How to stop hair loss
Hi everyone,
I am almost 5 months post-op and doing great, except that my hair is falling out. I am trying so hard to get all my protein in. I am drinking at least one protein shake a day to supplement and am also taking all my vitamins and taking biotin to help. Does anyone have any other suggestions! I still wouldn't trade how I feel, even with the hair loss, but I am getting nervous because the hair loss is really going strong now.
Also, does anyone know how long before the hair loss reverses itself?
thanks for any and all suggestions
Ida
Hi Ida
Hair loss is going to happen no matter how m uch protein you take and how much vitamins you take. There is no proven fact that that will prevent it or slow it down. It doesn't last that long and your hair does grow back. In fact, mine grew back stronger and thicker. However, the shorter the hair, the less noticeable it is.
Marie
Hi Ida,
I am also 5 months post op and have been having significant hair loss for about a month now. I take a lot of comfort in Marie's post about the hair loss eventually slowing down. It's scary! i did cut my hair short to reduce the look of thinning and that helped a lot. I guess it's a small price to pay for finally getting the weight off....but it is mighty upsetting isn't it?!
How are you doing otherwise? How do you feel?
Take care,
Amy
Dear Amy,
Thanks for responding. Yes, it is disconcerting to see your hair falling out before your eyes, but I would do it all over again in a hearbeat. Other than the hair loss, I feel great! I am down 73 lbs since May 24th and I just completed the Avon 2 day Breast Cancer Walk (walked 26.2 miles in two days). It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I know there is no way I could have done it if I had not dropped the weight first!
Good luck to you! I hope we both get our hair back soon- stronger and healthier than ever!
Ida
HEY IDA!
from what i learn everyone is different with this event.
ONCE the hair thinning started.....just shy of 4 months
it kept on thru my entire months of rapid weight loss.
STAY CALM!
you wont go totally bald its a thinning.
PERHAPS take some biotin to speed up new growth
and keep the new growth hair comeing in healthy.
NO one really noticed this phase but me. IT was
hard and stressful. THANKFULLY i am at the stage
of it starting to fill back out.
HANG in there!
I know many of us are very vain about our hair.
I also during that time didnt put added stess in my
hair with hair colors and pony tail holders!
good luck
You may receive a lot of advice to your hair loss question, some conflicting, as we all have opinions I will add mine! FIRST THIS IS NORMAL/COMMON!!! I have not seen anyone go bald! (or heard of it either! in my 4 yrs...)
First understanding the nature of the hair loss will help guide your 'solution'. *Which time is probably the only solution!*
Hair loss occurs frequently with any form of dieting/weight loss. After WLS MANY (I have seen 30-50% as the stats) patients experience hair thinning or hair, which is easily removed during washing/combing. Once you have the surgery, your caloric intake is drastically reduced to a mere 300-600 calories a day. This puts the body in an "emergency/starvation" mode as it thinks something is terribly wrong, (it used to get up to 10X that amount!) and it begins to focus ONLY on supporting the vital organs that will sustain life. Hair has never been under the category of a "life-sustaining" organ; therefore, the body puts the hair on the back burner until it is sure that the body is going to be okay enough to again send nutrients to the hair.
Protein and iron deficiencies are a common cause, and increasing both can help *BUT that can take 3 months of so!*. It starts generally around 3-6 months and stop around 6-9 months postop (*but can occur anytime there is a deficiency). This is because immediately following WLS adequate protein intake is difficult and it takes about 3 months for the effects to become evident, therefore taking in additional protein via shakes/supplements this minute will not yield results for a few months!. There are also many other things including medications that can cause hair loss, to name a few *not all inclusive):
· Ace inhibitors for high BP (lisinopril, monopril etc)
· Actigall taken to prevent gallstones ***MANY are on this for up to 1 yr postop regularly!**
· allopurinal taken for gout
· anticoagulants, (coumadin)
· anti-depressants
· anti-thyroid medicine
· beta-blockers for high bp & heart disease
· birth control pills
· tagamet for stomach acid
· lithium, depakote, tegretol all are mood stabilizers (last 2 are also anticonvulsants)
Other factors to consider as well:
· mineral/vitamin insufficiency (specifically zinc, Biotin (a B vitamin), Selenium)
· major systemic stress (surgery trauma, anesthesia...)
