Question:
Hair Loss Questions

It just occurred to me that I've been seeing in profiles that a lot of people lost their hair after surgery. I am getting married approximately six months after my surgery and am worried that I might lose hair and look terrible. Is it a lot of hair loss, something noticable to others, or something you just notice due to clogged drains? I just don't want to look ridiculous on my wedding day. I know it may sound vain, and I do seem to get accused of that a lot on this site, given that the first and only time I went into the chat room and mentioned I was getting married, all these people assumed I was having surgery because of the wedding, which was rather insulting. If that was the case I would have postponed the wedding to a time, where I was more likely to have reached my goal. Oh well... anyways, I'm also wondering if there is a way to start combatting the hairloss as early as today. I've heard of biotin helping? Does anyone know where I can get this? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!    — Deborah W. (posted on October 18, 2001)

October 18, 2001
Deborah, I have spoken with my Dr. regarding hairloss. I'm also very vein when it comes to hair...it's kinda a huge part of my identity. The nurse told me that during months 3-6 that many people do thin out. Something to do with the fats not being absorbed. She said there really isn't anything they now of to help. You should avoid chemical processing during this time and try to keep your hair as natural as possible. I'm a bleached blonde...easier said than done. She said she did not know of anyone who has had the surgery that has had total bald spots, usually just some thining. I'm scheduled for surgery on Oct 23rd and this has been one of my concerns. I have told my husband that if I lose my hair I will buy a Lady Godiva wig from Fredericks. Good Luck and congratulations on your engagement.
   — Cheryl C.

October 18, 2001
Deborah don't be so vain (just kidding!). I think I'd be more concerned about my wedding dress being too big! Hopefully you'll have a backup plan for that. As for the hair, I'm 4 months and haven't had any loss yet but this is the time so I'm paying close attention. But like the previous poster said, keeping it as natural as possible helps. I try not to do too many extra things to my hair right now. But if you DO have major hair loss around the wedding time -- girlfriend you can go to the salon and have them put in a piece or two. I don't know your race -- but black women do it all the time (I'm black if you haven't guessed :-) Anyway, no one will know but you and your hair dresser. Plus it's kind of fun. (there have been times were I have my normal short curly hair, then others where I have a cute ponytail -- courtesy of OPH (Other People's Hair). Hope this helps! Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

October 18, 2001
u can buy bio-tin at a gnc store or a vitamin store. i bought it and i am taking it now before surgery which is on monday the 22nd. and have to take it all the time after that. good luck!
   — aida M.

October 18, 2001
Another thing is that the hair loss in the 3-6th month is due to not enough protein just after surgery. You MUST have at least 60g of protein a day. Also the biotin works too. Everyone that I know post op says that get your protein just after surgery and you wont lose as much hair.
   — Melody F.

October 18, 2001
I am now around my 4th month, but the last month and a half have been very bad for me nutrition-wise. So I've been on the lookout for hairloss. About 3 weeks ago I noticed more and more hair on my shirts. I started getting really worried. But my stylist said she can't tell a difference, and I can't tell a difference when I feel the thickness. It's just seeing the strands that had me worried. If anyone should be losing hair due to malnutrition it should be me. So maybe it won't be so bad....just noticeable to me and no one else. We can hope! Best of luck.
   — Tracy L.

October 18, 2001
I AM 7 MONTHS POST-OP AND I AM LOOSING HAIR!!!I HAVE BEEN EXTREMLEY BAD WHEN IT COMES TO DRINKING THE PROTEIN SHAKES. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT IF YOU DON'T FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES, IN REFERENCE TO VITAMINS AND SUCH... YOU WILL FEEL THE CONSEQUENCES ( HAIR LOSS, ETC....) SO GIRLFRIEND, DRINK THOSE SHAKES! AND DON'T SUFFER LIKE I AM!!
   — [Anonymous]

October 18, 2001
Go ahead and up your protein but if the hair is gonna go, it's gonna go. I get plenty of protein but have lost about 1/2 my hair. It still looks fine but I can tell. I am into my 6th month after surgery so I hope it stops soon. I noticed it slowing down in the past couple of weeks. Don't worry about your wedding. If you are smart you will have your hair professionally done that day and, thin or not, it will look fabulous! I told my mother that I would rather have thin hair/thin me than thick hair/thick me. Have a fantastic wedding!
   — ctyst

October 21, 2001
I eat around 20-40 grams of protein a day. Not the "over 60 grams" or the 90-120 grams my surgeon says. I can not stand nor afford the protein drinks. I'm 5.5 months post op and "so far" I have had no hair loss problems. Perhaps it depends on our families genes or our current health. Perhaps if it's going to happen it will happen whether you have all the protein or not. I sure don't know, but I made up my mind I was'nt going to worry about it. I can always wear a cap, but I can understand it bothering ladies. Makes sence. Hope the best for you.
   — Danmark