Question:
Will I go completely bald?

I know that there are many questions about hair loss, but I just needed to add mine. I am 13 weeks post op and about 3 weeks ago my scalp started hurting. It was really strange. It hurt when my hair moved or if it was touched. Then about a week later, I started losing my hair--by the hand full! I know you will think that I am exaggerating, but I know that I have lost 3/4 of my hair in 2 weeks. Last week, I had an appointment for my 3 month check with the surgeon. That morning I collected all of the hair that had come out in the shower and the subsequent combing (gently) out. I took it with me and showed him and his office staff. I will say they seemed perplexed at the HUGE amount and really offered no help. He believes that it will limit itself. I am not comforted by this when I can literally pull my already loose hair out by the handful all day long. When my hair started falling out, I started using Nioxin shampoo-3 parts. I don't think that it has worked at all. I have read so many wonderful comments about it, but has anyone found that it doesn't work for you? Again like so many have mentioned, my hair is long and used to be extremely thick and really beautiful. Now it is thin. While, only my husband notices so far (because I talk about it and my hair is literally all over the house), what will I do if it falls out entirely? Again, please don't think that I am exaggerating, I am not. Has anyone out there ever gone completely bald? Today my scalp is hurting again, and if it continues to fall out at this pace, I will be bald in about 2 more weeks. Can someone help me or at least somehow reassure me? About 10 years ago I did optifast and had some hair loss with that. It was significant. However, I was prepared to deal with that again and that is what I envisioned when I would read posts about others hair loss. But, this really is a lot and I am starting to panic. Please help!! Shelley    — Shelley. (posted on April 13, 2001)

April 12, 2001
I also lost a lot of hair through Optifast. Not normal thinning, but a 5 cm bald spot. I went to the dermatologist. She said it was from the stress on my body, not Optifast. She gave me a special shampoo and cortizone shots to motivate the growth. Perhaps you could call your dermatologist and they could give you something to slow it down.
   — Jeannet

April 12, 2001
Shelly, I agree with Barb about the nutrition. That should be your first priority. You said you have long, thick hair. That is a lot of weight pulling on the hair shafts. Maybe you should consider getting your hair cut short. It will grow back. Hope this helped. Helen
   — Helen C.

April 13, 2001
Shelly, I must add that if you had, indeed, lost 3/4 of your hair then EVERYONE would notice. You said no one has noticed except your husband, so, you ARE exaggerating. But, I can understand your concern. My hair fell out for 3 months (months 3 through 6) and then suddenly stopped. It got really thin in the temple areas on both side and I had to "rat" it to keep it from showing through so much (I have short hair and I kept it kinda curly during that time). When I would blow dry my hair, I'd find it stuck all over the wall behind me when I finished. It was a bit unnerving. I don't know why your scalp hurts though. I've read enough to believe that some people are going to lose hair no matter what and some aren't. I do believe it has to do with the rapid weight loss and stress. But, I also know that you can make it worse by not eating right -- so make absolutely sure you are getting in enough protein and taking all your prescribed vitamins. The Nioxin worked immediately for me, but then again, it may have been the timeing as so many others have said their hair loss also lasted for 3 months. I bet you'll be fine.
   — Cindy H.

April 13, 2001
Try not to panic! If it is stress related that will just make it worse. I have not had hair loss but was advised (by someone here at AMOS) to be sure and add a zinc tablet to my vitamins post-op. I can't be sure that I would have had hair loss without them, but I have not had any that I am aware of. (I had open RNY 6/23/00) Anyway, give it a try and hang in there!
   — Andrea P.

April 13, 2001
Thanks to everyone that has answered so far. I thought that I would tell you what I'm doing nutritionally and then maybe you may have some suggestions. Daily I take--2 bugs bunny sugar free chewable vitamins, chewable B12, chewable zinc, niacin, biotin, and I have 3 protein shakes that total 45gm of protein. The rest of my protein I get from food. How does this sound? Is there something that I am forgetting, or need to add. I indeed have lost 3/4 of my hair. The reason others do not notice yet (or at least have not said anything) is because I had sooooooo much hair before, I am sure that I had 3-4 times what most people have. My hair was always the focal point when I would meet someone for the first time. I also wear it in a style that covers the loss. I promise that I am not exaggerating. This is truly happening. Again, I remember my previous loss of hair, and this is so incredibly more. Thanks for the great suggestions so far. Is there anyone else that could help? I would so appreciate your input. Thanks so much, Shelley
   — Shelley.