Question:
AretAfrican Americans concerned about hair loss from WLS?

I'm curious as to whether there are any African Americans who have had WLS of any type or are in the pre-op phase that are concerned about losing their hair.    — yourdivaness (posted on February 12, 2003)

February 12, 2003
Hi, I am in the post op phase 3.5 months out. I had an open RNY on 10/22/02. I am half african american (my father is black.) My hair is falling out in clumps.
   — J. W.

February 12, 2003
I am almost 6 months post op and I had a problem with hair loss starting in month 3. Its has started to slow down a bit, so I am thankful for that. Make sure you take your vitamins, keep your protein up. I also heard Zinc helps too, but I haven't tried that. Hope I helped. 5.75 months post op -120 lbs.
   — Shavonne P.

February 12, 2003
I just found they have a group for African-American who have had or going to have wls. It's a spin-off of the original OSSG Group called OSSG-Black on yahoo. I just joing the other day. Hope this helps!
   — Robin J.

February 12, 2003
There is also another new group on Yahoo, African_AmericanWLS it might help to post there as well.
   — Sonya M.

February 12, 2003
I think losing hair is a more of individual thing than a race issue. AA or any other combination, we are ALL concerned and we are in the same boat. I am more cracker than a saltine (but who cares!), yet still have naturally curly hair that I treat with salon or take home products "MEANT" for "AA" hair. I went through the "to be expected loss" and made it to the other side. A hat or a wig, if it is unbearable, can help- but their are few that have to go to that extreme. Don't let my picture fool you- I have been battling this since puberty- I am a pro at straightening:). Please read ALL the past posts!
   — Karen R.

February 13, 2003
My hair started shedding much more heavily promptly at the three month mark. It started slowing around 7-8 months or so. I never lost clumps, had no bald spots and the hair I kept continued to grow longer. I try to look at the bright side...now when I wear my ponytail, it swings because it's lighter!
   — Pamela B.

February 13, 2003
I think the hair loss comes from not getting in enough protein, vitamins and water. I've noticed that the people who lose the most hair are those who lose the most weight the quickest. I'm a slow loser because I am probably not as regimented as most people, but on the other hand, my hair is growing like the roots of a tree. It's never been longer or healthier.
   — MURRAY

June 26, 2003
I wear my hair in a very, very short cut. It is cut to the scalp and I brush it to get waves. I didn't lose any hair and was very concerned about the prospects of hair loss. I do consider myself a slow loser, and I'm okay with it...I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I have always taken my vitamins and taken in adequate amounts of protein. Hope this helps. Darlene
   — Darlene B.