Question:
Read the database, still think I am going bald

I am almost 4 1/2 months postop and this weekend on vacation, I noticed that you can really see through my hair to see my scalp. My mother was shocked, it is quite noticeable. I have lost 83 pounds, have been fastidious about zinc and protein and the rest, cut my hair extremely short, and it is still falling out in disgustingly huge amounts. Was your hair loss this intense? Is this normal? Will it just stop or is there some other thing I should try? Sorry, I know this topic is covered a lot, but I am in a panic.    — Beth B. (posted on September 5, 2000)

September 5, 2000
I know you must be in a panic. Have you thought about getting some wigs? I think that's what I am going to do when the time comes. I know this probably isn't much help but, your hair is suppose to grow back. Hugs
   — Lillian G.

September 5, 2000
Beth, I know what you are going through. I was sure for a while that I was going to be the first that went completely bald. I was very carefully combing my hair so my scalp wouldn't show through. About the time I thought I would scream it just stopped. My loss went from month 4 and 1/2 to month 9 and I also was good with my protein and the supplements. It will stop and you will get your hair back.
   — Jilda H.

September 5, 2000
Months 4-6 got me. You don't notice it coming back, just one day you see you in the light and there's this halo of new rotwh! I took LOTS of protein supps and also used Hair, Skin & Nails. Still do and my hair is much better quality than it was before, too!
   — vitalady

September 6, 2000
I am almost 5 months post-op and my hair loss is just slowing down, I to thought I was going to go bald, I to also just had to cut my hair very short, ( and i like it), I have lost 76 #`s. Just remember it will grow back.
   — nancy T.

September 6, 2000
Beth, You are probably going to get conflicting opinions on this subject. So, here goes mine. I asked my surgeon specifically about this. Both he and his nurse stated that this is common, and that this happens for the first year post-op. However, the good news is that it is not a permanent problem. The hair will slowly thicken back, and be healthy again. Yeapie!!!! Becki
   — Becki S.

September 6, 2000
I may be way off base but estrogen is stored in fat, as you lose fat the stored estrogen is gone. Low estrogen can also cause hair loss. I may be way off base but for some women like myself you can still have periods but have hormone problems. I may be way off base but I wonder if it can be related???
   — Helen B.

September 6, 2000
I started losing my hair about a month ago (4 months post-op) and decided to cut my hair short and to go blonde. I was originally red and went to a salon to strip it to blonde. Well...my hair looks so much thicker, the blonde helps with hiding the scalp and dark hair just emphasized the fact I was losing hair. Just a thought...
   — DOROTHY A.