50 lbs down, but losing hair

Hi everyone! I hope everyone's day is going well!!

I went to the doctor this past Friday and I'm finally under 300lbs!!! lost 50 lbs so far and I'm really excited to be under the 300 mark! I NEVER want to see that number again lol!

Only problem is, although I am happy about losing, and I have been going to the gym 5-6 days a week, I got my hair cut today and my hairdresser informed me of a BALD SPOT!! I had my surgery 2/14/11, so about a month and a half ago and I was always afraid that this would happen. Any tips on slowing it down/growing new hair back??? My hair is my favorite quality and I have been devestated all day long, actually crying. I knew this was a possible side effect, but I didnt think I would take it this hard. I'm 21 and I am afraid of losing more and already considering looking into getting a wig.

I just made an appointment for the dermatologist, but my appointment is for next week... Should I use rogain?? anyone with any tips PLEASE HELP!! I am so proud of my weight loss so far, but now this anxiety over losing my hair feels like it's overshadowing my success... I'm so upset.

Thanks everyone!!

Yikes.. I lost a little hair but nothing massive.

Do you have added stress in your life? My mom started to lose her hair in clumps where she had actual bald spots but it from stress not diet.

I don't have much advise but to say don't start on rogain.. once you start you can't stop first I would check with your doctor both lap band and dermatologist... i know its common to have your hair thin but I never heard of actual bald spots.

Good news/bad news; Since you are only about 8 weeks out, the chances are that bald spot was there before surgery or is unrelated to surgery.  Generally speaking, hair loss from general anesthesia (with ANY SURGERY) starts about 3 months post-op and can last up to a year, and is more of a THINNING  of the hair, not falling out all in one spot.  Mine started at just about 3 months out and has finally slowed down 10 months out.  I am just starting to see new hairs popping up and have dealt with it by cutting my hair shorter and getting some highlights...my hair was mid-back pre-op and is now just above my shoulders and is pretty thin compared to pre-op.

Question...is this the same hairdresser you have used in the past, someone familiar with your hair??  I think it is good that you are seeing the dermatologist, since this might be unrelated to your surgery and be something else entirely.  Rogaine will help if it is unrelated to surgery.  General anesthesia puts a higher percentage of our hair follicles into a dormant state and Rogaine won't "wake them up" and only works on the active hair follicles...at least that is my understanding. 

Don't cry...find out what is wrong and take the necessary steps to fix it...some people don't have any surgery related hair loss...you might be one of them!

Steph

I had some minor thinning, but nothing really noticeable.

How is your protein intake? Are you getting enough in? I heard Biotin is helpful to stimulate hair regrowth. I wouldn't try Rogain... I think that is a never ending process ones you start.

((giant hugs))

Don't let it overshadow your loss. You have worked hard for it and are doing so well. I am sorry about the hair loss. Look into Biotin.

Google telogen effluvium. Temporary hair loss caused by trauma to the body such as anaesthesia. By the time the hair loss shows, regrowth has already started. For some, the cause can be a lack of nutrients (esp protein) or rapid weight loss but that should not apply to bandsters. We don't malabsorb nutrients and our loss is not rapid compared to other wls.

Kate

Good idea to see a dermatologist.

Kate is right, it's likely Telogen Effluvium, but it can also be many other things.   Such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid imbalance.

If it's TE, time and making sure your diet is balanced and taking vitamins will help.

If it's a thyroid issue, your pcp and dermatologist can help with that.

Mine is related to surgical menopause and I was started on Rogaine. And yes, once you start, you do need to continue.  I'm planning to inquire about Propecia for me.. since there's no way on God's green earth I can ever get pregnant again.. but not an option for younger ladies (as I understand it.. not a doc., so I could be way wrong).  Some bariatric nurse practitioners I know recommend Nioxin shampoo.

Don't cry, it's probably no where as near as bad as you are imagining.

In the meantime, don't wear tight braids or tight ponytails.  Take your biotin (might or might not help, but my dermatologist said I could try it) and your vitamins.