WLS and hair loss

Hi everybody, I am Deb and am new to this site.  My mother had open BPD/DS 3 years ago and my sister had RNY lap 2 years ago.  Now it is my turn.  I am having BPD/DS open August 25th at 7:15 AM! 

My mom didn't really experience alot of hair loss with her surgery but my little sister did.  My question is this, Mom and sister both have short hair, I have long hair.  I think that I read somewhere that if I got a shorter haircut that would possibly help me not to lose much hair?  Anyone ever heard this? In the last two years I have done two donations to "Locks for love" the organization that makes wigs for children that have cancer and lost thier hair due to treatment.  I am considering doing anopther donation before my surgery next week.  I have always had long hair I am kinda scared to have short hair but once I get the surgery I will be losing alot more than hair.  I guess I needed to post this just to talk myself into it!  LOL  I am getting a good case of the nerves since I am only 8 days away from this wonderful life changing surgery!  I am excited and nervous and find myself sitting here thinking about leaving behind two little boys that I love so much and then if I don't get the surgery what kind of life are they going to have with a mother that can't even play with them??   OK I went wayyyy off topic here so I am done.  Can't wait to see what the losers bench looks like from there!  Thanks everybody I have found so much information on this site I wish I would have found it sooner!  Deb

Unfortunately, cutting your hair will not change how much of it you lose...  all cutting is does it help it look fuller once you DO start losing it.  There is really nothing that you can do to keep it from coming out (adequate protein consumption after surgery will help, but will NOT keep you from losing your hair; biotin helps with re-growth but will also not keep it from falling out in the first place).  

Just console yourself with the fact that your face will be getting smaller as you are losing hair, so most people will not notice your hair getting thinner, and it WILL eventually grow back.  

Good luck with your surgery, and welcome to the Ohio forum.

Lora

Thanks Lora, I have found so much information on this site I wish that I had found it sooner.  I have found myself glued to this site for the past few days.  Everyone on here has been so nice and welcoming.  Again thanks, I will see you on the losers bench! Deb 

Hey there Deb,    The hole hair lose issue has been a daily reminder to me.  My hair began to fall out at three monts and at five months it is still comming out.  Luckly I have A LOT of hair,  I used to have to have it thinned out, now it's just thinning out  by itself !!  I also have long hair and always have had.  I personally have kept my longhair ( for now) and have just been putting it up in cute styles for a while.  It is really thinning out on top so by putting it up you can't tell it's thinned too much.  Everone is different of course.   Congats on your upcomming surgery.  I also have two chldren that are 7 and 10.   I face the same struggles and concerns that you are.   At five months out I am having a ball playing with my children and have sooooo much more energy.  Life is fun everyday.  I still have a long way to go but I'm enjoying my new found freedom, and you will too.  You'll be in my prayers   Lynne

Lynn, Thank you for your prayers!  I needed your words of encouragement today!  God Bless Deb

I used to have a ton of hair, and I used to have to get it thinned. About 3-4 months after surgery, it started falling out. I have less than a third of what I had in the beginning. I'm 6 years, so I don't think mine is coming back at this point.

I'm working towards a revision and really am scared that I may be bald if I lose the amount of hair like I did before.

Absolutely 100% not trying to scare you, you will probably be fine. Just wanted to let you know that there are those of us who did not get the regrowth of all the hair we lost.

Thanks,
Jill

Jill, I think that I read somewhere that if you get a shorter hair cut that you might now lose as much if you take the weight off of the roots.  I don't know if its true or not but I have decided not to get a haircut until after my surgery just to see what happens.  I know that everybody is different but I don't have the thickest head of hair anyway. LOL

You are trying to get a revisionfrom RNY?  I hope that you get what you are seeking.  All the best, God Bless, Deb 

I do have a shorter cut now, and plan to go even a little shorter. I just don't have the face to wear the short, short cut.  I hope not too much more falls out, we shall see.

Yes, I'm seeking a revision from RNY to DS. Thanks for the well wishes!

Jill

I don't have the guts to wear short hair lol. I have always had long hair and I wear it in a braid almost every single day,  I have an eight month old that loves to pull my hair too  lol!  I really do hope all the best for you!  God Bless, Deb

Okay, I have to admit that I don't have the guts either. I have never had really short hair. It's been shortish, but not extremely short!!!!

Are you getting ready for surgery?