RE: Hairloss?

has any of you taken a supplement to try to prevent or lessen the affect of hairloss after surgery? I'm so afraid of this? What causes it, malabsorbtion? hugs to all, lisa

Hi Lisa, I didn't and at the 4 month mark... i started losing hair.. everyone is different. My surgeon told me it's going to happen regardless of what extra supplement you take. It's your body going....hey what's going on... rapd weight loss will do this to you.. even with out the malabsorbtion. It does stop.. and the hair will grow back... but it is scarey when it comes out for sure! P.S.... your profile is beautiful! We have alot in common... It has been all about feeling better so I can have a better life with my kids and hubby! I am the proud Mom of 3 year old triplets... so you can just imagine being able to do more physical things with them is the biggest gift I have gotten from the surgery. Wishing you all the best of luck and sucess in your journey. Hugs, Marla

Hi Lisa, I take Nioxin (available at salons and online). From what I was originally told it would NOT stop the hair loss, but help stimulate new hair growth. At three months I started to lose my hair, my doctor told me IF someone does start to lose their hair it will happen AROUND the three month mark and go on for about six months and once you start losing it there is nothing you can do to stop it. Well I am approaching my nine month anniversary and my hair loss has stopped. So I did lose hair for about six months and the Nioxin did help my hair grow faster. It didn't prevent hair loss though. I noticed that when I took it, i needed to get my color done every 4 weeks vs. every 6 weeks when I didn't take it. The hair lose happens from a lack of protein. I didn't get enough protein my first few months and I was told that is what caused it. I continue to take the Nioxin as it is speeding up my hair growth and I even have new baby hairs around my hair line. I hope this helps! Ilyssa 268/175/???

I swear by GNC Ultra Nourishair or Maxi Hair for Hair, Skin & Nails. Fabulous products. Stemmed hair loss from the outset; I started losing hair at 2-1/2 mos out (palmfuls at every brushing) and within a month, no excessive hair loss at all. I still take the vits and will continue doing so as they add extra B vitamins into my daily regimen. What I don't use, I pee away.

I took the biotin well before my surgery. I use NIOXIN shampoo... its happening to me still i just started 9 months out. I heard this is a issue from the ketones from ketosis and i think this is more the cause of the hair thinning then the surgery, or malabsorption. AS people on atkins (happened to me) have the same problem so it makes me think alot. GOOD LUCK! lisa

My Dr. prescribed Flintstone vitamins with iron 4 months prior to surgery. He stated research had shown in reduces the amount of hairloss. Im only a week out of surgery so havent had the experience yet, but im with you...scared to death of that. lol good luck Karen

Hi Lisa.. My hair started falling out in clumps around 3 or 4 months out. It continued until about 6 or 7 months. I started taking biotin when it started. I don't think it did anything for me but I figured it couldn't hurt anything. So I still take the biotin. I just added B1 also. I think if it's going to happen there is nothing you can do to stop it. Good luck! ~Angel 255/222/130 at Goal!

I've been taking zinc and biotin since just after my surgery, but I've also heard it won't do anything, however, it can't hurt! And I use Nioxin Conditioner... don't know if it helps, but it smells great!!! Fortunately, I don't think I'll go bald and I had a lot of hair to begin with, so I guess I can do with shedding some! It just started for me at the 4 month mark (a couple of weeks ago) and it hasn't been too bad (yet)! Vi

Lisa: HAIR LOSS AFTER WLS 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 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 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 2-3 months pre WLS. Speak with an experienced hairdresser 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!"

Hi Lisa, I think every one experiences some hair loss, some more than others. Personally, I was taking vitamins and a hair/skin/nail complex (which contains biotin) long before I thought about WLS, and continued this regimen post-op. My hair began to thin ( or at least my definition of thinning) between my 4th and 5th months post-op. It didn't come out in handfuls like some patients, but it was more than the usual daily hair loss. But as I got closer to the 12 month mark things improved. I say by the 12 month mark b/c between 5 months and 12 months had had my hair in braids b/c I didn't want to see what was happening. Next week I will be 18 months post-op and my hair dresser is happy with my hair growth and it is healthy. Dawn