Question:
Comments On Hair Loss Post-Op VBG Surgery...

Hello everyone. I've been reading it's common for hair loss with RNY and as I'm scheduled for open vbg I would LOVE TO HEAR from post-op's vbg patients and their comments on hair loss. Can I...should I expect hair loss???? Please comment. Thanks, Marti Clark.    — Marti C. (posted on January 28, 2003)

January 27, 2003
I had an open VBG on 8-26-02, at about 3 mo's post op, my hair started coming out. We have to clear the drain in the bathtub, like, every other day. I do not have bald spots or anything like that, and most people don't notice it, but I can tell my once very thick hair has become much thinner. Other than the 'fur coat' I seem to wear on my back and shoulders from the hair coming out, it hasn't really bothered me that much. From what I understand, the hair loss is a result of your hormones getting out of whack from the weight loss and the lack of nutrients since you are not eating as much. I am pretty sure that RNYers get it a little worse because of the malabsorption, but it will happen with the VBG too.
   — salymsmommy

January 27, 2003
RNY'er here. YES, YES, YES my hair is falling out. I am a little over 2 1/2 months post op (-75 lbs)and it is coming out by the handfuls. No one has noticed BUT ME! My hair has become so fine. I see new growth. I think any MAJOR surgery can produce this phenomenon. I take my vitamins faithfully. My nails are gowing in leaps and bounds. I used to be a nail biter. This (hair loss) too shall pass....I'm told! Buying TRUCK LOADS of Draino here. ;)
   — Ginger M.

January 28, 2003
Almost 1yr. post-op VBG. I didn't have any hairloss until about 6 months out. Then it was fairly minor. About the same as I had after having my gallbladder removed years before. I think it was more from the shock of surgery rather than the change in diet. VBGers don't have malabsorbtion issues (good or bad) like bypass patients.
   — Carolynn J.