but don't you notice that you don't have to shave as often right now?? I'm one of those annoying people that always has to find something good about things I hate. Anyway, probably not the thing you wanted to hear but at least it's not permanent!! Thank goodness!!! Corinna Q

I think I must be one of the lucky ones, or I haven't started shedding yet. It's been a little over 4 months for me. I've been taking Biotin from the beginning. I wonder if that is why.

My hair is really falling out since I was in the hospital for 4-days without any protein or food. Only Iv fluid. A friend of mine told me to try biotin and I can't wait to buy some. She said it is good for your hair, skin and nails. My nails are breaking really easy too. Pattie

I started loosing hair at 4 months. I've been taking Biotin from the beginning. Some people say they have used the Nioxin shampoo, but I guess it's really drying and I've been holding off because I'm in the pool 3 times a week and my hair is dry enough. I have really thick hair but it is really freaking me out because I never lost any hair before. Deb

Hi Sheryl. I am losing my hair, too. I started taking biotin as soon as I noticed it coming out, but I don't think it's making any difference. My doctor said there is nothing you can do.... just wait it out. Meanwhile, I got my hair cut short and I am going to try the suggestion of one of your posters about not washing your hair everyday. I feel like the family pet - shedding all over everything in the house! Knowing there's a light at the end of the tunnel helps! Good luck to you! Patty RNY 11/27/06 258-189-135

Lol, join the club. I have been having the same problem. Everytime I take a shower I just want to cry. I see sooooo much hair coming off in chunks, at least that is the way it looks to me. and then when I brush my hair then more comes out. I already have the thinning in the front of my head. I have tried Nioxin shampoo and conditioner. It has helped. I see new hair growing. I just hope the falling out stops. I had my surgery in November also. But it seems like you have lost alot really quickly. ana g. 230/160 current