Question:
Hair Loss

When I took a shower this morning, an ran my fingers through my wet hair, my hair came out in thick clumps, like someone had cut it with scissors... I know hair loss is "normal" after RNY but is it really only temporary? Will it stop falling out at such a dramatic rate? When? Will the hair come back? How can I prevent further hair loss? Thank you for your advice!    — Gina S. (posted on May 17, 2008)


May 17, 2008
Make sure you take your vitamins and exercise. Fruits and veggies and tons of berries for the antioxidants. Your body is still healing itself, remember it has gone through a tremendous change. Although you may be back to your routine, your body is still working on the inside. If your not getting enough antioxidants, your body will take that much longer to heal and possibly have a hard time recooperating.
   — bariatricdivalatina

May 17, 2008
I have heard that Nioxin from a hairdresser will help. Protein, protein, protein as well. Good luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

May 17, 2008
Protein, protein, protein. If you are not getting enough protein in your diet this will happen. I have over 3 months post op and I get between 65g to 80g of protein every day and instead of hair loss my hair grows like a weed. That has never happened to me before. Like I said Protein, protein, protein that is the key.
   — Christopher Pruitt

May 17, 2008
These are some product suggestions I have taken off OH before: Nioxin that you can get at hair salons...it helps with the thinning and regrowth...good stuff... 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
   — waterlover

May 17, 2008
Yes, I have heard it is completely normal. Make sure you are getting the correct nutrients and vitamins. There are a few BIOTIN options. First check a vitamin store for Biotin, if not Nexxus has a Vitatress Vitamins, or Nioxin has Recharge Vitamins. A coworker took horse hair pills that she heard about. It helped. Good Luck.
   — tayee24

May 17, 2008
Yes it will stop!! At 3 months post op, I started loosing my hair the same way. It slowed at 6 and started growing back just as full months 7-8. It is imperative to get your protein, vitamins & minerals, and water. I also took Biotin tabs 3 days a week.
   — Jen R.

May 18, 2008
Hair loss was one of my worries. I have made sure that got all of my portein 60-80gms per day and all of my vitamins. I also used Nioxin products recommended by the nurses at the hospital. I also take Biotin 5000 mcg per day. My surgery was seven months ago. I have met my WLS goal and did not have any dry hair or hair loss. I am going to continue the Nioxin until my supply runs out. I will continue taking the Biotin because it is good for your hair and nails. I was told hair loss was a possibility and wanted to do everything I could to prevent it. I did everything they recommended from day one and it worked for me. Everyone says it does come back when you loose it.
   — flclark

May 18, 2008
Biotin definitely helps. I didn't get WLS yet, but I did do an EXTREME diet that made my hair fall out like that. I brought bags of hair to my dermatologist. She knew immediately because of the way the hair fell out that it was a reaction to something drastic that happened to my body. My hair is growing back now. I did cut it shorter so it didn't seem so bad.
   — survivor08

May 18, 2008
I just saw an article on Yahoo news about hair loss in women. I am taking 5000mcg of Biotin a day (1 capsule opened and added to my protein drink). The article said there can be a number of reasons for hair loss in women and stress and surgery are both causes. Thyroid problems and low iron are another and so is hormonal changes. Your doctor can check the last three with bloodwork to help rule out any health problem. I am three months out from surgery and my hair is coming out all the time. I clean out my hairbrush and then use it once and it is half full again of hair. Kind of freaks me out, but like everyone said it is supposed to come back fine. Wishing you the best with your WLS and getting healthier! Regina ([email protected])
   — Bigwyfan1964

May 18, 2008
Yes, the hair loss is normal and it will stop. Continue to take your vitamins. What helped me was adding the vitamin Biotin which is for the skin/hair and nails. Make sure you condition well. Don't use hot curlers and if you do use a leave in conditioner and change your hot curlers to ceramics. I hope this work for you.
   — Icantiemyshoe

May 18, 2008
I know what you mean...am 14 months out and am still loosing hair, it has not slowed down a bit. Thank goodness I had thick hair to start with. When I wash my hair it is unreal how it comes out and every time I brush my hair I have to clean the brush out. Just had labs done two weeks ago and my doc said my lab's were ok. I get at least 80 - 90mg protien a day, take 5000mg Biotin, and take liquid Mega Vitiamn from GNC faithfully. Any suggestions?
   — Sheila H.

May 19, 2008
Sheila, I have the same issue. I am 15 months post-op and am still losing hair by the handfuls in the shower, on my hairbrush, etc. I have been diligent about getting in all my protein & vitamins - my labs came back excellent. I've also been taking 5000 mcg of Biotin & 2000 mg of Flaxseed Oil daily AND I've used nothing but Nioxin products (from the shampoos/conditioners to the after-shower treatments & styling products) on my hair since about month 6-8 when it first started thinning. If my hair wasn't super thick to begin with, I would probably be close to bald by now, and that is not an exaggeration. Any suggestions that have really worked for people would be greatly appreciated!
   — puzzlddd




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