Question:
I am almost 5 mos. out and am losing my hair. Thank God it was thick to begin with.I

I am taking a prenatal vitamin, folic acid, calcium and B12. Is there anything else I could take to stop the loss?    — Sally K. (posted on March 10, 2003)


March 10, 2003
I had to add Zinc before mine stopped falling out
   — Vicki L.

March 10, 2003
I totally freaked out when my hair began to thin, and what I'd describe as fall out... it started about 4 mnths out and has recently slowed down. I am not sure what my cure was but it may have been zinc, and I upped both protein and water... I think it must just be our system adjusting... I did see my Dr (PCP) and he had no explaination... my surgeon has quit so I can't refer back to him...
   — MF

March 10, 2003
I'm not convinced that there's really anything you can do to prevent or stop hair loss. I've just seen too many posts from people who took zinc, used biotion or nioxin, etc. and it didn't help them. The thing I am 99% sure of is that the loss will stop and the hair will start to come back. I lost a lot of hair and mine was not all that thick to start with. However, it is definitely growing back.
   — garw

March 10, 2003
Change in hair texture and hair falling out is a side effect from ANY surgery...I had both after a HS eye surgery and a college-age appendectomy. It was worse after my WLS - probably due to body shock and lowered fat and nutrition intake. Usually 3-6 months after surgery. It will stop. Take extra vitamins if it makes you feel better, but know that it *will* stop and there is likely little you can do about it.
   — M. A. B.

March 10, 2003
Sally, I don't think there is any definite answer. I have never lost a hair, but, who knows why? At support group, they say "when your hair stops falling out, your weight loss stops" I am not sure I believe that either. For me, I attribute it to eating 100+ grams of protein a day. Good Luck. Heather (Open RNY 8/15 - 305/205/150)
   — heathercross

March 10, 2003
I am 10 months post-op and I started with fine thin hair. Mine started to fall out late in my 3rd month post-op. This continued to month 8. I had heard so much about hair loss that I started on a vitamin/supplement regimen 3 months pre-op. I have taken everything faithfully b-12 sublingual, Calcium Citrate, Multi vitamin, Iron plus the Hair, Skin and Nails supplement. This did not help what so ever. If you happen to be in that small percentange of us that do loose hair post-op there is nothing that can be done. Just know that you won't go bald and that it will stop falling and will grow back. I have tons of new growth coming in and it is healthier than ever! I went and got myself a new shorter hair cut and I also get it cut more fequently to keep it looking full.
   — Christina R.

March 10, 2003
I'm with Gar and M.A. on this one. It just has to run its course and I don't believe any amount of vitamins/shampoos etc will stop it before its ready to stop. Its a 3 month cycle, so just go out and get a short doo and enjoy the fact that it won't last!
   — Cindy R.

March 10, 2003
Next week will be my 4 month anniversary since surgery. I have noticed that my hair was coming outlike crazy. I woke up one morning to find my pillow full of hair. Now, I didn't worry because I have enough hair for 10,000 bald men to share but I was scared. I went to see my hairstylist who is also my mom and she cut it for me. It not only is falling out less but it also suits my new found facial features. Try it!! You may see a difference. Don't take vitamins and use shampoos. Just let it take its course. Good Luck to you!! Open RNY, Nov. 21, 2002-down 80 pounds!!!
   — Regina C.




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