Question:
Help - I have lost more than 1/2 my head of hair.
I am 5 months post RNY, down 82 pounds but I am losing my hair like CRAZY. It started 1 month ago and I see NO new growth - it just keeps coming out in huge amounts all day long!! How I still have any hair is a miracle (it used to be thick...). I've been taking Biotin & zinc, using Nioxin and Rogaine for women and eating a lot of protein. Anyone have anyother remedies that might work? All I see is scalp... — beebees2 (posted on August 31, 2006)
August 31, 2006
Robin, please contact your surgeon and/or primary care physician as soon as
possible. It sounds as if your body is reacting a little differently to
the major change than most people.
Donna H.
— [Deactivated Member]
August 31, 2006
I understand your frustration. I am 5 months post-op too and am losing
hair too. From what I've read, on average, this may last for another 3
months or so. You seem to be doing everything right. Sometimes you can do
everything right and the hair still falls out. Don't style your hair with
blow dryers and lots of products. I also use a leave in conditioner - I
don't think it helps with hair loss, but it helps with tangles - so when I
comb my hair after a shower, I'm not pulling out half my hair in the
process. Some women have had to get wigs. Since you are experiencing it
rather strongly, I would speak to your surgeon about it. Best wishes to
you!
— platypus
August 31, 2006
Maybe it is just me, but my dietician stressed eating a balanced diet after
surgery, which I did, (from the first day) and I never had any hair loss.
— koogy
August 31, 2006
Robin,
I know it is tough dealing with this. I myself went through the same thing
in my fourth month it started. I to have very think hair and was not to
concerned in the begining but in my 5th month like you it just keep falling
out. Did the same things you are doing. Well now I am in my 7th month and
it is stopping and hair is growing back in fact I am going to get my Hair
cut this weekend to even things out.
I was very well informed of this by my surgern this web site and support
groups but it is still tough to handle, we are girls after all. Just hang
in there it will stop.
Just keep thinking of how much weight you have lost instead of hair. I am
sure it is all worth it.
Best Wishes Tina
— Tina G.
August 31, 2006
My hair stopped falling out at 7 months. I freaked out too. Just be patient
it should stop......Congrats on your surgery
— seanna
August 31, 2006
I lost mine at 4 months, but the hair loss stopped about 6 months. I see
you said you are EATING a lot of protein? Are you using a good protein
supplement? It isn't like you can start today and shed your last hair by
Sunday, but it might help slow the loss and certainly, you will grow a
healthier head of hair once it starts on the regrow. I take 180g in
supplement, but I have a more radical surgery, so I wouldn't suggest that
much for everyone. I also lost some hair 4 months after my TT and 4 months
after my revision. I tend to think anesthesia has a lot to do with,
because I was BUILT on protein, but I still had some loss.
— vitalady
September 1, 2006
I know the most logical explanation is that its due to the wls. However,
it is possible that something else is causing it. Other possible causes
include thyroid problems, low protein, low levels of iron in the blood,
diabetes, fungal infections, large doses of Vitamin A, chronic illness,
and of course, wls. It might be helpful to see your PCP or a dermatologist
to rule out causes besides wls. You'll find a lot of medical info on hair
loss if you google "alopecia" as "hair loss" tends to
bring up pages that are selling miracle cures.
Good luck.
— mrsidknee
September 1, 2006
Chances are it is due to a medical condition called Telogen Effluvium. It
occurs with other major surgical procedures besides WLS too. It IS only
temporary though. Read about it at the following URL and it will relieve a
lot of your worries:
http://www.emedicine.com/DERM/topic416.htm
— Rick Bedard
September 4, 2006
Wow! You ar really losing fat! Your vboidy is adjusting, but you might
feel better if you talk to your doctor about tyour hair loss.
— Novashannon
September 4, 2006
In answer to your question, I have a question myself. I'm almost 1 year out
and my hair is still falling out. It was past my behind and I had to cut it
due to when I sat on it, it came out in clumps. It's not coming out like
that anymore, however it's still coming out. I've talked to my PCP and he
said it's natural. Anyone else think this? I hope that the answer you are
looking for will assist me too.
— mytellica
September 6, 2006
I am 5 yrs out. Lost 150 lbs and half of my hair, however I do now have
new growth. Keep eating right and taking your vitamins and you will be
fine. Good luck!
— Elisha
September 17, 2006
I had Lap-band in July 2004. My hair slowly started to fall out after the
surgery, but it has only been in the last 3 months where the huge balds
spots have occured. As a child I was diagnosed wit mild aolpaceia and
although seldom was bothered by balding after puberty, I still always have
a brush full of hair each day. One thing that really impacts my hair loss
is stress. I just restarted college, and with work and illness in the
family I am under a lot more stress then before. I take my vitamins and
get my protein, but when to much good or bad stress occurs, my hair falls
out and I have a 3 " bald spot on my crown now I have to hide with a
pony tail.
— winniepooh2
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