Question:
Hair loss concerns
I had VBG surgery on March 4, 2008. Since then I've lost 58 lbs and things are going very well...except for the hair loss. My hair was very fine in the first place, but the amount of scalp I'm starting to see is alarming me. I'm taking my vitamins and protein as recommended by my surgeon, plus I've added Biotin to the mix. It's still filling my hairbrush. I've done the 3-month blood test but won't know the results until next week--the soonest they could schedule me. When does this typically stop? I'm ready to get desperate! — suezahn4me (posted on June 20, 2008)
June 19, 2008
Hi, I really can't answer your question, but just want to offer moral
support... It sounds like you're doing everything right, (vitamins,
protein, extra biotin) I had RNY February 1st of this year and am also
experiencing hair loss. I too, already have very fine hair. I have been
told by numerous people that it is a temporry loss, and that the hair will
grow back. I'm not sure how long it lasts, maybe other members here can
answer that. Best wishes!
— Gina S.
June 19, 2008
I'm sure it is different for everyone, but for me, it didn't slow down for
at least the first year. My hair did start coming back in, but I still lose
more than I ever did in my brush, and I am 5 years out. It is much fuller
and thicker now. I have fine hair as well. This is a normal side effect of
the surgery, no matter how many vitamins you take. You are losing weight at
an alarming rate and malnourished at this time, you body is taking what it
needs from every resource. Your hair is going to be first. Be
encouraged...it doesn't last forever. I actually bought a wig! I don't need
it anymore. Hope this helps.
— rjh729
June 19, 2008
I saved these posts off of the OH forums, hope something helps:
HAIR LOSS..I used Andrew Lessman's "Healthy Hair, Skin and
Nails", and I have curly hair I had before my first pregnancy. It is
really incredible. I had thick hair so the hair loss, while dramatic, was
not terrible. It can be found on HSN.com or www.procaplabs.com which is the
Lessman website. Again, no affiliation with the company, just some good,
solid products. Hope it works for you....Blessings
Nioxin that you can get at hair salons...it helps with the thinning and
regrowth...good stuff...
— waterlover
June 20, 2008
There is pretty much nothing you can do that will stop the loss. It happens
to almost all of us. I have very long dark hair. When the loss finally
stopped I could see my scalp all the way thru the top of my head. I had to
cut some length so the hair was not so heavy and pulling on the
folicles...That helped a lot...Then I wore it up with a barette or cloth
covered bands (NOT rubber bands that pull more hair out ) That also helped
keep the hair in place..But as soon as I showered, it came out in
handfuls...It was frightening. Eventually it stopped. I remember it started
somewhere near 3 mos PO and stopped several months later...I began to see
fine hair growth in my greatly receeded hair line. The fine hair made what
was left of my hair stand up and look fuller...and when it all came back it
was ringlets of curls on damp days. It's different...but very healthy and
shiny. I was begininning to gray quite a bit...Since i take all my vitamins
...my hair has slowed down graying too and I have not dyed my hair in over
6 mos because I just haven't needed a touch up! It's fascinating...But I
have no idea what the secret formula is. Just follow the rules...It gets
better...Til then just know that many of us experience what you are going
thru...and it does stop.
— .Anita R.
June 20, 2008
The bottom line honey....everyone is different - what worked for someone,
might not work for you. One person might have minimal hair loss and the
next person - has maximum hair loss. It is all based on your bod and how it
responds to the surgery. Personally, I did everything you are doing, minus
the biotin vitamins....I did use the shampoo for a few weeks. I started to
lose around 3 months and it progressive increased for 2-3 weeks, then
progressively slowed down after that. There was a month where I would brush
my hair and or condition in the shower and what seemed like clumps would
come out - my hair is totally thick again as it was before surgery. All I
can say is I am sending moral support your way. I have a friend who lost so
much hair, she wore a wig for some time, then clip in hair extensions and
now is comfortable enough to go w/o and just style her hair as normal. We
all do what we have to do to get through this time. Keep taking the
vitamins, get plenty of protein and try not to stress out too much - it can
contribute to hair loss, too. Keep a stiff upper lip and forge on my
friend. Congrats on the 58lbs, too, btw!! Very nice!
— jammerz
June 20, 2008
Talk to your physician. I did and found out that my thyroid was out of
sync. I was majorly losing hair and feared I'd be completely bald within a
month. I didn't even have enough hair to pull back into a pony tail.
Anyway, the doctor did blood work, and then he altered my medicines
(synthroid). Within 3 weeks, my hair stopped falling out and now I
actually am growing new hair back. I know how you feel and the feelings of
insecurity that it can cause. Stay strong and definitely push your doctor
for answers.
— Breathin4him
June 20, 2008
I have yet to have my surgery, but I have done my research. I have seen
where others have also had the hair loss problem and they say it is because
of lack of oil intake. I currently take 1000mg of fish oil daily and it
may not hurt to also have like olive oil on a salad. I would contact my
doctor's office if I were you and just run it by them and see if they
agree. I cannot wait for my surgery. I am so looking forward to finally
loosing weight and keeping it off. Good luck and God Bless you.
— tkilpatrick
June 20, 2008
This won't help you, but might others who haven't had surgery yet. The
nutritionist told me at our first session about a month before surgery that
I should start taking Biotin. She said to wait until you have the surgery
is like shutting the gate after the horses get out. I have taken the
Biotin faithfully and I am almost 3 months out and if anything my hair is
thicker than before. It has also made my nails stronger.
— ShirleyF
June 28, 2008
Your hair loss will work itself out. Once your body recouperates it will
be o.k. Good Luck!
— bariatricdivalatina
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