Question:
I'm three months post -op for Lap Band and am experiencing hair loss any idea why?
I recently noticed a loss of hair and a change in texture. — drd45 (posted on February 24, 2010)
February 24, 2010
Are you getting the required 60 grams of protein? I find it hard and I am 2
months post op for Lap Bsnd and I drink Whey Protein shots in 26 grams from
walmart to help get protein down fast.
— 2spyce
February 24, 2010
Hair loss is not only a protein issue... a lot of times its simply the
trauma of surgery on the body that causes hair loss usually starting 2-3
months post-op. I myself get plenty of protein and I also take biotin, but
it has not spared my hair loss any.
— Jennifer F.
February 24, 2010
I know at the wl clinic I went to, I was told I would lose some hair due to
rapid weight loss and body adjusting,but if you don't get in enough protein
you'll lose more. I couldn't tolerate protein shakes, and didn't get
enough in and lost alot of hair, I'm almost one year out and slowing down
alot now. Good luck,hope that helps.
— JOANNFV
February 24, 2010
You must get in 60 grams of protein daily. I had minimal hair loss and I
comsumed the correct amount of protein. Thank God my hair loss has
stopped.
— FSUMom
February 24, 2010
I waS tolD 8O grams of protein(isopure) daily,multivItamiN,viTamin d and
cALcium supplement which I found at Walmart in chewabLE form aNd biotin
will alSo helP. I eat plenty Of fish,tuna,chicken I was afraid of hair.
And muSCle Loss. Hope this heLpS
— roseann S.
February 24, 2010
Hair loss is common with any major surgery. Your hair will probably keep
falling out for about 8 mos, but don't worry, it will grow back. I have
extremely fine thin hair, so it got quite sparse, and wasn't pretty, but
it's back to normal. If the hair loss really bothers you, there are always
hats! ;)
May God Bless You Abundantly! Kathie
— KathieV
February 24, 2010
While rapid weight loss may be part of the cause for your hair loss I
suspect the main cause is telogen effluvium. Check out this link for a
great description.
http://dermnetnz.org/hair-nails-sweat/telogen-effluvium.html I started t
loose hair at about 3 months post-op. I'm now almost 10 months post-op and
most of what I lost is noticably back.
— Mike A.
February 24, 2010
All of these answers are RIGHT on the money! As for Biotin - I found that
taking a 1000 mg Biotin each time I take Calcium w/ Vit D works best - that
way it's spread out and I know I'm have the best chance of absorbing as
much Biotin as possible.
The protein is definitely the most important component to helping with hair
loss. There seems to be a lot of variation as to the recommendations - 60
mg/day or 80 mg/day or 1/2 mg protein per day per pound CURRENT weight. I
try to get at least 80 mg per day - 125 mg would be the "by
weight" amount.
You should be having bloodwork at your 3 or 6 month postOp visit to check
your protein levels (and a whole bunch of other stuff - I think it was 10
tubes total for all of the different tests). That will give the Dr a good
idea what you are and aren't getting enough of.
Good luck - I had some pretty bad hair loss before surgery - mouse sized
balls of hair each shower!! I lost 79 pounds preOP and it has finally
settled down since Sept 09 RNY and is probably slightly above a
"regular" person. Fortunately I have very thick hair, so I don't
have any noticeable thinning - I DO use shampoo and conditioner purchased
from my hairdresser, and follow her recommendations and do NOT wash my hair
daily - I skip a day in between. Since she makes a profit selling me the
products, I'm sure she wouldn't tell me washing every OTHER day is better
for my hair unless it was true. And it's growing just as fast (maybe even
faster) than before surgery - nails too (though I have acrylics on top of
the natural nails). Good luck and stay on top of the protein and
supplements - even what was lost will grow back from the posts I have read.
— Diane324
February 24, 2010
Keep increasing your proteins limiting the carbs to nothing is best. But
add Biotin and Zinc which helps the body absorb the Biotin. But no more
than 50 mg of zinc at one time as it can burn the inners of your stomach
& intestines if more.
— Michael Eak
February 25, 2010
I am 6 months out RNY, been taking biotin and zinc sups since I started and
get the protein in and still losing hair. its individual.... your body is
protesting..
— MarthaJ0110
February 25, 2010
Thak you everyone for all the suggestions and help. I am scheduled to see
my doctor next week but in the mean time I will increase my protein intake
and ask about the supplements.
— drd45
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