Question:
I am 4 months post-op lap rny. I have lost 83lbs. But my hair is really falling out.

Also I am dumping about once a week is this normal still? I have been eating peanuts, is that okay? They have lots of protein.    — vickiesee (posted on May 17, 2009)

May 17, 2009
Okay - #1, are you taking extra Biotin? Before my surgery in March, I was losing LOTS of hair every time I shampooed, and had been for years. Since my surgery, I've been taking Biotin (1000 mcg) and I can hardly find a single hair in my drain. Give it a try. #2, as to the dumping.... I've yet to have that lovely thing happen to me. I've done my share of vomiting (I developed a stricture, and the food just wouldn't go down - but once I had it dilated, I was fine), but no dumping. However, I hear that most WLS patients will dump if they take in much more than 15 grams of sugar at a time, or too much fat. You might check out how much fat your peanuts are putting into your diet, because it could be that you're dumping because you're eating too many and getting too much fat from them, even though they have a lot of protein. Also, what are you eating that is causing you to dump? Is it the same thing all the time? Or is it a different food each time? Are you getting really sick when it happens, or just vomiting? It might help you to keep a food journal for a couple of weeks to see what you're eating that is bothering you....and make DOUBLE SURE that you are getting all the protein you need. All surgeons are different, but mine wants me to get between 65 and 80 grams of protein a day minimum, and if I can find a way to get more without overeating, that would be fine with him. Hope this helps. Good luck!
   — Erica Alikchihoo

May 17, 2009
Hi..I , too , was taking biotin for hair loss, but it didn't seem to change any after I stopped. I did however, increase my protein. That helped me. I noticed my hair regrowing when it was about 1/2 inch long. Keep looking for it. When you see ne growth you will know things are ok. It was just the initial shock of everything you have gone thru..physically. As far as dumping goes. I bet you are getting too much sugar or sugar alcohol from something you are eating. I drank milk and didn't realise it would cause me to dump. But it does have 11 g of sugar in it. I also noticed that chicken stock did it to me. Sometimes I would eat these foods when i was so constipated that I was thankful to know what made me go.I would switch to almonds if possible. Peanuts have a lot of calories in them. Best of luck to you! Hugs and God Bless, Kim
   — gpcmist

May 17, 2009
That is SO normal. I promise that it will stop and then you'll see new growth. In the meantime, I would suggest getting a biotin supplement-at Walmart or your local health store. I also used good shampoos-Nexxus or Catwalk (volumizing/thickening are the best). They're expensive, but seemed to help with appearance. Take all of your supplements as prescribed. Check with the health store-Akins-for suggestions. I have fine, thin hair and it fell out in clumps. I'm 21 months post op and it is back to normal. Congratulations on your weight loss. If thin hair is what it takes to have this thin body, then so be it. Don't worry too much. Enjoy yourself.
   — gouldsfiya

May 18, 2009
Hi, I am 9 mos. post op and I also have lost a great deal of hair. I take the extra biotin (Walmart) and mu hairdresser is cutting all the old hair off every 3 weeks. she says that now she is feeling bristles. dont worry.....this too will pass.
   — grawlings

May 18, 2009
Hi, Don't worry, it will stop. I started to use Nioxin shampoo when my hair started falling out and it is great. It makes your hair feel fuller and it makes it healthier looking during this trying time. It won't get to the point of going bald. This is normal. I had the RNY 3 years ago, I think 4 months is pretty early to be eating peanuts though. Your pouch is probably still in the healing stages. Even though you chew real good, I would hold off on the peanuts, unless your doctor said it is okay. But you really should try the Nioxin shampoo. It will make a difference. You also probably should have your thyroid tested as well. I have to take supplements for my thyroid and the surgery made it go wacky. But even if you didn't have thyroid problems pre op, your could post op. Best wishes
   — Kristy