Biotin

Hello, I am two months post-op and my hair is starting to thin and fall out. I have cut my locs but I do not want to go to a small afro because I love my hair so much . I am currently taking GNC's Hair, Skin, and Nails supplement which has 2500mcg of Biotin. Is that enough or do I need more? Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks, Angie S.

I believe you can take up to 5000 a day. Also make sure you are getting in all your protein.

Angie, not sure on the proper dosage...but, keep in mind, that NOTHING you can do is going to change the fact that YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE YOUR HAIR.... I am 13 months out and I have about 1 1/2 inches of new growth all over my head...not very attractive, but it does come back... so, in my experience, keep up the protein, take the biotin and all your other vitamins, and know that if you are taking your vitamins, there is NOTHING you can do about it...it just has to run its course.... congrats on making it to the losing side.... RAE

I would like to point out that not everyone who has this surgery loses hair.

oops, my mistake...I meant to type that I have never heard of anyone NOT losing their hair.... in fact, I would be interested in hearing from folks who DIDN'T lose their hair...also, how much weight they lost in the first few months.... RAE

I am pre-op, but my mother had Lap RnY in Dec. '03 and she did not lose any hair at all. She also did not take biotin. She swears by getting in all your protein. Everyone is different though. I hope to have her luck. Ericka

I had my surgery on March 30th(6 1/3 weeks out), I have lost 50 lbs. and I have noticed that my hair is sheeding a little but it would shed before surgery. I'm very nervous about the probablility of losing my hair. My surgeon told me that there is no way to prevent it and it usual begins 2-3 months out and last about 1-2 months.

I am just one month out. This hair thing is really making me nervous. What exactly makes the hair fall out? I have heard thats it happens from the anesthesia and also that it happens because of the decrease in calories. Does anyone know? Also does all your hair fall out like you are getting chemo? Any answers will be appreciated.

We were told to take in at least 75 gms of protein a day, 1000mg Biotin a day and to minimize shampooing, coloring perming etc for the first 6 mos post op. I used to wash my hair every other day, cut back to every 3rd day, cut out conditioner... was getting too oily too quickly, lived with grey roots waaaay too long. I have read that some used a shampoo that contained Biotin and they felt that helped. I had only minimal loss that lasted for about 3 weeks. I combed it in the morning and in the evening and that was it. Did nothing that would tug at the roots. Even kept my windows up on my car. I didn't start losing my hair until almost 5 mos out so hopefully the worst is over with. I now have baby hair growing in like weeds around my hairline!

Hello Angie, I had my surgery 03/09/05. I am down 40 lbs. I have not lost any of my hair. I understand if you are getting in all of your protein you should not have a hair loss issue. But then I do know that each person is different. Tracy 305/265/goal 150