Did anyone have hair loss after surgery?

From what I have been told the hair loss is caused by nutritional defientices that happen in the first few weeks after surgery when we can not get in all the protien that our bodies really need. I take Biotin, that is supposed to help hair and nail growth but I dont think it is helping to stop the fall out, Hopefully, it will help the new growth to come in quicker. On the plus side...my nails look great! Ellen

Hi Lynda!!! I am a dermatology physician assistant (similar to a nurse practitioner for those ho don't know what a PA is) who sees people compliaing about hair loss all the time. Mostly it is a TEMPORARY shedding phase known as telogen effluvium. Hair life cycles have 3 phases...growing, shedding, and resting. It does last about 6-12 months. You will not go bald. This happens after many surgeries, illness (i.e. severe fever), stress, etc. Rarely, anemia and thyroid anamolies are to blame. We check for them but hardly ever find them. There aren't really any remedies for this condition besides just riding it out. I think many people (myself included) recommend Biotin and it may have a placebo effect. But... it really will not stop the hair loss. It does work great to strengthen nails! Brushing your hair is not dangerous because it just pulls the hair that was going to fall out anyway. I started losing a bit more hair than usual a few weeks ago. Believe me, if there was some miracle cure I would let you all know!!! Best wishes!!!! *HUGS* Stef

Ellen and Stef Thanks so much for responding to the hair loss questions. The time is getting closer and I am feeling alittle nervous! How did you feel right after waking up from the surgery? Is the pain something that can be tolerated without a lot of meds? God Bless, Lynda

Lynda, Please ask any and all the questions you need. This will be a big change for you and I want you to have all the information you need. I am 5'6", I started out at 260 pounds, I want to be 140 pounds. My doctors only want me to be 180 pounds, this would mean I was no longer obese. I am striving for a much healthier weight but it will take me close to a year to get there. Ask anything you want. Ellen

dear lynda, i had always had thick, straight, shiny hair, and about 4-5 months it started to fall out, i noticed it in the drain, the pillow, the brush, did not notice any bald spots thank god!! about 6-7 months out it stopped and now at over a year out my hair looks great. good luck on your journey, everyone is different and some have no hair loss at all, hope you are one of those lucky ones!! lilykate