Hair, Skin, & Nails

I am new to the boards, so if someone already asked this I apologize. I am still 3 mos. pre-op, but I have heard that the severe nutritional limitations can affect hair, skin tone, and nails strenght/growth dramatically.  Is this true?  I have pretty fine/ thinhair already, losing my hair would be a very bad thing for my confidence as I would likely appear to be balding pretty quickly,  I am concerned about my skin and nails, but mostly it's the hair. If it is true, is there a supplament or action I can take to prevent this? Thanks, Sara~

I will let the nutritionist deal with specific vitamins and amounts, but I will add some info on a personal note.  First, I, like you, was very worried about my hair and who knows it may still fall out but right now I am 3 1/2 mos. post op and it is in great shape.  At about 4 weeks post surgery I went to my local Vitamin Shoppe and bought these vitamins called Solaray Hair Nutrients which were to provide nutrients for hair, nails, and skin.  You cannot believe the benefits for my nails and skin and hair.  My complexion is absolutely the best it has ever been.  I have always had thin, peeling and brittle nails and they are getting so long and hard that I have actually invested in nail polish.  OK, so I don't know what to credit. . . the surgery or the vitamins-yeah, I think it's the pills!

Thanks for the info!  Sounds like I should go get some now, why wait for post-op! lol

Protein, Protein, Protein!!   The vitamins won't hurt, I can't promise they are going to help (although the previous poster is convinced, so it's worth a try).   But really, what you want to do is keep your protein intake as high as possible.  A MINIMUM of 60 grams per day - look for protein shakes that are high in protein, low in sugar.  Try to get at least 60 g per day, but shoot for 75 g.  This can be very, very difficult, as your pouch is so small.   Good luck and focus on the protein! Sara Nejat-Bina, RD, CNSD, CDE eNutritionCare.com

Regarding what nutritionist says. . . I always get my protein and shoot for 75 g.  I really monitor protein intake. So maybe that is why my nails and hair are ok., but my skin is absolutely glowing.  Here I am 58 when skin can look dull and mine is super- protein, vitamins, I don't care which.  I will continue both!