Severe Hair Loss and Dry Damanged Hair

Hi Everyone,

I am 10.5 years out, lost 100 lbs and have maintained it +/-5 lbs at any given time.  Approximately 3 months ago, I started experiencing severe hair loss.  Globs of hair fall out each day.  I take Biotin, my multivitamins, and calcium and do a B12 shot every 3 weeks.  I have had extensive bloodwork (including thyroid) and everything is normal.  I eat a high protein diet.  Has anyone else had any issues with this?  I did lose a bit of hair back in the beginning, but it stopped and the hair returned.  I have also been using Rogaine, but I must say, I don't believe it's doing a thing.  I have cut my hair to try to keep up with the damage and two days later it looks like I had a bad perm.  SOS!

Thanks.

JA

Lap RNY July 2004 - 100 lbs

Pre-surgery When I was perimenpausal my hair started going down the tubes and getting dry and brittle, I couldn't grow it for the life of me...  I have taken hair and nail vitamins with Biotin, which always helped my nails but never my hair. After surgery I started taking one from a company called 'It works' it is the only one that ever seemed to help my hair. Between that and I guess the upped protein I am one of the few people whose hair is actually better after surgery... Best it has looked in over a decade....Have you ever tried Wen shampoos? they sell them on QVC... I have been using them for years, it took me awhile to figure our how to use it correctly because it is a 'cleansing conditioner' but I do think they are better for your hair...I always diluted the bottle by at least a third too...

It Works hair Skin and Nails
(in full disclosure, this is my girlfriends page...I get nothing from it, you don't have to buy from her. They have autoship and you get points you can use as cash on future purchases.... not a bad deal)

WEN  - You can watch videos about it on here... when I googled it I see they sell at Sephora too now

Thanks so much.  I never tried WEN, but a few others have suggested it.  God knows I have spent zillions of dollars on shampoos/conditioners, why not one more. I am way over menopause and was prior to surgery, so I don't think that's it.  The vitamin you take is a Biotin?  I will look at the page for sure.

Thanks again for your help.  I'm so desperate, I am about to wear a wig!!!  All my life, the only thing I ever had that I liked (due to being overweight) was great hair and good teeth!  Thank GOD my teeth are hanging in there.

JA

I hear you ...hair is so important, yes it is a biotin but has other things in it too. Andrew Lessman in HSN sells very high quality vitamins as well. Not all are created equal.

The biotin has helped with my nails that were literally peeling off and splitting down the middle and bleeding.  They are just a tad bit stronger.  So maybe eventually, the hair will recoup.  It's just hard to look in the mirror and see it looking so bad, which, of course, creates stress, which doesn't help either.

Thanks so much for your advice.

Does your doctor recommend talking to any type of specialist?  I am 28 months out and I can say that I have lost some hair and it definitely breaks more easily, but I attribute that to vitamin levels and large amount of weight lost fairly recently.  I will say that I started using Redken Extreme Anti-Snap and have noticed a good difference in my hair.  Way less breakage. It's a leave-in conditioner.  Worth a try?

I've seen and endocrinologist, dermatologist, my internist who is also my rheumatologist; not sure who else to see :(

Also, if you are eating a high protein diet, are you getting enough healthy fat in your diet?  I've heard that very low carb or low fat diets can make you lose your hair, but not sure why after 10 years.

Another thought, have you had menopause yet?  A lot of people say that can cause a lot of hair problems. . . hormones.  Just trying to help!

Hi

I went through menopause prior to surgery.  I have added some fat to my diet because I wasn't really eating a lot of fat.  I've also started back with my nutritionist who has put me on a protein shake that has 34 grams of protein.  So hopefully, if this is all protein related, this will also help.  Thanks so much for your reply.

JA

Hi JA,

When was the last time you had blood work done?  I too had major hair loss and I am 10 years out. I went to my Dermatologist and he ran blood work and to my surprise my iron had bottom out.  I am now taking liquid iron with orange juice every night.  In 6 weeks I will get an updated for my blood work to see where I am.  

If you have not had blood work done in a while please do.  It may show you why you are having so much hair loss....

Keep us posted on how you are doing

Iron deficiency anemia symptoms may include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Pale skin
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Hair loss
• Frequent infections
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Cold hands and feet
• Inflammation or soreness of your tongue
• Brittle nails
• Fast heartbeat
• Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch
• Poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia
• An uncomfortable tingling or crawling feeling in your legs (restless legs syndrome)