hair loss

 I am still pre-op and due for surgery April 1. Tell me what months are the most likely to find hair loss. Is there anything that will slow it down? Did you get yours back in the same texture and thickness that it once was? Did you find that hair color made it worse?

Congratulations on your up coming surgery!

I'm a hairdresser (35+ years) and a support group leader here in Central AR. Here's what I tell my members and clients:

70% of WLS patients experience hair loss. It's caused by not being able to get in enough protein the first two or three months to sustain hair growth. The body will pull what it needs from where it needs it....it's pretty smart that way!  So, at about 3-4 months post op you might experience hair loss and it usually lasts a month or two. This is a systemic problem that is not exacerbated by hair color that is applied to the scalp, the changes occur UNDER the scalp and through out the whole body.

It's just another one of those things that happens that we have to deal with on our journeys to better health. It doesn't last forever, YES it will grow back, usually the same as it was before.  You DO have to be diligent about taking your supplements and getting in as much protein as you are able.

In almost 5 years of being around people who have had WLS, I've never seen anyone go bald, but I HAVE seen plenty of people be successful in losing weight.

 Thanks, that was most helpful. PROTEIN is a word that is very important to WLS patients. What about wigs? If I want to get one what do you recommend?

Dont go jumping the gun here! I think you should just wait and see what happens. Do you have a regular hair stylist? She'll be a good resource for you during this process. Remember, 30% of people don't lose hair, and if they do, it isn't so bad that it's noticeable.

Relax!

I went completely bald in the front and sides.  I still, from time to time, have a great deal of hair loss.  I can always tell when I am not eating enough, hair falls out.  And, I can always tell when I am not drinking enough, lets turn to noodles.  Bald isn't such a bad thing…especially since the hair comes back. 

I started losing hair about 6 months after surgery - I had long almost waist length think curly hair - it was the best thing about me! Well it began to fall out - huge handfuls after shampooing - nothing I did helped, finally in December I cut it above my shoulders with some shorter layers throughout to release the curl because it got so straggly it looked terrible. I'm sad about it - but not depressed - because in reality, it was time folks. The shorter cut I think makes me look younger, it's a heck of a lot easier to deal with - and I use a lot less product because there is so much less of it! The falling out has slowed - it's still more than I would like, but I started a hair/skin/nails regimine by GNC and I think it's starting to feel and look thicker and healthier. At my age I don't think I'll be able to grow it waist length again, but - oh well. I'd rather be wearing a loose size 12 than the tight 20 I was wearing when I had glorious hair!