HELP!! ... Hair Loss problems.....

I need some help. When I started out with this, I was not concerned about hair loss. I have and have always had a full head of hair. So much that I have it usually thinned out 4 or 5 times a year. Now, I'm almost 3 months out and am losing my hair by the fist full every day. It doesn't look bad because I can always stand to lose a little hair, but my scalp is sore and slightly pink every day. I have a ton of hair in the tub everytime I shower and I am always covered in my hair. What can I do? Does anyone have any ideas? Is anyone else dealing with the same problem? HELP!! Michele 12/13/04 RNY 283/227/155

Hi Michele, I can definately notice thinning starting here as well. I have a lot of curly, thick hair and the front of my head is, of course, where it is starting to thin. I had this happen to me about six years ago when I had a tubal pregnancy and then 2 shots of a drug called Methotrexate were administered to help my body absorb the cells so I wouldn't need surgery. All of this was a shock to my system as is this drastic weight loss we are going through. Anyway, it grew back then. I am keeping it kind of shaggy and "placing" it in spots when I do my hair each day. My friend Patty who is a year and a half out said that she thinned a lot in the 4th through 6th month, but it grew back and now she doesn't have the problem at all. So, I know that it may not help you too much, but just realize that it is not the end of the world and it will grow back. I hope we both make it through this stage without too much trauma! I'll say a prayer for you. Good luck! Fran 224/170 now

Hi Michele, I have heard that after wls people who lose their hair aren't getting in enough protein......(this is just something i have heard), hope the sheading stops soon. kesha

Hi Michele, I have also been told by my surgeon that if you don't get in enough protien, this is more likely to happen. My sister also told me before surgery to get some Biotin and start taking it. I bought some at Walmart (Rexall Brand) and it is small and goes down easily. I am not having any hair loss. In fact, I am losing less now than before surgery. I am really liking this Biotin. Wish I would have started it way before surgery. My hair is so thin normally, I didn't want to chance losing any. In my opinion, Biotin really, really works!!!!! Susan Lap RNY 12-1-04 285-223-155 (-62)

The vitamins I take have huge doses of the stuff that is usually found in vitamins specifically targeting your hair. I started taking biotin before surgery and have upped the quantity since surgery. I built up my protein consumption after surgery as quickly as I could. I don't have very thick hair at all. I saw my hairdresser 2 Fridays ago and she said she didn't notice any thinning. At that point, the lower sides and back of my hair did not seem to have grown as much as normal since the last cut, but the crown was growing faster than usual. I've not noticed any increase in hair loss over what I normally lose in the sink each morning. I wouldn't be able to tell in the tub, because I can't see that far without my glasses. However, this week, when I look at myself in the mirror, I'm not sure but that the center crown doesn't look as thick, the scalp is more visible. Or maybe I'm hallucinating and the last haircut is just shorter than average. Some people have said that anethesia causes hairloss. My brother the doctor told me that hair loss was inevitable due to the fact of having abdominal surgery. I'm still in the waiting game so I don't have any personal experience to pass along. I'd try adding some biotin and maybe some hair vitamins. I've heard that it does take a few months for the hair to start growing back in. It would be nice if only the grey ones fell out... Good luck-- Sue O.

every message here is good advice. You need minimum 60 grams of protein per day. Try using Fitday.com to track your intake, to ensure you are getting enough protein. Other than that, you should take Biotin and Zinc for hair regrowth / strenghtening. (along with your daily multivitamins) The condition is temporary, but can be lessened by the use of these supplements and a good protein intake. Try increasing your protein to 80 grams, if possible. Karen G RNY 12-15-04 294 / 239 / ???

Hi Michelle, I have to ditto with the Biotin. I personally like the one at GNC. They are in the Women section. I take the Biotin 2500. It is a large dose but I have noticed the difference. I take one in the morning and one in the evening. It it a large capsule so don't swallow. I just open it up and put it in a protein shake or mix it with a spoon of yogurt. Oh yeah and up that if it is low. I aim for 100g everyday to help also. Best Wishes !!! Karen 12/20/04 Lap RNY 314/254

Hi Michelle, I too am losing my hair very fast. I went to my 3month check up with my surgeon and the nutritionist told me that with rapid weight loss (and we are losing weight very fast) that we will lose our hair. She assured me to keep up with my vitamins and protein and the hair loss should slow down around 4-6 months post-op. If you wash your hair everyday, you need to cut down on how often you wa**** then deep condition it also. Congrats on the weightloss Fran 12/16/04 RNY 283/232/165

Thanks to everyone who posted. I have to be honest that I have let my protein intake slip severely (I'm only taking 40 to 50 grams a day). Its so much harder to get it in than I ever thought. I went last night and picked up a Vitamin B complex pill that contains Biotin, but I am going to pick up another supplement, seems like it can't hurt. Also, can anyone give me some ideas on better tasting protein drinks? I am trying everything and just can't seem to get as much in as I need. Thanks all, Michele 12/13/04 Open RNY 283/227/155

Michelle, I've tried every protein drink out there. Every time someone suggested that "this one is really GOOD". I bought it and couldn't swallow it. I am drinking "Cookies and Cream Muscle Milk" as my protein supplement. It has 32 gms of protein and tastes good. (REALLY DOES). I want my protein to come from food, but, for now, I have to supplement. Thank goodness I found one I could drink. Good luck.