Question:
Does the hair grow back after WLS hair loss? Or will it always look thin and limp??

   — bluewater09 (posted on September 15, 2009)

September 15, 2009
After speaking with several post op friends that had the surgery years before me I am told yes. I can say also that when speaking to my doctor he said the same. I am currently taking 5000 of Biotin, a multivit and he also suggested flax seed oil. He also suggested Nioxin treatment which can be purchased online...just google it. But to be honest this is just something we have to trade for the success of our weight loss. It will grow back but most say not till you are between 6 months and 10 months....as another stated yesterday I would rather have thin hair than my 120 pound excess. Hope this helps...
   — karensaporito

September 15, 2009
You do not have to loose hair after WLS. The key is getting 70 grams of protein daily. If you have already lost some hair, it will come back if you do this. I do the protein shots from GNC over ice. 42 grams of protein in one little vial, no sugar or carbs. Meat, beans, yogurt, cottage cheese (or any low fat cheese) will help you get the rest. This will also assure that you loose fat instead of muscle.
   — Bonnie H.

September 15, 2009
I am a year post RNY & I went through a few months of the thinning & hair loss. However, it has come back - wavier & curlier too! Very strange as I have always had dead straight hair. It DOES come back, it is just the shock of the surgery!
   — ditzyangeluk

September 15, 2009
The first few months after surgery it is almost impossible for anyone to get in enough protein. Between that and the shock of the surgery to your body, nearly everyone loses some hair - some more than others. I was lucky in that first of all I had very thick hair, and secondly I didn't lose a ton - but enough that I noticed it myself (no one else did). But - it did start coming back in about 7 months out and now the new hair is curly! So - now I have to use a hair iron/straightener on the bangs to get them to lay straighter. Just be sure you get in as much protein as you can. I currently get in about 100 grams a day.
   — Wendy M.

September 16, 2009
Yes, it will grow back in... this happens when anyone undergoes any type of surgery because of the shock to your body. However, as was posted earlier, you can minimize the loss by increase of protein right after surgery. The hair loss usually begins about 3-4 months after surgery... lasts about 30-60 days, then it starts to grow back in. You never know if it will come back the same or different (i.e., curly when it used to be straight). Hope this helps. Kathleen
   — Kathleen O.

September 16, 2009
I had a huge hair loss during one of my pre surgery diets. I went on an all liquid diet for 6 months and lost my hair. Let me add that I have long, thick hair. It all came back and before it was straight and now it's curly!! Little added bonus anyway, take in alot of protein and that will prevent any further hair loss
   — Banded7-27-09

September 16, 2009
Your hair is coming out for several reasons. You had a major surgery, your intestines are different (if applies) and the protein intake. Your hair is falling out but will come back in. If you look at your hair line you will see baby growth. Try Nioxin Scalp Treatment, it makes your hair feel full and thick but it doesn't make your hair grow. It might take a couple of shampoos, but it really works. I still use the shampoo, after 3.5 yrs post op. It makes your hair look healthy, full and gives it body. I don't really think Biotin has anything to do with it growing back. I'm sure it helps in some way, but this is something that really just needs time to make it work it's course. Your hair should stop falling out about 7-8 months post op.
   — Kristy