Hair Loss

Ok, I know im lacking something but dont know what it is...My hair is falling out and at a rapid pase. Like im starting to dred brushing it..I called the Dr. and he told me that I need more protien, however, I have tried a few things with lots of protien in it and none of them tasted well. So if this is inded the issue help me think of some good things to drink..I dont eat well at all. I am two meals a day of about 3 to 4 oz. Had surgery on June 26. 2007. Am I missin something. Anyone else have this issue...

My suggestion would be to get some samples of protein powder from Vitalady.com and try different ones until you find one you like.  Personally I love the Necter  Fuzzy Navel mixed with crystal peach ice tea......YUMMO!!!  It tastes good and you can get in an easy 30 gm of proten per 4oz shake.    I could and still can't do the creamy vanilla and chocolate shakes mixed with milk.   They make me gag!!!!!!   You really do need to get protein through the supplements though.  It isn't possible to take in enough through just eating at the stage your at.    Good luck Sally

It's pretty common to lose hair after having a surgery like this.  Those of us who lose, lose at different rates.  I have never seen anyone post that their hair has not grown back.  I hated all of the protein drinks as well, so did S/F Carnation Instant Breakfast...with 1% milk.  (per my NUT) It gave me 16 grams of protein.  I love the chocolate!!!  If you have 3 of those a day, plus your small meals, you should still be under 750 calories a day.  I wasn't as worried about calories, as I was getting my protein in.  It was suggested I get 50 - 60 grams in a day.

Do you like cottage cheese?  I eat Friendship lo-fat whipped cottage cheese for breakfast or a snack..it has 16 grams of protein in a 1/2 cup.  I sometimes use lo-fat cheese sticks for a snack. Carnation Instant Breakfast (in the blue box-no sugar) is also a good provider of protein.  I have been lucky--not too much hair loss--but, they say it will come back--just try to get that 50-60 grams of protein a day and see if it helps...GOOD LUCK! Rosemary

I have been more than faithful in getting in the protein and I still have a great deal of hair loss.  I think it must just be part of the process.  I too dread brushing my hair.  I think if this is the worst part,,I'll take it.  Everything else is going far too well to complain about lost hair.  I too am hoping for a quick grow back, but I can deal with it for now.  Good luck with everything and all the great suggestions from above :)

Hi!  Don't panic about the hair loss.  It is very normal (and expected).  You will lose it for like 3 months, in the shower drain, brushing, etc.  Some doctors recommend taking extra biotin, however, my surgeon claims it makes no difference.  You just have to ride it out and be patient.  The loss will stop and eventually the hair will grow back.  I too got anxious about it because my hair was one of my best features.  I always had a full head, thick and long.  You won't go bald and if you would feel better, you can always by a small hair piece from like the HSN networ****il the hair loss slows up.  I did this but I honestly didn't need it, it was just a security blanket in case it got to an alarming thinness.  I believe it's the after effects of anesthesia.  But it could also be the rapid weight loss.  Don't panic.  You will be fine.

I am in the same boat as you are, my hair started falling out about 2 months ago....looking forward to the day it stops...but I am estatic  with my weight loss....I will try some of the suggestions above, thanks for sharing =)

You have received a lot of advice already to your hair loss question, some conflicting, as we all have opinions I will add mine!

 

First understanding the nature of the hair loss will help guide your 'solution'.  *TODAYS PROTEIN WILL BE SEEN EFFECTIVE IN 2-3 MONTHS NOTHING WILL WORK TODAY OTHER THAN ACCEPTANCE AND PATIENCE!*

 

Hair loss occurs frequently with any form of dieting/weight loss. After WLS MANY (I have seen 30-50% as the stats) patients experience hair thinning or hair, which is easily removed during washing/combing. Once you have the surgery, your caloric intake is drastically reduced to a mere 300-600 calories a day.  This puts the body in an “emergency/starvation” mode as it thinks something is terribly wrong, (it used to get up to 10X that amount!) and it begins to focus ONLY on supporting the vital organs that will sustain life.  Hair has never been under the category of a “life-sustaining” organ; therefore, the body puts the hair on the back burner until it is sure that the body is going to be okay enough to again send nutrients to the hair.

 

Protein and iron deficiencies are a common cause, and increasing both can help *BUT that can take 3 months of so!*. It starts generally around 3-6 months and stop around 6-9 months postop (*but can occur anytime there is a deficiency). This is because immediately following WLS adequate protein intake is difficult and it takes about 3 months for the effects to become evident, therefore taking in additional protein via shakes/supplements this minute will not yield results for a few months!. There are also many other things including medications that can cause hair loss, to name a few *not all inclusive):

· Ace inhibitors for high BP (lisinopril, monopril etc) · Actigall taken to prevent gallstones ***MANY are on this for up to 1 yr postop regularly!** · allopurinal taken for gout · anticoagulants, (coumadin) · anti-depressants · anti-thyroid medicine · beta-blockers for high bp & heart disease · birth control pills · tagamet for stomach acid · lithium, depakote, tegretol all are mood stabilizers (last 2 are also anticonvulsants)

 

Other factors to consider as well:

· mineral/vitamin insufficiency (specifically zinc, Biotin (a B vitamin), Selenium) · major systemic stress (surgery trauma, anesthesia...) · Chronic diseases (Syphilis, Cancer, Thyroid disorders, Lupus etc)

Scalp infections (ringworm etc) I waited 1 yr after WLS to highlight my hair, to avoid any further trauma. I used to do it every 3 months pre WLS. (been gray up front since my 20's!). I can not say if this was the correct thing to do? I recommend you speak with an experienced hairdresser on this ok! Cutting hair may help it look healthier and fuller, so that may be a good start! I wanted my deficiencies/trauma to be minimal so as when dying I wouldn't impose more stress on the hair! *again not sure if this view is correct? any hairdressers out there? basically this is what I have read: chemical hair treatments such as perms or coloring, even blow drying your hair or wearing a ponytail can thin out your hair. http://www.folica.com/Hair_Loss_Overv_d1287.html Traumatic alopecia: This “man-made” form of hair loss is caused by hairdressing techniques that do at least one of the following: pull the hair (tight braiding or corn-rowing); expose hair to extreme heat and twisting (curling iron or hot rollers); or damage the hair with strong chemicals (bleaching, hair coloring, permanent waves).

 

TREATMENTS: ***NOTE if you know the cause such as low protein or low iron or low zinc/selenium/biotin fine otherwise you may be wasting money). Increase protein intake (we need at least 60gms a day according to most sources, remember we malabsorb some we take in! So think protein shakes predigested Whey!), & make sure you are taking a good quality multivitamin. Some people use Rogaine for women and some people take a natural B vitamin product called biotin (5mg 1-2x day), Selenium 200mcg 1-2x day and Zinc 50mg 1-2x day. Also some have reported that biotin shampoo sometimes helps (beware too much zinc for too long can raise cholesterol...and possibly lower your HDL and lower your immunity also)....

In reality treating the underlying cause is necessary (so if from trauma of surgery/rapid wt loss/protein malnutrition then ONLY time will help and upping protein as early as possible for today’s hair loss is from malnutrition/trauma 3 months ago, over time if your focused on the protein and vits it will stop and regrow! (no extra expensive vits or minerals/shampoos needed!), people say this vit or that shampoo did it when in essence most likely TIME was the biggest factor! Taking those things r using them may of lessened our worry and helped pass the time better :-)

 

 

A little more on this: http://www.ahlc.org/causes-f.htm There are two different types of hair loss, medically known as anagen effluvium and Telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium, is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage. The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:

 

Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, and rapid weight change. Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member. Thyroid abnormalities. Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and Gout medications. Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, and menopause.

 

When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.

 

DIET CONSIDERATIONS Hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet programs which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular. Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss associated with dieting. From a dermatologist’s standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss. Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in vitamin A which can magnify the hair loss.

 

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss. The body simply shuts down production of hair during periods of stress since it is not necessary for survival and instead devotes its energies toward repairing vital body structures. In many cases there is a three-month delay between the actual event and the onset of hair loss. Furthermore, there may be another three-month delay prior to the return of noticeable hair regrowth. This then means that the total hair loss and regrowth cycle can last 6 months or possibly longer when induced by physical or emotional stress. There are some health conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to hair loss. These include anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test.

 

HORMONAL CONSIDERATIONS Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It is important to remember that the hair loss may be delayed by three months following the hormonal change and another three months will be required for new growth to be fully achieved.

 

MYTHS RELATED TO HAIR LOSS • Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss. • Hats and wigs cause hair loss. • 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair. • Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic treatments. • Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if they are healthy. • Shaving one's head will cause the hair to grow back thicker. • Standing on one's head will cause increased circulation and thereby stimulate hair growth! • Dandruff causes permanent hair loss. • There are cosmetic products that will cause the hair to grow thicker and faster. • Stress causes permanent hair loss. • Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early twenties. • Hair loss affects only intellectuals. • There is a cure for androgenetic Alopecia.

 

These are only a few of the common myths heard by physicians and other hair loss specialists on a daily basis. The AHLC suggests that you first have your hair loss diagnosed by a competent dermatologist who sees hair loss patients on a regular basis. Once you know the diagnosis you will have a better understanding of exactly which treatment option may be best for you.

 

 

Here are all the sites *I* know of for ordering samples of protein.

 

 

 

www.vitalady.com (a 10 yr+ postop who runs this business w/ her hubby who is also 10+ yrs out!) www.wlssupplies.com www.bethsproteinboutique.com (she is a wlser in NY, where you can get my fav PVL whey gourmet) www.bariatriceating.com *run by a wlser Susan Maria, she has written a book before & after WLS... www.enjoyhealth.com

 

I will say tastes CHANGE for many after WLS so if you find some now you like you MAY not like them postop....BUT I agree samples are the way to go! (*saves you money from buying a tub of something you can't/don't like to drink!) ''I'' don't think GNC has much that is tasty though....So ordering online seems to be best (for me)! Powdered pre-digested whey concentrate, or isolate or a blend of the 2 proteins are the kind/s that gastric by passers can BEST absorb! and are highly bioavailable. And so much better tasting IMHO and cheaper (70 servings in a 5# tub champion Pure Whey stack for $25.99 + 4.95 S&H = 44 cents a serving!!! (canned can be $1 ea or more!) good in a pinch though…

 

http://www.vitalady.com/why_protein.htm read this about postop protein!

 

So what is Biological Value:

 

Method of rating protein. Biological Value (BV) represents a specific protein's nitrogen retention qualities in humans. BV indicates the amount of nitrogen (body protein in grams) replaceable by 100 grams of protein in the adult diet. The higher the quality of a protein, the higher the BV.

 

 

 

Protein   BV

 

 

 

Whey    100

 

Egg        97

 

Milk        88

 

Soy        71

 

Casein   70

 

Whey protein is a high quality protein powder from cow's milk. Milk has two proteins: Casein (approximately 80%) and Whey Protein (approximately 20%). Whey protein is more soluble than casein and also has a higher quality rating. It is often referred to as the "Gold Standard" of protein as it is the most nutritious protein available. Whey protein isolate is the most pure and concentrated form of whey protein available. It contains 90% or more protein and very little (if any) fat and lactose. Whey protein concentrate has anywhere between 29% and 89% protein depending upon the product. As the protein level in whey protein concentrate decreases the amounts of fat and/or lactose usually increase. Another way that whey protein helps manage weight is by promoting satiety, or a feeling of fullness. One recent study showed that whey protein was superior to casein, the other protein in cow's milk, in promoting satiety.

