Question:
African American post op hair loss

I am African American who is 7 and a half months post op (RNY Gastric Bypass). My hair has thinned so much that I get discouraged at even the thought of touching it. Are there any African American females who have found success in strengthening their hair post op?    — Renee T. (posted on December 4, 2008)

December 4, 2008
Renee, I take 1200 Mg biotin daily and use Dr Miracles Antibreakage Strengthening Cream and Design Essentials Herbal Complex Hair and Scalp treatment. Please try to step up your protein through food sources if possible. It took several weeks but my hair is beginning to look healthy again. Hope this helps a bit... Yolanda<><<
   — Y. Carroll

December 4, 2008
Chemicals will only make it worse. Take Biotin and make sure you are having enough protein. Hair will grow back. This is just part of the process. Good luck.
   — maria09elena

December 4, 2008
Renee, It's a process that everyone goes through. I had bald spots in sections of my hair. It was so thin around my hair line. I posted this same questions in my early months post-op. Like the ladies said, Biotin works wonderfully. I found a brand at Walmart that is 5000mg (Rexall Super Potency Biotin) and I started taking it every day. A bottle of 120 capsules for under $5.00. Just like Yolanda, I started using the Dr. Miracles's product line. Didn't use any perms for a while. Yeah, It was a hot mess sometimes but over time with continued use of Biotin and a good product line, without chemicals, your hair will start to grow back. And don't forget the protein. (very important) I'm 18 months post-op and my hair is longer and healthier than before surgery. Good Luck, Rhonda
   — Caliqueen

December 4, 2008
Renee, I haven't had my surgery yet, I'm scheduled for Dec. 22 and I am so afraid of the hair loss. I was told to take Biotin pills and use Nioxin shampoo, there is a website you can order the products or check with the Beauty supply stores and JCPenneys salons. I see you were approved through Tricare, me too. Keep me posted. Angela
   — Goldie1960

December 5, 2008
Hi Renee....it's a process we all go through, sorry to say. Some women worse than others. I took Biotin supplements and used Nixion shampoo and conditioner and within a month - my hair bounced back. I will be 2 years on 2/15/09 - my hair is fuller and more beautiful than before surgery. I still use the Nixion 2-3x a month as I still have some shampoo for an extra thickening session. Works like a charm. Also - sooooo very important is to keep your protein intake up and max'ed out and take your vitamins and supplments and you will pull through. Good luck.
   — jammerz

December 6, 2008
I had open RNY Sept '04. A week before I had it, I cut my hair all over about the length of your middle finger. BOY DID I EXPERIENCE HAIR LOSS AFTER SURGERY. It was so thin that it made the shape of my head look funny. I used Dr Miracles and biotin. My hair is now under my bra line and thicker. I don't think it'll ever be as thick as it was before surgery, but it is thick. Even today, I always have hair in my comb. But it grows just as fast as it comes out, so I don't notice it much. Believe me I understand the trauma as I even put on a few wigs from time to time during that transition period. But I'm so proud of my hair. Also, I noticed that the texture of my hair changed. The shampoo/conditioner products that I used before aren't as good on my hair now and some of those that I used to avoid, I actually love now. So just be ready for some changes but not all is lost.
   — poodie

December 9, 2008
At almost 5 yrs post-op my hair was thin to begin with, but long to my shoulders. I did not get in enough protein and my hair started combing out. I still do not get as much protein as I need, but my hair I wear it natural and short of course and take biotin 6000 mg a day. Walmart has Biotin in 120 ct bottle with 1000 mg tablets. Cost is not quite $5. I shampoo my hair 1 time a week due to I use moussee and with soft curly hair works great for me. I also use a light hair oil that has aloe in it and it is great to use for my hair also. The thinnest part of my hair is in the front and as curly as my hair is it is not that noticeable only when I shampoo my hair and it is wet. I use no chemicals in my hair for it is a waste of money for me and damages my hair when i know it is fragile from this surgery and needs to stay healthy. Getting in enough protein daily is the key and not over chemical your hair. Using the nioxin shampoo from JC Penny was ok, but expensive and the results for me was not satisfying. I dawn a wig every now and then for better feel and but a hat every now and then helps also. Good luck in your journey and enjoy the weight loss and manage your hair as you see fit. Irish aka Ms Pisces
   — mspisces

December 12, 2008
Renee I truly appreciate you posting this question because I too have recently noticed increased hair shedding. I am 3 mos. post-op and it's pretty scary to see so much of my hair in my comb and brush; or sometimes just rubing my hands through my wet hair. This information has been very helpful. Hopefully we'll both see improvements. Jackie
   — dimplequeen44