the good and the bad (no ugly)

Hi everyone,
   The good news as show on my ticker is a weight loss of 103 pounds!!!!! I'm having trouble believing it. Weighed on 2 scales to be sure. They both said 260 pounds. I know I have a long way to go, but I'm thrilled. Also I have lost almost 30 inches. I'm sure others have been able to lose more inches with more intense exercising, but I'm thrilled.
   The bad is that my hair has started falling out. I had hoped against hope that it wouldn't happen. Oh well, I will take the bad with the good. I have 2 wigs if it comes to that. lol
   Take care of you,    Mag   

I am so happy for you!!! Well the weight loss part anyway. The hair is another thing altoghter. I would just hand clumps of it out to my husband when I would shower. It does stop, and then you get these nice new short little tuffs. Very cute (not really)!

Be proud of yourself, you have worked hard.

Dani

Thanks, Dani. I can't complain about much, can I? Things are getting better and better every day.    Mag  

Hi Mag,

I have heard some people talk about their hair falling out.  What is the reason for that?  Is it just with RNY patients or all bari surgeries.  Can you take extra vitamins to fix that?

Always Curious,

Michele
 

Hi Michele,
    I know it's a big thing for RNY people. I think it has to do with mal-absorption. But I don't know all the ways and wherefores. That's why I take a large amount of vitamins. One pill is named biotin which is suppose to help against hair loss. Also some have told me it's important to keep protein levels up. I'm sure there are others who have a lot more information than I. I just kinda accepted it as inevitable.  Mag  

First off...CONGRATS! Wonderful weight loss! WOOOO HOOO...  I am very happy for you on that and proud of your efforts as well!

Now as for the hair loss part, it is basically 3-fold. The initial contributor is due to anesthesia. But it takes a few months to manifest itsself. Then lack of protein can also contribute tremendously. Then other needed vitamins and minerals that are not absorbed so readily can add to the hair loss, especially B vitamins. People lose hair to varying degrees. Some lose alot, others just a little, and not noticable to others.

Hair is made up primarily of protein, so when we are not getting in enough, our body will direct the protein to the more essential areas of our body, like our muscles and brain cells, etc. The body does not see hair as essential.
Biotin is a combination of essential B vitamins, and can help stop or even reverse hair loss in many people, that is caused for different reasons, not just wls.

Hair loss for bariatric patients isn't typically permanant, so long as we get our protein and nutritional intake to where it needs to be. Those who do not take in enough protein, may find their hair seems to never thicken up again. So protein is vital to slowing the hair loss, then regrowing it.

The hair loss usually begins around 3 or 4 months out from wls, and continues for 3 to 6 months, depending on the individual. The better protein intake is, the shorter the loss time will be.

It is also important to try not to do any chemical treatments on your hair if possible the first 6 to 12 months after surgery, especially if hair loss is significant, as this just further damages what is left, and encourages more to fall out or break off. It is best to wait until the loss stops before doing chemical abuse to it..lol

Hope this helps explain things a bit more for everyone.

Yup, like Patrece said.