Question:
How can I stop post-op hair loss?

I am 2 1/2 months post-op(lap bypass) and have lost about 60 lbs. I feel great! The only problem I have is hair loss/thinning. What is causing it and how do I stop it?    — Shannon T. (posted on April 9, 2003)

April 9, 2003
You need to increase the amount of protein you consume daily. Protein helps prevent the hair loss. My doctor recommended drinking 1 to 2 8oz protein shakes between meals. Boost is a great one and not that exspensive. Also, most chain store carry there version of the shake for even cheaper costs. I hope this helps. Good luck!!
   — Katrina B.

April 9, 2003
Ofcourse increasing protein is like the mantra of hairloss, but sometimes you can do everything exactly right and still have the hairloss. I ate a ton of protein, but still had hairloss at my 6 month mark. Some people try hair vitamins and things of that nature, but I never did. The loss stopped after a couple months. Also, I know the previous poster mentioned trying BOOST for protein. As post-ops, especially RNY, most of us are told specifically to stay away from products like Boost and Ensure, etc. They are extremely high in sugar and for the amount of protein in them, they do more harm than good really. My friend had to take them to gain weight after cancer, and he did successfully- so I'd stay away from them. Go for a whey protein shake or protein bar. www.vitalady.com has some great products and you can buy samples as well. And congrats on your weight loss- that's great! Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

April 9, 2003
First remember that today's hairloss is related to what you were eating or not eating a couple of months ago - this means that nothing is an instant cure. My doctor told me to take biotin supplements (available at any drug store)and while at 4 months I did get some hair loss it has now stopped and it never got really bad. Another suggestion is to ask your hair care professional about products that protect your hair. I am using a "growth" agent that I got from my hairdresser and my hair is getting thicker again.
   — Etta M.

April 9, 2003
I disagree with those that say it is protein deficiency if it is occuring at around the 3 month mark. Now if this is occuring a year out, I would say, definitely. The majority of post-ops start losing some hair at around 3 months post-op and it can last for 3 months. I believe it results from the anesthesia we were under during surgery. The same thing happened to me the year before WLS when I had back surgery and the year before that when I had my gall bladder removed. Some swear it is the protein, though. As to what stops it-NOTHING. It just has to run its course. My hair dresser says it runs in 3 month cycles, which is about right.
   — Cindy R.

April 9, 2003

   — Jazzy

April 9, 2003
I also got in plenty of protein as a post-op from the beginning (I like my Proscore 100 Chocolate shakes!), and lost hair for a few weeks at around the 3 month mark or so. It happened again with another surgery, unrelated to WLS, when my food (and protein) intake were just fine, so for me, it wasn't a protein deficiency issue, it's an anesthesia (or surgery) issue. Anyway, I bought biotin, but never opened the bottle (lazy!). The hair loss stopped on its own, both times, without me doing a darned thing about it (except for having that unopened bottle of biotin on the shelf -- voodoo effect, perhaps? :~D). Just my 2c!
   — Suzy C.

April 9, 2003
Now that i see the posts that say hairloss because of the anasthesia that is administered it makes complete sense!! I had my gallbladder removed 3 years ago and I remember laying on the couch and when i got up there were clumps of hair that just freefall from my head. I bet it doesnt have much to do with what type of surgery or to much to do with the protein but the agent that was used to put you under our bodies dont like and that is how they tell us they dont like it. i never really thought about it. thanks
   — harleigh2002

April 12, 2003
SINCE MY HAIR GROWS DURING THE SUMMER, I LEFT CHICAGO AND WENT ON VACATION IN A WARM CLIMATE WITH PLENTY OF SUNSHINE! THE HAIR LOSS STOPPED. I SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS EARLIER ON.
   — Marian B.