Question:
Calling all Vitamin Experts!

I'm 18 months post-op and my hair has not been the same since before WLS surgery. It has stop falling out, but it's still very thin and not really growing. What supplements could I take to encourage new growth? Is this a sign that I am not getting all the benfits of my vitamins?    — AB B. (posted on February 20, 2003)

February 20, 2003
If you are not seeing new growth and you are 18 months out, I would say that you definitely are not getting in enough protein and perhaps other vitamins. You may be eating enough protein, but how much of it is being absorbed into your system? When was the last time you had your blood levels checked-perhaps its time to check out your levels.
   — Cindy R.

February 20, 2003
Ask your doctor for a consult to a dermatologist for your hair problem. I would also maybe have your primary care physician or family doctor to prescribe some biotin (that way your insurance could pay for it) or you can simply go the the drug store or health food store and ask someone for biotin and any information on it. Let's wait a while and see what the other posters say...they may have better ideas.
   — yourdivaness

February 20, 2003
I'm 9 months post-op, my hair fell out for a month and got pretty thin on the front top (between month 4-5). As soon as my hair started to fall out I began to use Nioxin shampoo and conditioner, I use it every other day. I have tons of new growth, you may want to try the Nioxin, you can get it at any salon, I bought mine at Master Cuts on sale. Also, GNC cells Hair, Skin, & Nails vitamins by Futurebiotics, they are pretty big but can be cut up easily, I take them when I remember. Good Luck!
   — stacjean

February 20, 2003
As for hair loss being directly related to protein... well I am really starting to wonder about that.. In my case I am 4 months post op and have just recently started loosing hair, however my fingernails are growing beautifully.. Never in my life have I had decent nails, now they are long and hars.. Seems to me nail growth is also related to protein... They even sell pills for hair & nails.. I know my hair loss is not from anesthia because I have had several surgeries before with no problem.. So at this point I am guessing it;s due to a hormone imbalance or something else... Just my opinion..
   — Anne T.

February 21, 2003
I currently take NoursHair from GNC & I think it's really made a difference. I think that the latest research suggests that hair loss isn't related to protein so much as to a lack of iron, so you might want to make sure you're getting enough in. HTH!
   — Laurie A.

February 21, 2003
We had this issue come up last night at our support group. Try increasing your protein intake. One woman said she increased her protein intake to 100 g and her hair started immediately to respond.
   — Melanie H.

February 21, 2003
I started using Hair, Skin & Nails formula that I got through www.vitalady.com and it works great. I started getting new growth within a month of using it. The reason for the loss of hair is not only because of the protein, but because of the anesthesia that you are under during surgery.
   — trtorrey

February 24, 2003
biotin, BIOTIN, B-I-O-T-I-N!!! Basic requirement is 300 micrograms per day, I required 1800 micgms to reverse my post-op hair loss. Biotin is the primary vitamin required for new hair growth. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), up to 2000mg per day with or without glucosamine and chondroitin. MSM contains sulfur used to make cysteine, primary amino acid component of hair. Get your protein in, whatever it takes. I advise biotin be taken along with a B-complex, there are many to choose from, don't spend too much. And if you have vascular disease (heart disease, arterial disease in the legs, brain or elsewhere) consider adding cardiovascular antioxidants like Vitamin E and co-enzyme Q10, hair will only grow as well as the follicle is nourished by it's blood supply! There are also several good shampoo/conditioning products out there which contain biotin, cysteine and other helpful stuff. These can be pricey. Best of luck!!
   — chakra5