· Chronic diseases (Syphilis, Cancer, Thyroid disorders, Lupus etc)
Scalp infections (ringworm etc)
I waited 1 yr after WLS to highlight my hair, to avoid any further trauma. I used to do it every 3 months pre WLS. (been gray up front since my 20's!). I can not say if this was the correct thing to do? I recommend you speak with an experienced hairdresser on this if considering! Cutting hair may help it look healthier and fuller, so that may be a good start! I wanted my deficiencies/trauma to be minimal so as when dying I wouldn't impose more stress on the hair! *again not sure if this view is correct? any hairdressers out there? basically this is what I have read: chemical hair treatments such as perms or coloring, even blow drying your hair or wearing a ponytail can thin out your hair. http://www.folica.com/Hair_Loss_Overv_d1287.html Traumatic alopecia: This "man-made" form of hair loss is caused by hairdressing techniques that do at least one of the following: pull the hair (tight braiding or corn-rowing); expose hair to extreme heat and twisting (curling iron or hot rollers); or damage the hair with strong chemicals (bleaching, hair coloring, permanent waves).
TREATMENTS: ***NOTE if you know the cause such as low protein or low iron or low zinc/selenium/biotin fine otherwise you may be wasting money).***
Increase protein intake (we need at least 60gms a day according to most sources, remember we malabsorb some we take in! So think protein shakes predigested Whey!), & make sure you are taking a good quality multivitamin. Some people use Rogaine for women and some people take a natural B vitamin product called biotin (5mg 1-2x day), Selenium 200mcg 1-2x day and Zinc 50mg 1-2x day. Also some have reported that biotin shampoo sometimes helps (beware too much zinc for too long can raise cholesterol...and possibly lower your HDL and lower your immunity also)....
In reality treating the underlying cause is necessary (so if from trauma of surgery/rapid wt loss/protein malnutrition then ONLY time will help and upping protein as early as possible for today's hair loss is from malnutrition/trauma 3 months ago, over time if your focused on the protein and vits it will stop and regrow! (no extra expensive vits or minerals/shampoos needed!), people say this vit or that shampoo did it when in essence most likely TIME was the biggest factor! Taking those things r using them may of lessened our worry and helped pass the time better 
A little more on this: http://www.ahlc.org/causes-f.htm
There are two different types of hair loss, medically known as anagen effluvium and Telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium, is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage.
The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:
Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, and rapid weight change.
Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member.
Thyroid abnormalities.
Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and Gout medications.
Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, and menopause.
When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.
DIET CONSIDERATIONS
Hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet programs which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular. Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss associated with dieting. From a dermatologist's standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss. Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in vitamin A which can magnify the hair loss.
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS
Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss. The body simply shuts down production of hair during periods of stress since it is not necessary for survival and instead devotes its energies toward repairing vital body structures. In many cases there is a three-month delay between the actual event and the onset of hair loss. Furthermore, there may be another three-month delay prior to the return of noticeable hair regrowth. This then means that the total hair loss and regrowth cycle can last 6 months or possibly longer when induced by physical or emotional stress. There are some health conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to hair loss. These include anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test.
HORMONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It is important to remember that the hair loss may be delayed by three months following the hormonal change and another three months will be required for new growth to be fully achieved.
MYTHS RELATED TO HAIR LOSS
? Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss.
? Hats and wigs cause hair loss.
? 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair.
? Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic treatments.
? Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if they are healthy.
? Shaving one's head will cause the hair to grow back thicker.
? Standing on one's head will cause increased circulation and thereby stimulate hair growth!
? Dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
? There are cosmetic products that will cause the hair to grow thicker and faster.
