hair loss, please help

Okay, everyone, I have posted this before, but I'm really worried.  I had band surgery 3/23/11, then I had to have the LEEP procedure done, which I was put under general anesthesia again in 8/1/11.  My hair is really really thin...like reallllly thin....I have been taking some Biotin, but I really need to know if anyone else has any suggestions?  I know there is a condition, I can't remember the name, but I am almost a year out and I'm hoping that it grows back....

Any suggestions would be wonderful, please!! 

Thanks,
Jamie

 How is your protein level? Are you keeping it up? Try adding a protein shake a day as a snack and see if the situation improves.

 Google telogen effluvium, temporary hair loss resulting from trauma such as general anaethesia (also very dramatic weight loss but that is more for other surgery types, with faster loss).

The damage to the follicles is done at the time of the trauma and by the time you notice the hair loss, regrowth has usually already started.

As long as you are eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein, it should sort itself out.  But a year seems longer than usual. Have you asked your doc? Your nut?

Kate

thanks ladies!  I have googled it and it sounds like I need to just ride it out.  My protein intake right now isn't what it should but, but I will be upping it and getting a better hold on things ASAP.  Kate I haven't seen the NUT since about 6 wks after surgery.  They said, "Since you didn't have bypass their isnt any reason for us to see you anymore."  I said, "are you f**kin kidding me, I need nutrition just as much as they do."  So I will be calling tomorrow and demanding an appt with them.  The doctor just said that he has heard of it and it will eventually clear up. 

I think one of the biggest issues was I went under general anesthesia 2 times in 6 months.  So I'm only about 6 mths out from the last time I was under general, and the web site said it could take up to a year for the hair to completely return.  So I guess, just proper nutrition and I will continue biotin, and we shall see!

Thanks again ladies!  You guys are wonderful!

I feel your pain, as I too am losing my hair. I was banded in July and see hair in the but every time I wash my hair. I am taking Bioten also hoping this is going to stop also.
I lost 75 pounds once on WW and had a bald spot the size of a small orange. ugh.. I had to have injections to have it grow back. Dr said it was  alopecia, due to stress..I think not..
Good luck I am sure both of us will be fine once our bodies get used to our new lifestyles.

This is such a hot topic on each of the surgery boards!  I've suffered from the dreaded hairloss myself.

I can only share my experience - not sure if it will work for others or not.  Best to get your doc's opinion since it's been almost a year for you.  I have been taking primrose oil for years (way before my VSG) and it has made my hair thicker and it grows faster.  A welcome side-affect, if you will.  Might be worth a try?  (Note: I started taking it for breast pain as recommended by a breast specialist.)

Good luck!

Silly,

Is the Primrose Oil a capsule and can you buy it at walmart?    I am willing to try anything at this point. 

I am really going to watch my protein intake and just really try to do what I can. 

Thank you everyone for responding...

Yes, they are gels (like fish oil) that you can buy at a Walmart or similar store.

Hair loss is from your body going into shock over not having the same nut you had PreSurgery, and the Anesthesia. 

Poor thing... mine fell out for about a year 1/2. but fortunatly I had plenty-o hair to loose. 

I wish I had some advise, protein & Biotin is all I'd know to try.

Um....what about hats?

One of my DS friends, just embraced the fall out, and cut her hair super short, like about 1/2" long, and bleached it golden blonde.  Her hair didn't look as thin then, and she just played it up.  (She was in here late 40's too).  Just a thought.

Good luck Jamie!

I haven't lost as much as you have in my first year, however, my thin,fine blonde hair is actually better than before surgery! My doctor insists on 4 calcium a day. I use the chewable Viactiv caramel flavored. It's like my dessert after each meal and at bedtime. My hairdresser has even made comments about my hair being better. He doesn't know about my surgery.

I also make sure I get plenty of protein. Sometimes it's hard because lots of meats that I used to eat don't go down easily now. I still occasionally have protein shakes for breakfast or when I "think" I am hungry and plan to raid the refrig or pantry.