Question:
Please explain the hair loss pattern

Does hair loss occur in "clumps" or is the thinning pretty consistant? I currently have very thick hair.. it has been one of the few things I have been proud of over the last years.. and I need to be prepared for what is about to happen. My surgery is in a little over a week. I am panicking. I know the weight loss will be worth it but I am still worrying. Also, I have trichotilomania. which I've been able to conceal because of my thick hair.. I'm just wondering how everything is going to work together...    — Yowhuzup Y. (posted on February 11, 2001)

February 11, 2001
I also have thick hair. I am 5 mos. post-op. I started losing my hair about 6 weeks ago. It hasn't came out in clumps; however, every time I brush my hair, I have alot of hair come out in the brush and I find it in my sink, on the floor, on my shirt, etc. I notice it, but no one else does....yet. My hair stylist said that it wasn't that bad since I have so much hair, but I am self-conscious about it. I went to a support group recently and was reminded that it will grow back. And I will certainly take temporary hair loss over being unhealthy and obese anytime. Good luck.
   — Kimberly C.

February 11, 2001
I started losing hair at 3 months, in strands but a lot of them. I was already taking the recommended 30,000 IU of vitamin A and 75 mg of zinc, plus 60 gm/day of protein supplement (not Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast). I added another 30 gm of protein and the loss slowed to 1/2 in a week. Then I added 900 mcg of biotin and it virtually stopped. I also have been using Nioxin shampoo and scalp therapy treatment since pre-op.
   — Linda B.

February 11, 2001
My hairloss started at 3 months post op RNY and continued to 6 months. It stopped the day after I started using Nioxin shampoo and scalp treatment (the scalp treatment is the key to the success of the product, they say). I don't know if it was the shampoo or just the timing, but it stopped. I took plenty of vitamins and protein, so that was not the cause of my hairloss. Some doctors say if it is going to happen to you, it will happen regardless -- I tend to believe this theory. My hair shedding was similar to a dog shedding their winter coat. Everytime I ran my hands through my hair, it can out. When I was shampooing my hair, it was like petting a wet dog who was shedding -- your hands are literally covered with hair! When I would blow dry, the wall behind me would get wet hair plastered on it. It was kinda scary. I had fairly short hair and I could see my scalp through it at the temples. My hairdresser told me to "rat" my hair and this would help hide the scalp -- this worked for me, and I used a tiny barrel curling iron also. When the hair grew back in, it was like baby fine hair making a halo around my face for awhile -- kinda neat.
   — Cindy H.

February 13, 2001
I'm 15 months out, open RNY, down to goal weight, and never lost any hair. I took kids chewables for the first couple of months, but don't take any now. And I use a bar of old-fashioned Fels-Naptha soap or a bar of Dial on my hair instead of shampoo. It drives my wife crazy.
   — blank first name B.

February 15, 2001
I've always had very thick hair, too. This brought me comfort til it started really falling out at about 4 to 5 months. It didn't come out in clumps, but was pretty even over my head. Washing my hair was the worst--it was scary how much would come out. It did take a few months before it became really noticeable. I, too, was very proud of my hair & felt for a long time it was my best feature. Hard to deal with it falling out so badly. Originally, my hair was to the middle of my back; after a while, I cut it to a few inches below my shoulders, but finally had to cut it all off. It quit falling out at about 7 or 8 months. After that, it started coming back in. I finally admitted to myself how bad it looked & allowed my hairdresser to cut it off. So now, for the first time since I was a toddler, I have short hair. Everyone tells me how great it looks & how great I look & I am starting to believe it & get used to my new look. I will probably let it grow back out, but it does look OK. My face, throat, & neck are so much slimmer that I don't feel the same old need to "hide" behind my hair. There is NO way I would trade the hair I've lost for the 155# I've lost. If this is the price, it's fine with me! I feel great! As far as the trichotillomania, have you seen a therapist? Is there maybe a medication that would help? This is NOT going to be a time you'll want to add to the loss. This might be a good time to address this issue, it's cause, what need it satisfies, & find a way to deal with it-- or in a few months. This is a time of BIG changes, for many of us and I mean a lot more than just physically. I know that a few months after my surgery, I began to feel very powerful & capable. Maybe that would be a good time to address some other issues. I feel that although the physical changes are the most obvious in me, there have been as many mental & emotional changes, too. This has been a time of lots of introspection & self awareness for me. The feeling of being in control, over food, over your body, was a huge motivator for me. I hope it works this way for you, too. Best of luck to you.
   — Kathy W.

February 18, 2001
I'm 11 months postop and never lost any hair. I'm convinced that it is because I faithfully took my vitamins starting my first day home from the hospital, particularly biotin and zinc, and I made sure I got enough protein in EVERY DAY. My hair is already extremely thin so any hair loss would have been very noticable on me.
   — Kellie L.