Question:
LONG TERM POST OPS!! STILL LOSING HAIR!!

I am 2 1/2 years post op and am STILL losing my hair. Can't believe I actually have any left as it has been coming out for what seems like the WHOLE TIME! Any other LONG TERM post-ops out there experienced similar issue? Suggestions??    — Kimberly P. (posted on September 3, 2005)

September 3, 2005
My hair loss is caused by iron defiency anemia. My CBC and Hemegloblin looked normal, but my Ferritin went down to 10! For hair loss to stop, ferritin should be at least 40. For hair regrowth it should be at least 70. I recently had an iron infusion. Have you had your Ferritin tested? Once it gets too low we can't build it orally. Good luck!
   — Allison M.

September 3, 2005
Have your Thyroid levels tested.
   — smparker2

September 4, 2005
Before surgery I donated my hair to "Locks of Love". Now I wear bandanas on a daily basis. I think people in my community think I had cancer treatment rather than WLS. My thyroid is normal as are my hemo and CBC but I'll check out this ferritin when I go back in for my monthly B12 on tuesday. I'm sorry you are still losing your hair also, but Thank you for asking the question. Best wishes, Velvet 330/155
   — Fairysister

September 4, 2005
Protein!! I'm 4 months now Post-Op, and my Dietician is stressing protein, protein, protein. Of course, that is only part of the solution. You need to make sure you're taking all your vitamins and such. Hope this helps. good luck! ~Chip~
   — Chip S.

September 4, 2005
MAKE SURE YOU ARE TAKING ALL OF YOUR VITAMINS THERE IS A VITAMIN FOR HAIR NAILS AND SKIN BY GNC IT HAS IN THER WHAT WE NEED WHICH IS BOITIN I THINK THATS THE SPELLING OF IT I STARTED TO LOOSE HAIR AFTER 3 MOS THEY HAD ME TAKE THESE VITAMINS AND WITHIN A MO I STOPPED LOOSING IT I STILL TAKE THEM EVEN THOUGH ITS BEEN THREE YEARS CANT HURT HELPS MY SKIN AND NAILS NOW GOOD LUCK WRITE ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE
   — ROSEMARY A.

September 4, 2005
I am almost 4 years post op, and if I don't "behave" myself and eat junk...not enough protein, not enough fruit and veggies and way too many carbs, my hair will start to "shed" like mad. Remember, like dogs and cats, humans do shed with the seasons as well...so, if you are losing hair, it could be a combo of the two...up the protein, up the good stuff and get the carbos out of the diet. Good Luck and Have a Sparkling Day!! ~MustangCAE~
   — Mustang

September 6, 2005
I suggest to go to the doc and have your blood levels checked. It can't hurt. I'm 4 years out and no longer losing hair, but I can say that it is very different than it was pre-op. My hair never went back to 'normal'.
   — RebeccaP

September 8, 2005
Please speak to your doc and have bloodwork done. I solved my problem by adding a folic acid supplement daily. Maybe this would work for you. Best wishes-
   — LMCLILLY