? Stress causes permanent hair loss.
? Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early twenties.
? Hair loss affects only intellectuals.
? There is a cure for androgenetic Alopecia.
These are only a few of the common myths heard by physicians and other hair loss specialists on a daily basis. The AHLC suggests that you first have your hair loss diagnosed by a competent dermatologist who sees hair loss patients on a regular basis. Once you know the diagnosis you will have a better understanding of exactly which treatment option may be best for you.
OK long as usual (would u expect anything less?) LOL
Take Care,
Jamie
Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh
320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"
A little more on this: http://www.ahlc.org/causes-f.htm
There are two different types of hair loss, medically known as anagen effluvium and Telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium, is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage.
The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:
Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, and rapid weight change.
Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member.
Thyroid abnormalities.
Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and Gout medications.
Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, and menopause.
When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.
DIET CONSIDERATIONS
Hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet programs which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular. Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss associated with dieting. From a dermatologist's standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss. Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in vitamin A which can magnify the hair loss.
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS
Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss. The body simply shuts down production of hair during periods of stress since it is not necessary for survival and instead devotes its energies toward repairing vital body structures. In many cases there is a three-month delay between the actual event and the onset of hair loss. Furthermore, there may be another three-month delay prior to the return of noticeable hair regrowth. This then means that the total hair loss and regrowth cycle can last 6 months or possibly longer when induced by physical or emotional stress. There are some health conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to hair loss. These include anemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test.
HORMONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It is important to remember that the hair loss may be delayed by three months following the hormonal change and another three months will be required for new growth to be fully achieved.
MYTHS RELATED TO HAIR LOSS
? Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss.
? Hats and wigs cause hair loss.
? 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair.
? Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic treatments.
? Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if they are healthy.
? Shaving one's head will cause the hair to grow back thicker.
? Standing on one's head will cause increased circulation and thereby stimulate hair growth!
? Dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
? There are cosmetic products that will cause the hair to grow thicker and faster.
? Stress causes permanent hair loss.
? Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early twenties.
? Hair loss affects only intellectuals.
? There is a cure for androgenetic Alopecia.
These are only a few of the common myths heard by physicians and other hair loss specialists on a daily basis. The AHLC suggests that you first have your hair loss diagnosed by a competent dermatologist who sees hair loss patients on a regular basis. Once you know the diagnosis you will have a better understanding of exactly which treatment option may be best for you.
OK long as usual (would u expect anything less?) LOL
Take Care,
Jamie
Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh
320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!" Hi Jamie,
Thanks so much for all the info. You seem to be very knowledgeable. I am staying calm and I have been careful not to blow dry my hair or use any heat on it- just letting it dry naturally. I also held off for a few months, but just gave in and colored it because I couldn't stand it any more. I am getting it cut tomorrow, so I think it will look better. Also, I am not obsessing about this, just accepting it as part of aftereffects of surgery. I would do this again in a heartbeat, even if I did go bald! I am so much happier now than I ever was and the hair loss is just a small price to pay. I will be patient and I'm sure it will come back. Thanks again for all the info.
Ida
(deactivated member)
on 10/10/06 10:03 pm - MT
on 10/10/06 10:03 pm - MT
Ida,
Well Jamie really sums it up.. 
It is something that happens with all WLS'ers so hang in there and it does take 3 month from what I hear to show in your hair so what you do today will help with the hair in 3 months. I just made sure I was taking in my protein and it seemed to stop about 1 year out but before then I cut my hair short and it really helped! Now I see it coming back in the thinner places so that is good, I am 16 months out. 
I wish you all the best hun 
Debra P 
It is something that happens with all WLS'ers so hang in there and it does take 3 month from what I hear to show in your hair so what you do today will help with the hair in 3 months. I just made sure I was taking in my protein and it seemed to stop about 1 year out but before then I cut my hair short and it really helped! Now I see it coming back in the thinner places so that is good, I am 16 months out.
I wish you all the best hun
Debra P Most Active
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