Thinning Hair - Loose Skin...huh?

Hi everyone! You all have been so inspiring for me these past few years. I haven't posted usually but finally built up the nerve to put it all out there.

First I'm down from 320 to 165...yay! I can't express how happy I am but it can often be overshadowed by my thinning hair and loose skin. Spanx and wigs can be a good cover...but when I look in the mirror au natural it can be quite a different story. I am trying to work on my self esteem and appreciation for how far I have come. However with my skin tone and hair line changing...it can be a bit difficult.

I wondered if it was coming but I am over 18 months post-op and my hair is still thinning. What gives?!? My hair line, what hair line/edges?!? A few months after my surgery my hair seemed to be growing like wildfire. It was thick and shiny. Now it's dull and wispy. I have been wearing wigs lately but summer is coming and you know that doesn't fly - too hot. I haven't had a relaxer in a few months as my scalp has been flaky and dry. I'm nervous to put chemicals on my hair as my scalp and hair are so fragile right now. I went to the dermatologist and the only scalp issue is psoriasis. It seems to have flared up in the last 12 months and I'm not sure why.

Regarding loose skin, "black don't crack" isn't always true. I have always had stretch marks since 3rd grade so I'm not hung up on that. But the bat wings, saggy stomach, and my thick thighs and "arse" are saggy and deflated. No babies yet, so getting a tummy tuck isn't reasonable until after. My chest...that was expected so no surprises on that. Everyone says "lift  more weights/work out more" but I'm actually thinking gaining a few healthy pounds might help fill a few areas out.

Anyone have supportive words, tips/tricks, suggestions? I'm up for ANYTHING. Any natural sistahs out there as well?

Sorry if this is a repeat post...just fed up and in need of help BAD.

Thanks all,
PEA

Hi there PEA,

I don't have any advice, but I can offer a hug and some possible suggestions.  First, please remember all that you have accomplished!! The loose skin and thinning hair may not be what you want, but try to remember how you felt before your journey and ask yourself if this is a good trade.  I think your answer will be a very loud YES!  Second, is it possible the thinning hair has nothing to do with your weight loss? There are many conditions that can cause thinning of the hair and you may want to discuss this with your PCP.  If you've already done that, my last suggestion is getting with a qualified natural hair care specialist and working with him/her to restore your hair's health.  No matter what, as India Arie said, "You are not your hair" ! Your beauty goes way deeper than that. As for the loose skin, water, water water!! and a damn good pair of Spanx should help you out LOL!  Keep your head up and your sense of humor with you. 

I hope some of this helps ease your mind and give you some other ideas to work with.  Good luck and keep us posted on how your doing.

Thank you Cajun

*sips on my water while reading your post* i researched some natural hair care specialists in my area this morning (crossing fingers) Did you see the woman who invented Spanx isone of the first female billionaires ever? Love it. I'll check with my PCP again and possible get a blood level test to see if it's nutrient related as well.

I'm hopeful but it can be a bit downing. Remembering how far i have come definitely helps.

Hello and Congrats!!! you came along way, you should post more often..I love to here from you more.

Now, I haven't had my wls YET! but it should be right around the corner, do you take biotin? I take two biotin a day for my hair I'm all natural and have been for awhile now. It will help make your hair strong from the inside and out, also when your natural you should lighten up on washing your hair..you should let some of your natural oils build up..so co wa****you can use a conditioner to do that just to wash away some of hair product and please do not use sulfate shampoos it will mos def dry out your hair.

Hopefully this will help.

I started taking biotin. Let me say i see the results...but hair grows on all places and NOT just my head. LOL  I love your hair (looking at your thumbnail photo)

Can I friend you? Thanks for the tips. I will try to co wash again. After having a perm I forgot about that step.

~~ PEA

Heck ya you can friend me and thanks honey,  My hair is actually longer down my back now..I love it when it was shorter, I just starting to co wash myself I'm a slave to salfate products nothing like seeing a good leather to make you think you hair is getting clean..NOT!

