Question:
Have any other slow weight losers kept their hair?

I am a slow loser. 63 lbs. in 5 months. I have lost consistently, just slowly. Have any other "slow losers" managed to lose the weight and not their hair? I haven't lost any hair yet and was wondering if its because I am losing so slowly, or because I have maintained 60 gms of protein every day, via protein drinks. Thanks    — NitaE (posted on January 29, 2003)

January 29, 2003
Hi, I'm losing my weight really slowly, I'm sorry to say. I've had a lot of medical complications since my WLS. In fact, I just had my fourth operation on Monday since my surgery 10 months ago. Fortunately aside from some seromas, they are all miscellaneous problems which had nothing to do with my WLS. A ruptured gallbladder from an infection, orthopedic surgery from an old injury, and now a cancer scare. My weight loss has pretty much come to a stop. I figure it's from all of the stress. AND YET AFTER ALL OF THIS I haven't lost any hair. My hair is twice as thick, and has never looked better. Personally I don't know why hair falls out after WLS, but I'm living proof (that for me)hair doesn't fall out due to the stress from the surgery. If anyone has been under stress, it's me. However it might just be my body's particular chemistry. Personally I believe that getting your protein in is the key. But I also take Biotin once a day. So my guess is as good as yours. I'll be crossing my fingers you don't lose any hair either. Wish you could tell me how to get my weight loss stared again. I don't think I'm eating any differently, but my blood sugar levels are back up there again. I figure I won't get out from under this stress until I get my biopsy results back. Which will hopefully be anytime now. Sigh! I'm counting the seconds. Leigh
   — Leigh P.

January 29, 2003
Hi Nita: It is so weird. I just asked the other day if there is a correlation between slow weight loss and hair loss. I had lap rny on August 21, 2002. So far, I have lost 65 pounds. Almost exactly the same amount and time frame as you. So far, I have not had hair loss. Unfortunately, what I thought was completely negative for cancer, needs a needle biopsy. Because of this, I will have to undergo general anesthesia again, and am afraid this may do something to my hair. I was so fortunate so far with hair loss after the first surgery. I am not so sure about having a second surgery so close with anesthesia. I truly think some people do not lose their hair now matter what. According to Barbara Thompson's book, excellent by the way, 20% of people lose hair. Reading this site, it seems like a much higher percentage. I hope this continues for you, along with your slow, but steady, weight loss. Hope this helps. Love Grace
   — Grace H.

January 30, 2003
I'm not sure about the relationship between speed of weight loss and hair loss, but I can tell you that protein intake has no correlation whatsoever. I've eaten 100% of my 65-80 grams of protein EVERY DAY and still have lost a lot of hair. It's pretty common, too.
   — mandajuice