Question:
Perms post-op gastric-bypass

I am 4 weeks post-op has anyone had a perm the first month or two? Did you have any problems with hair loss?    — gammiepat (posted on August 31, 2007)

August 31, 2007
You should not get a perm for at least 3 months after having WLS. Any surgery can have bad effects on your hair and we know for certain that WLS definitely has an effect on it. So I would recommend not getting a perm for a while. Wait 3 months and see how your hair is doing whether or not you are losing it or if it is dry and brittle. Be very careful... This recommendation comes from stylinjanet , and ,..... I am a hairstylist. Good luck with your journey and May GOD bless!!!
   — stylinjanet

August 31, 2007
Hair is a dead thing--go ahead and perm. Just be sure and use high quality hair products. If it is going to fall out it will. At least what is left will have some body while you are waiting for the rest to come back. I am also a hair dresser. As you can see you will find alot of different opinions on this issue !! Christine
   — Christine M.

August 31, 2007
I was never told by my surgeon regarding a timeframe for getting a perm. I got a perm about 4 weeks after surgery. I have experienced a little hair loss (which is normal after wls) but it was NOT due to the perm. Just make sure you get in your daily protein & water. In addition to my daily supplements, I take 5mg of biotin (which will help with the hair loss). GOOD LUCK !!!
   — AngelaC.

August 31, 2007
Hello Pat, I've been natural for the past 20 years -- the last two have result in lochs which have truly grown -- I'm 6 months post-op and if any of my hair has come out only my loch smith knows. I can't give you an answer either way. Two of my girlfriends had WLS and they had a history of wearing small afros so they just went natural prior to surgery, stayed that way and experienced minimal hair loss -- but enough to notice that they lost hair. Before getting the perm I suggest that your stylist an you make sure your scalp AND hair are healthy.
   — the7thdean

August 31, 2007
I agree with Ms. Mackey, I am a cosmetologist. Hair is dead, it's how you take care of it, inside thru nutrition before it grows, and outside with products and loving care after it grows. As long as your stylist does not roll it too tight (causing breakage at the scalp) or process it too long (causing breakage and severely weakening the hair all along the shaft), you should be good to go.
   — cddgo

September 1, 2007
I too am a hairdresser and yes hair is dead, it is inert, meaning it does not give up it's properties, but, hair is also protein and the folicles are in the scalp, raising the ph to a high alkalinity number is a risk, not particularly for the hair, but at the folicle. I have taught hair chemistry for years and I wouldn't reccomend a perm until your body is used to the keytosis it is in after surgery. Be on the safe side and give it several months. Good luck
   — bderuiter

September 4, 2007
I'm not sure about a perm. however I am 11 months post op and my hair just stop falling out. so maybe you should go natural for a little while. F.Y.I. I'm currently taking Silica as a supplemental for my hair loss
   — colon0921