What is the chance of los...

What is the chance of losing hair after surgery? My sister who is very upset about me having surgery told me that one of her friends who also had surgery had a very difficult time with her hair, that she lost alot of it. Is this a problem that many of you have had? Sure would like to hear about it. Please think good thoughts for me as I found out she won't be a support to me. In fact, she was trying to get me to change my mind. My surgery is scheduled for the 8th of May. I am so thrilled about it and guess I will just have to keep moving forward.

Most will go through some hair loss but grow it back. Here is what happens: You have major surgery. Your body sees this as a dire emergency and focuses all available resources on healing the wound. The least essential functions are the last to be attended to - that would be the hair. In addition to the surgery, you are starving your body. So you have a double whammy and your body just goes into emergency self-preservation mode. It's normal. It takes about 3 months for it to start showing up and can last for several months after that. It's gradual at first and then picks up speed a month or two in and sometimes can become scary. I could see my scalp. But when it grows in, it doesn't take long for it to look full again because just 1/2 inch growth fills in the thin spots and poofs your hair out. So don't sweat the small stuff. It may happen - worst case scenario you get a wig or extension for a couple months. Dina

I had my surgery June 2005 by October my hair was falling out pretty bad - not in clumps but there was hair always on my shoulders and back of my shirt - I always had my kids and husband "pick me off" before we went anywhere. I would say that my hair finally stopped falling out about two months ago. I dont notice any "bald spots" or anything unusual but it feels a little thinner (but I had plenty of hair before surgery). Now I cant pull my hair back because I have about 1 1/2 inches of growth that sticks out everywhere. As far as I am concerned this has been a very minor inconvenience for the wonderful way I feel right now. Good Luck!!!