Question:
Hair loss

It has been almost 2 years since my gastric bypass surgery and my hair has not grown back. I'm good at eating protein and I took Biotin. I hope my friends on this site can give me some help. Maureen, Akron, OH    — Muggs (posted on February 11, 2009)

February 10, 2009
This may not have anything to do with your WLS at all, but ask yourself ,when was the last time you had labs? Checked your thyroid and vitamin levels? Might be a good time to go do that and you can ask a doc at the same what could cause this and what could help. Some things are symptoms to underlying problems and some symptoms are just, hereditary or a part of your fate!
   — .Anita R.

February 11, 2009
I echo Anita R.'s comments. Yet, something I learned a week ago, and which I shared with my Saturday TeleConference folks, changed my thoughts on protein completely. I am 4 years out from my RNY, have lost close to 150 lbs with 30 to go. Maureen, when you say you are good at eating protein, exactly what do you mean? What kind of protein? Does it come from foods, such as chicken, beef, peanuts, or complimentary proteins from mixing beans with rice for example? How much of your small intestines are left following your surgery? What type of gastric bypass surgery did you have? Do you "chew, chew, chew" your food liquifying it before you swallow the food? Do you rely on liquid protein shakes? What kind of protein is in these shakes? Whey protein isolate blends? Whey Concentrate (Lactalbumin)? Other types of proteins? If you keep your daily records in FitDay.com or SparkPeople.com resources, do you automatically adjust the protein to consider not only the malabsorption as well as the BV (bioavailability) of protein? Yes, you do need to be a math expert. Why? Then, and only then, with the WLS tool you have in your body, you will be able to better monitor what you are doing and seek help from professionals as needed, knowing precisely what you are doing and can so coach them in order for them to help you. If you wish to become a member of my Saturday group where we will be continuing to discuss this important issue as we can, you need to go to my OH support group and register. OH currently doesn't have a good search engine to search out the support groups. Type in North West Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, and some 256 or so pages of 10 groups each (or so) will pop up. My group is on Page 5. Or, click on www.ObesityHelp.com/group/BellevueWA and it will pop up immediately. In the meantime, begin your own research on (1) how much of your small intestines is left following your surgery; (2) calculate your own malabsorption; (3) research the BV of the foods you eat; (4) keep your daily records, adjusted for malabsorption and BV, and perhaps, considering becoming a support group leader yourself where you learn so much from OH and can then truly help others while you are helping others. Blessings, Christine Gibson, MS, MA, OH Coach and OH WLS Support Group Leader. The point I'm raising is that we spent 1 1/2 hours last Saturday on the telephone discussing precisely these issues. Based on our discussion, I immediately changed my approach to protein and dramatic improvements in my already excellent health is ensuing. I spoke with another person on the call who is almost 7 years post RNY. She said, "I can't believe the difference. By making these changes, I feel like my body is tighter, my stomach smoother, and yesterday, I didn't have a 'melt-down' day. I had a wonderful, happy, and most productive day. I credit what I learned Saturday with changes I've made in my approach to protein, and feel ever so much better." Currently, I am on a quest to learn as much as I can about malabsorption, as well as the precise bioavailability of protein types. I will be presenting what I learn as an OH Coach and OH WLS Support Group Leader, at my 3rd Thursday of the month meeting for North West Weight Loss Surgery Support Group.
   — Christine Gibson

February 11, 2009
I started to lose my hair after Lap Band. I went to my Dr. and found out that I had a problem with my thyroid. I am taking biotin, and zinc daily along with my synthroid. My hair has stopped falling out. If anyone knows the email address of a support group on line for Lap Band, I would appreciate knowing. Susan
   — susangielda06

February 11, 2009
You might also want to consider your age. I have been harping about my hair loss for the last three months until my sister pointed out to me that our mother and aunt started losing hair (thinning) on the tops of their heads from the mid 60s on and the fact that men get their male pattern baldness from their mothers. Anyway since I am sixty five I may have to quit whining about hair loss! Marti in San Jose
   — Marti P.

February 11, 2009
I would definitely have some labs and have my thyroid checked. Remember your WLS is only effective is you are on top of it and taking care of the rest of your systems as well. You will have a much more difficult time if your thyroid isn't functioning properly. Just a suggestion; and Marti is also correct. Age I'm sorry to say is a factor. The body slows as we age. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl