Dying my hair...

Hi everyone! I am about 4.5 months out and am losing quite a bit of hair. The good thing is that I had a TON of hair to begin with! Anyway, I am thinking of cutting my hair a bit and having it dyed auburn with golden blonde highlights. I need a change. Has anybody dyed their hair around 4-5 months out and did it cause more hair loss? Any of your experiences would be great to hear about....thanks! Erin

Erin: (This is my 2nd post GRRR 1st one got an error message!!!) Ok, this is what I know about WLS & Hair Loss: According to Dr. Louis Flancbaum the author of: "The doctor's guide to weightloss surgery: How to make the decision that could save your life", 2001, pgs 69-70................................................ (paraphrased) "Hair loss can occur with any form of stringent dieting and weight loss. After WLS 10-30% of patients will experience hair thinning or easily removed hair during combing. Protein and iron deficiencies are a common cause, and increasing both can help. If it occurs it will start around 3-6 months and stop around 6-9 months. 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 at the time hair loss is seen is ineffective. There are also many other things including medications that can cause hair loss" · Protein and calorie intake insufficiency · iron deficiency · mineral/vitamin insufficiency · major systemic stress (surgery. trauma...) · Chronic diseases · Ace inhibitors for high BP · Actigall taken to prevent gallstones · allopurinal taken for gout · anticoagulants, (ex coumadin) · anti-depressants · anti-thyroid medicine · beta-blockers for high bp & heart disease · birth control pills · tagamet for stomach acid · lithium-a mood stabilizer TREATMENTS: 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 underyling 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 todays 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 vits or minerals/shampoos needed!) 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. Speak with an experienced hairdressor on this ok! Cutting hair may help it look healthier and fuller, so that may be a good start! Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 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!"

To answer your question, I got my hair color and cut 3 months after my surgery and continue to do it each 6 weeks or so after that. I had some hair loss and was concerened about it. Nothing happened to my hair, matter of fact it made my hair look thicker. Talk to your hairdresser. good Luck! Lisa 371/341/187/140

Erin, I waited about 7 months before coloring my hair and all was fine, it did not increase the hairloss but just make sure you condition well. Like Lisa said it helped the thinness of mine as well. Take care Debra P

My hair dresser suggested only using semi permanant dyes, so that it would not be as harsh on my hair that was left. Then I changed to a more permanant color later down the line. Betty Jo Lap RNY 7/11/03 399.5/210/150 over 213 inches gone

I am almost 1 yr out and started to color my hair about 9mths, hair loss has decreased, and I did cut about 8-9 inches to help my hair look better. I have extremely thin hair to start with, so I was in trouble with losing my hair. I pray it will return to it's original form,,,,anyway,,, good luck ,, and you may want to talk with your Dr. before doing anything....Jo H in NY

I don't know what got into me, but I dyed my hair 3 weeks post op. Oops. My self-esteem rose from deflating a little bit and I started wearing make up again. I got the lap band surgery, but still...that was not smart. I will wait until I color it again. I guess I was in a hurry because the roots were showing with the deep red color I use. Kristine