Hair Loss after WLS - How much and does it affect all or most of us?

Hi again everyone. I'm just re-preparing for my visit on Nov. 7 (reading everything that I've read a million times just one more time) and I don't have a lot of info on hair loss so I'm looking for some input? Is it very common?

I think some hair loss is almost inevitable.   I had some serious hair loss starting about 3 months out and it lasted to between 6 and 9 months.   Everyone has different experiences with the hair thingy.   If you keep up with your vitamins and protein you won't stop the loss (if you are going to have it) but you should certainly have your hair grow bock.  My hair is healthy and fuller than it was pre-op now.    Hugs, Mo

I'm 14 weeks out tomorrow and started with the hairloss pretty bad about 3 or 4 weeks ago. I lose quite a bit BUT I have a lot to lose. I just chopped all my hair off (bout 11-12 inches) to make sure it doesn't start looking toooo thin though. I hear Biotin works well BUT I have a hard nough time getting the vitamins I HAVE to get in in, so I won't be adding anything new for a while.

Thanks ladies.  I know it's terribly vain but I really don't want to lose my hair...it's kind of been the "one good thing" thru all the ugly fat clothes and things...the hair was always okay :-)  I do have tremendously thick hair so maybe it won't be too horrible.

Dr. Harrington gave a talk recently at a support meeding.  He said that hair loss was due to the lack of protein in the beginning of the wls and it will usually start approx 3-4 months.  Then as we start to pick up on our protein intake and take in the recommended amount our hair begins the new growth. I haven't had surgery as yet but I have started to take in more protein and the Biotin and I can tell a positive difference in my hair and nails.  And if some do come out from what I have read it will grow back. I pray your surgery and recovery is uneventful. Gloria

I noticed hair loss pretty bad at 4 months out. I talked to my doctor and started taking more iron and Biotion. I also chopped all my hair off to make the loss less noticeable. I had the problem for about a month or so and now my hair is healthier than it was before surgery. Also stopped taking the Biotion because my hair grows back quicker than ever! It's a small price to pay for the outcome of the surgery!!!!

Well, I can't say I lost any hair.  I have lochs and the stuff my beautician uses on my hair has protein in it and when he shampoos my hair he isn't noticing any great changes.  I go to him the first of every month so he would notice any large amount of hair loss.  I guess all that beef I was used to eating prior to surgery may have stored up a lot of protein :-) -- I don't know -- just kidding.  But I didn't notice any great hair loss and I'm almost 9 months out.  Be sure and speak with your beautician regarding the care of your hair after surgery and maybe she can find a product that has a lot of protein that will remain in your hair or that you can use in your hair on a daily basis.

My hair fell out. I had it cut shorter as I already have thin hair. It is looking much bettr. I am a year out.

Thanks again to everyone for the information.   I am prepared to accept it - just like to know what I'm up against.  I'll take being healthy & "thinner haired" over obese with thick hair any day!