Yeah check with a dr.  and keep us all posted. You may can teach us a thing or two once you figure it out. This is one of my concerns about the whole wls thing my hair. My hair is my crown.

ROTF!!! I don't want to even know where that hair is growning lol

Pea, first of all congratulations. I pray to one day see 165lbs, so that is something to be proud of. Secondly, hair loss and the sagging skin is one of the side effects. I am surprised you weren't expecting it. True not everyone experiences it but there are more of us than do than don't.

Now there are things you can do to mitagate it but I have yet to find a cure. First, I would go to a dermatologist about your hair. The flaking scalp may be an indicator of vitamin deficiencies in other areas not just the ones that are usually addressed by WLS doctors. Secondly, look around, a lot of us decide to become natural, many out of necessity. Since hair is essential dead and once it clears the follicle, inable to absorb and utilize the products we are putting on it. Limiting the stress is key.

As far as the sagging skin, I don't know about you but I'll take the sag then filling it out any day of the week. That is why so many people have plastics performed. I suggest waiting until you are at a constant weight for 1-2 years because exercise does help even if it doesn't cure.

Good Luck

There is little that has not been asked or said.  Its all about you so who cares if its a repeat.  Its not your repeat. 

What can I say but you are not alone.  Black still don't crack but it will sag.  Putting weight back on will not help any.  Besides, you know this is unhealthy and you do not know if you will be able to stop the weight gain.  Maintenance is harder than weight loss in many ways.  As you get further out and have a bigger appetite you risk returning to old bad habits and developing new ones. Going there deliberately is a bad idea in my less than humble opinion. 

My once firm round body is also covered in hanging skin.  I've always exercised and had great muscle tone.  Muscle tone has nothing to do with skin.  I can wear spandex and look great.  I even wore a catsuit for halloween. When I take it all off it is a different story.  That's my penalty for obesity.  The skin is my unfortunate battle scar. 

A  sea salt and oil scrub (home made) followed by organic shea butter and vegetable glycerine (amazon.com) improves the texture and appearance.  Still, I bend over to do a push up and the skin on my thighs hangs forward like a crumpled paper bag.  Same for my arms.  The belly skin splits down the midddle and hangs like two udders. 

I wear undershirts because the belly skin goes its own way as I exercise.  Also, I dont need to show off my midsection in these low cut jeans that are all you can find these days.  I've decided to just live with the rest. 

Your hair issue could be caused by so many things.  How are your labs?  When last were they checked?  Nutritional deficiencies are my first thought.  How much protein do you get a day?  Are you going for the minimum or getting in some extra? 

My hair thinned but it came back.  When I take biotin I have less hair in the drain but I hear it does not work for everyone.  When I have 100g protein daily my hair and skin are in better condition. 

Make sure you are nutritionally sound.  If you are then push for some answers.  You do not want long term issues because hair loss is a symptom of something significant.  Good luck in finding the cause.  Please let us know what you learn.  I'm sure others have similar issues. 

THANK YOU for knocking some sense in to me! I am happy at this size and yes just gotta accept the skin and hair changes as part of the territory. I too have the "udder" affect and wear under****s. It's nice to know I'm not on the only one. I forget that some times. I'm looking forward to finding outfits for my body type this summer. It will be an adventure!

I'm getting a blood test to check for any deficincies or issues. Will let you know what I find out. Working on increasing the protein and water.

Thanks everyone or your support!!

PEA ~

 Hair sorry to say we all are different but my is gone I TRIED EVERYTHING I REPEAT EVERYTHING there is nothing I have not tried NOTHING been wearing a sew in since 08 :( skin not bad thank God wish I had a TT but I was blessed there as well nothing a control brief can't handle have a bit of a weight gain sorry to say but it's my own fault snack way 2 much way 2 much but despite it all I can't complain