My Hair....it is disappearing

What do I do to make my hair stop falling out? I had really thick hair before surgery and it is falling out in clumps...what should I do?

Get used to it.  I'm not being a smart azz.  It's just that the shock of surgery causes us to lose hair.  I think some of the DSers use Biotin to slow it down.  I'd check with your doctor or dietician before starting any new supplement.  I just cut mine shorter and colored it.  I've never heard of anyone that didn't eventually get to the point where it quit falling out and started growing back.  Did no one warn you it would happen?  If not, I hope it didn't scare you too bad.  It really is routine to lose it.  And it really does stop and grow back.  It starts at about 3 months out for most of us.  If I wasn't sure that it quits falling out, I'd be very upset.  Mine has started to slow down, but I haven't seen new growth yet.

Ok just a few questions... 

a.  how much protein are you getting in each day?  Increasing protein intake can help
b.  You can also take biotin and continue taking your vitamin B.  Ask Dr. Olsen if you can add a b complex.  They used to sell it at their offices in liquid form but I am not sure if they do this any more
c.  are you taking your regular prescribed vitamins?  remember it is important to take them every day...  and you need a good multi that will absorb.  Flintstones are for children and yes while they are on the recommended list, there are some that are better than that

Also keep in mind that your body has been through a lot...  it is natural for people to go through a time when their hair begins to fall out just because of the shock...  but here are a few things you can do to help "disguise it"

a.  Go to your hairdresser and ask for shampoo, conditioner that are made for people who have thinning hair.  there is a brand out that is simliar to rogaine hair products only cheaper.
b.  Get your hair cut in a style that is more suitful for a thin haired person, perhaps some layering. 
c.  And, also you can purchase some root lifter at Sally's or even Walgreens, Target, Walmart...  this will help lift your hair and make it look fuller

I know it is very hard to see your hair disappear.  How I remember.  It is a night mare...  

Hey Bre---I know that the hair loss can be a concern, but it is totally normal.  You can read about it in the Gastric Bypass Owner's Manual, etc.  Realistically, there is no FDA-based studies to show that Biotin works.  In fact, Pam Helmlinger --the R.D. at Centennial--and I talked about that pre-WLS and she reaffirmed that and said I could take it if I wanted to, but it wasn't proven effective (and, I got the impression, that I shouldn't waste my money on it). 

Most importantly:  GET YOUR PROTEIN IN EVERY DAY!!!  Closer to 80gm if you are losing hair...that will help, but not eliminate the hair loss just yet.

The hair loss will stop (and before it all falls out! :)....).....coloring your hair will make the roots thicker & minimize the appearance of thinning hair.  My hair is thick, too & I have noticed some loss, but I had hair loss (& regrowth) over the past 6 years while I had babies & it never has looked "thin"...I just noticed lots of hairs in the bottom of the shower when I wash my hair going down the drain.  Lately (and you & I had our surgeries at the same time), I notice more when I comb my hair---but, looking at it, I'm not too worried. 

I am going to get highlights next week and going to talk to Cathy (a good friend of mine & my stylist) about the products that Mel mentioned in her response to you.....I might get those (since I need product anyway), but I will see what she says.  If not, it's hot & it's summer....get some cute hats/visors, etc......

At any rate....just remember that Scott says "BALD IS BEAUTIFUL"---lol---okay---not on women, per se, but you will be fine.....plus....you're getting skinny---concentrate on that!!

xo, Micheala.

I hear the Sinead O Connor look is coming back in. We could all go get our heads shaved together if you want! (Hope that made you smile) Some people swear by biotin but I never took it postop. My b vit labs were good so I figured I didn't need it.But like Pam H said, you could try it... BUT I have seen some pretty real hair pieces. Wanna go for a new look? Just tell people that wls stimulated your hair follicles; they would prolly believe it!!

 unfortunately the trauma of the surgery and the rapid weight loss and the protein deficiency all contribute to the hair loss..   Also from what I understand, any hair loss you have at this point, is because of events that occured a bit ago.  My hair started falling out at almost exactly 3 months.  I actually had to cut it off so the big clumps in the shower didn't scare me so much.  It has *for the most part* stopped now.  I will be 6 months out on June 30th.    The biotin won't help it from not falling out, it only gives it a boost when trying to grow back in.  The hair follicles aren't damaged so it will grow back. 

I know, I know, sometimes the hair makes or breaks a day.  Just think of the positive things this surgery has brought us.  

Here is the best article I have seen on this:   

bariatrictimes.com/2008/09/19/the-latest-on-nutrition-and-hair-loss-in-the-bariatric-patient/


yeah, can you tell that I've done too much research on this  

 Another reason your hair falls out at about 3 month is the anesthesia from surgery.  I have no idea how it works but I called Dr. Radio and asked them :) lol they said vitamins are important, protein the most important!  That is their opinion but I didn't even think about the anesthesia causing the hair loss.  It makes sense because I had my gall bladder out while I was in Iraq and my hair started falling out a few months after... I just thought it was from stress.... whodathunk!