Question:
Help! Has your hair texture changed???

I am 9 weeks post-op (Open RNY) and have lost 55 lbs. I take my vitamins daily and am very careful to get my protein. However, I have noticed in the last week that my hair texture has changed drastically. My hair has always held curl easily and not gone flat. Well, now, it constantly feels like I've just used conditioner on it..it is very soft, very difficult to curl, and even heavy-duty hair spray won't keep the curl in. My question: Is this the first stage of getting ready to lose my hair? And, what can I do about this problem? I know it's not major, in the big scheme of things, but still, it's bothering me and I'm wondering if I am deficient in nutrients or if this is just a normal reaction to surgery 2 months out. Thanks so much for your input.    — Mary W. (posted on May 8, 2002)

May 8, 2002
Hi, hair has become a great big issue with me. Before surgery, I had thick, long blonde hair. It was very healthy and shiney. About 2 months out , it began to feel coarse.[Like horse hair]! It got to the point where it has become brittle and dull[I'am 4 months out]and I am definately losing my hair at a rapid pace. I take my protien, vitamins, drink water, I even went out to GNC and bought Biotin and Hair Nourish. Anybody got anymore suggestions out there? LOL.
   — Sherry S.

May 8, 2002
Hi! I had the same problems with my hair. I am now almost 9 mo out (FOBI POUCH) and it has gotten better. My hair started falling out arounf month 3 and has just slowed down. The texture rough and now it is very soft. I had very long hair also but I cut it last month being that I lost so much hair. The funny thing is my roots are lighter now. Hang in there cause it does get better. I was told that for the first year your hair will change alot.
   — Yvonne C.

May 8, 2002
I am pre-op and am concerned about hair loss after surgery. My hair dresser recommended I start using Rogaine for Women. Spray it in the hair twice a day. Hair has to be washed daily to avoid build up. Wal Mart Equate brand will work as well. Good luck.
   — Leah S.

May 8, 2002
Hi! unfortunately i can't afford to lose hair because it is so thin normally. When I took my first shower at the hosptial I looked in the tub and found a bunch of hair. I have been using a great product called NIOXIN. It has biotin in it. I have heard mixed things about the Hair, Skin, & Nails vitamins. I used them about 2 weeks pre op and i did see a difference. I have nicer nails now. I have to wait until i can swallow them again to start taking them. The NIOXIN shampoo and conditioner have really helped me though. They have mint in them and they soothe the scalp. (open rny 5-02-02)
   — candymom64

May 8, 2002
My hair changed after surgery. It felt greasy and dry all at the same time (scalp greasy hair dry), went flat as a board, then fell out. Now it's coming back different... it's wavy for one thing, and it's thicker. I've always had fine hair strands but it looked thick cause I had a lot of hair. now I think I have thicker hair and it's all full. I used to hang my head upside down and blow dry it to get the fluffy full look, now I wash it and brush it back and it fluffs out on it's own. I am just grateful it grew back! When I used to curl it with a curling iron, before surgery, I would use goo to hold the curl and hairspray and still be lucky if the curl stayed in 3 hours, now I curl it and the next day I still have the curl. I have no idea why this happened and I was a beautician... so hang in there... Becky
   — Becky K.

May 8, 2002
Are you taking a good protein supplement? Not CIB or Ensure/Boost, but real protein? Are you using dry form Vit E? Those things all work toward hair, skin & nails. Plenty of water? I mean PLENTY? If you're shorting the system on anything, the first thing to be cut off from the nutrient supply WILL be the hair & nails, so you have to be sure there is ample, plenty and more then enough "everything", so that your body feels free to "spend" them on the "peripherals".
   — vitalady

May 8, 2002
wow, i am going thru the same thing. i am nine weeks out, too.
   — PATSY N.