Hair loss has really kicked in

I knew it was coming, and I understand the reasons why.  I'm also doing everything I can to minimize it (high protein, biotin, zinc, voodoo).  Still, nothing quite prepares you for the level of hair loss I've had in the last few days.  It's hard to estimate, but I'd guess I'm dropping at least 300 hairs a day for the last week or so.  I noticed maybe 20-50 a day the week before, and almost none before that.  Just running my fingers through my hair can easily pick up 20+.  I've stopped wearing my coat around the office, otherwise it looks like it doubles as a cat bed.  I need one of those mini-vacuums for my computer keyboard. When I take a step back, I'm not that worried about it.  I have very dense hair, perhaps 2-3 times normal (barbers complain, I have to bru**** down several times a day because it does the Conan O'Brien thing on its own ).  So I could probably lose like this for several months without it being dire.  I also just got it cut really short, which reduces the irritation somewhat.  I just hope my shower and sink drains hold up...

Just a note to men just having or about to have surgery: if hair loss bothers you, take your protein, biotin, and zinc (and maybe iron, according to some people) early.  I took some biotin and zinc early, but my attitude was "Well, if I start seeing hair loss, I'll step that stuff up."  But my understanding now is that this type of hair loss (Telogen alopecia, see link) takes about 100 days to manifest.  So really, the damage was all done 100 days ago, shortly after surgery.  And to the extent that any of the treatments actually reduce telogen effluvium, they must be taken at the beginning. Once a folicle begins the process of going dormant, there's no stopping it. 

Ard, a lot of the hair coming out now, Met its demise a few months back. Hang in there. If you have kept you protein levels up for the last couple of months, the effects of new healthy hair will start showing up soon. Some of the loss is from "breaking off" hair right at the scalp. All in all- The hair loss is fairly normal, more so for women. It happens to just about everyone (genetics aside) and there isn't much you can do. However, you can help it a bit by "strengthening" the dead "Catagen Phase" Hair and try to keep from having it break off more than usual. Here are some of the suggestions from some hair dressers who have had first hand experience with hair loss associated with WLS.- "Be nice to the hair you have. Don't brush your hair when it's wet. You're pulling out hairs by doing these things, weakening the follicles and shafts." "Keep your hair maintained with regular cuts. This will lessen the amount of hair that comes out in your hands and brushes. You don't have to buzz cut your head but - the longer your hair is, the more weight there is on your follicles and tends to pull them out easier." "If you're losing volume, consider a shorter haircut. This is where paying the extra money for a good hair stylist goes a long way. When you go to an established stylist, They have the training and experience in dealing with this sort of thing." In short, you get what you pay for. A good "cutter" can make thin hair look thicker, etc… Let him or her know that you've had surgery, if you have vitamin deficiencies, and listen to recommendations. Some of the stylists who are great "color" and "perm" experts have serious chemistry backgrounds to draw from when it comes to Hair. Tap into their experience/knowledge. "Consider using a "strengthening" product." I’ve heard some recommend Fructis Strengthening ‘leave-in’ Conditioner, and All Nioxin Products. Since a lot of the loss associated with WLS is breakage as well as the "Catagen/Teogen phases" of dead roots, using a product that adds strength to the existing hair shaft seems to make sense. A lot of those products do make outlandish claims such as "10 times stronger…" but in reality do just a tiny bit toward improving strength. The good thing, is it does grow back. Best Wishes- Dx

Used Minoxidil before and after surgery and didn't lose any hair at all. Might be good to start now.

Dave

Hey Ard!  I haven't had my surgery yet, but I don't think the hair thing is gonna be a problem!

The hair thing really sucks. My surgeon looked at my long hair and said you will have hair lose. I think it was just hair envy and his lack there of.  I would get a hair cut but it would make to many people happy, my wife included. It is almost down to my belt. It's an old biker thing. I keep it pulled back all the time and most people don't realize at first that it is so long.  I am about seven and a half months out and about two to three months ago it really started coming out. It seems to have slowed down now. Maybe even starting to come back. I asked the surgeon and the Nut about Biotin and taking other supplements and they said it won't hurt but it varies from person to person and probably wouldn't help. I do take extra biotin even though it is in the muti vitamin I take. Like you I have, or should say I had really thick hair,no one has made any comments about my thinning hair. But I sure can tell. Overall a small price to pay for what I have gained from surgery. pan head