People recommend making them with WATER only (not milk, which adds 90-100 calories/12 g carbs and 8g protein *not the kind we can utilize well) , drink within 30 min also!   You can buy a magic bullet blender to make w/ ice, sugar free syrups, Davinci now has 51 Sugar Free flavors! http://www.davincigourmet.com can order from or www.netrition.com (local in Albany NY S&H is $4.95 no matter how little/much you order! there 5# tubs of Champion PW stack is $25.99, tjmaxx has them sometimes also! Artisan roasters and torani’s are other makers! http://www.artisancoffeeroasters.com/syrups/index.html

 

http://www.torani.com/create/fpsugarfree.shtml http://www24.netrition.com/champion_whey_stack_page.html also if you find you like the chocolate, banana or strawberry (*I do not know of anyone who likes their vanilla!)

 

http://www24.netrition.com/syntrax_nectar_page.html netrition has nectars for $26.95 extracts, spices, 1 tsp powdered sf/ff pudding powder or 1 tsp sf jello powder etc... www.walgreens.com has MB’s for $59 free S&H or www.buythebullet.com has BOGO free, I think Target and other stores have them too!

 

 

 

***#1***

 

I like PVL whey gourmet flavors the best, White chocolate, vanilla, raspberry, caramel dip, milk chocolate, PB chocolate, blueberry, orange cremescicle....This is where I order it online: (2# tub $21.95) http://www.a1nutritionproducts.com/buy/pvl/whey_gourmet

 

Most 120 cal 23g protein a scoop 2.6 g carbs 2 g fat.... 15 Flavors to choose from and more to come!

 

NEW Arctic Cappuccino Frappe, NEW Creamy Dreamy Milk Chocolate, NEW Radical Raspberry Smoothie, Piña Colada Breeze, Creamy Orangesicle Swirl, Creamy Caramel Dip, Dark Chocolate Mousse, Mocha Java Madness, Smooth Peanut Butter Chocolate, Strawberry Banana Smoothy, Blueberry Burst, Chocolate Chip Mint Extreme, Vanilla Ice Cream Royale, Silky Smooth White Chocolate, Rootbeer Float, Cookies & Crème Supreme.

 

SAMPLES no one has them I can find

 

http://www.pvldirect.com/products_whey_gourmet.html

 

 

 

Runners up: Champion Pure Whey stack chocolate, banana scream or strawberry are good

 

Labrada PV 60 vanilla is good

 

IDS cinnamon/vanilla, mocha, Belgian chocolate

 

The Nectars (fruit based) they also have a cappuccino my hubby loves! Strawberry-kiwi, fuzzy navel, Caribbean cooler, apple, lemonade etc….

 

ANYWHEY is an unflavored protein. You can cook with it too!

 

(***70 calories a scoop/0g fat/1g carb (no sugar carbs)/17 G protein)

 

60 scoops/container

 

http://www.optimumnutrition.com/anywhey/default.html they have recipes!

 

I think 34g protein for 2 scoops/140 calories is DARN GOOD!

 

Made by optimum nutrition.

 

GNC carries it I beleive.

 

or online many places but I use this site frequently.

 

http://www.netrition.com/optimum_any_whey_page.html

 

$22.95/2.7lb container

 

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The key is find what you like, add water/ice use the magic bullet for a smoothie consistency, spruce w/ extracts SF syrup, a little sf jello or pudding powder and voila! I now use 2-3 frozen strawberries or 1/4c pumpkin in shakes also (watch calorie and sugar in beginning stages!) Skies the limit! I have over 24 sf syrups, 5 flavors of protein at any time! It doesn’t get boring! Happy Sampling!!!

 

Take Care, Jamie Ellis RN MS NPP Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320 preop/163 lowest/ 183 current 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005  Dr. King http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php ?N=c1132518510 "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

 

Today I bought the most delicious protein drink.  It's called ISO PURE.  One bottle has 40 grams of protein.  I bought the grape flavor and it is absolutely delicious.  Try it and I hope it works.  My surgery is scheduled for December 17th and I am so nervous about the hair loss.  My hair is super thin now.