Question:
I lost tons of hair post op. Will this happen again post tummy tuck?

I am over a year out and have really just started getting some good regrowth. I really need the tummy tuck, but will I lose all of my hair again?    — Julie S. (posted on December 15, 2002)

December 15, 2002
I can't answer you question, but I had some hair loss with my wls too and i just had my tt/boob job 13 days ago, I hope I don't have any hair loss, I need what I got!!!:)
   — bikerchic

December 15, 2002
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unfortunately, counting the bypass, gallbladder removal and breast and tt surgery, I have lost hair after each surgery. I am on my 3rd bout of hair loss after 3 surgeries within a year and a half. This could just be for me, but I really think the hair loss has more to do with surgeries now and not the lack of protein. I have always received enough protein and still eat according to doctor's instructions. I followed all the rules and still lost hair. With all this experience I know in my case it has to do with the trauma of surgery but I also know the hair eventually comes back. It's all been worth it. Surgery was 2/28/01 and I still am below my personal goal. I have lost 180 pounds and never felt better. I also have the best looking breasts that I have ever had and a flat tummy. It's a whole new world and hair loss is not a priority anymore. Good luck and go for the tummy tuck!
   — Janie C.

December 15, 2002
I am convinced that the hair loss has nothing to do with the lack of protein in our bodies and has everything to do with the shock/trauma to the body and the anestethics used during surgery. About a year before WLS, I had sugery for a herniated disc in my back-3 months after surgery the hair started falling out and stopped at 6 months. Well, guess what, the same thing happened after WLS.
   — Cindy R.

December 15, 2002
I hate to say it, Julie, but I've had the same experience as the posters below who lose hair due to the trauma of surgery and/or anesthesia. It was never from a protein deficiency in my case -- I got 60 grams of protein in from the beginning after WLS, with protein shakes, and I still use 'em, and I get in about 100 grams of protein a day even now at 6+ months out. Even so, at about three months post-WLS, I started losing hair. It stopped six weeks later (I never bothered with biotin or special hair care products, and it just quit falling out on its own). But then, I had to have more surgery (unrelated to WLS). Kept up with my protein and all, and dang if the hair loss didn't start all over again about 2 1/2 months after the *second* surgery (big time -- worse than with the WLS). I expect it will stop in a few more weeks, but ugh! I hope more hair loss doesn't happen to you, but unfortunately, it might.<P>On the other hand -- maybe your tummy will look so flat after your TT that your hair will look bigger by comparison! :D
   — Suzy C.

December 15, 2002
Thanks... I figured as much, but I was hoping I was wrong. I am definitely going to get the tummy tuck and possibly a breast lift. As you said, the hair will grow back again and I will look good all over this time! I love the flat stomach will make my hair look bigger one!
   — Julie S.

December 15, 2002
I know that others have said they lost hair with any surgery they have had. I did not lose any hair after I had my gall bladder out, but lost a lot 4 months after my WLS. My hair is not all that thick to begin with and it was really noticeable. I just got it cut VERY short and my hairdresser said that she can see the regrowth. Yipppee!
   — garw

December 16, 2002
I never had any problem with my tt and hair loss. Some people lose hair due to anesthesia. Some lose it due to the massive weight loss.
   — Patty H.