Question:
Is there anything that can be done to prevent Hair Loss?

I am 4 moths post op and the hair loss is driving me crazy! I can't even comb my hair without leaving a mass of hair around! Are there any pills I can take to prevent this?HELP!    — Carmen E. (posted on May 19, 2002)

May 19, 2002
I don't know about preventing it, but my loss isn't too bad and it just started about two weeks ago (I'm about the same time out as you). I take ONE Biotin 2500 pill every day. That's my secret. lol I also use Clairol Renew 5X shampoo and conditioner. It's supposed to stregthen your hair.
   — Paula Prichard

May 19, 2002
I have read a lot on this topic, esp. when I was going through it (coming to a close at 6 mo. post), and I have seen differing opinions on this. Some say that they have tried everything from the biotin and zinc pills, hair skin and nail pills from GNC, Nioxin shampoos and other products, and increasing protein. Some swear by some of these, others say they have tried them all with no improvement. All you can do is try. Some say it is going to fall out no matter what you do and it would be a waste of money. The loss generally lasts 3 months. Mine started at month 3 (to the day) and has pretty much stopped at 6 months. 'Pretty much' meaning I don't wake up with tons of hair on my pillow, then comb a glob out after tons falling out in the shower with washing it and then again when conditioning it, and then more when I put mousse in it and then even more when I dry it. It seemed endless and I *swore* that I would go bald at that rate. Well I'm not bald, thank heavens. I even started with fine, thin hair. Now it seems as if only a few strands end up on my towel when I towel-dry my hair. No other probs. I know it will drive you absolutely crazy, but it will end.
   — Cheri M.

May 19, 2002
I am 6-1/2 months post op and my hair loss is worse than ever! It's all over my bathtub, bathroom, etc. I will be watching your replies. I thought it would be slowing down by now but it's not. I am the only one who notices -- fortunately. But still, it's enough to worry you.
   — Annie H.

May 19, 2002
I don't know if there are any pills you can take to curb hair loss, mine lasted about 4 months. I asked my hairdresser what to do about it. We decided to lighten and highlight my color (which was quite dark), so that the loss would not be quite so noticeable, and to make the style shorter so that the length would not pull the hair flatter against my scalp. We also put in many more layers so that no area would look thinner than any other. I towel-dry my hair, and run my fingers through it, even when using the hairdryer. I do not use either a brush or a comb because that pulls out more. At 8 mos.+ out, my hair seems to have stabilized and seems to be growing in again. And it's so much easier to take care of!
   — Marjorie B.

May 20, 2002
Carmen, I feel for you. I'm 10.5 months post-op and just had an appointment with my dermatologist last week, who said that my loss is bad enough to qualify me as possibly suffering from female patern baldness. She recommended that I continue taking my zinc tablets, my biotin tablets, my other vitamins supps, keep up the protein, and to continue what I'd already been doing: got my hair cut very short (looks like my days of long hair are over), using only shampoos and hair care products from salons, and had it lightened so that the loss looks less apparent. What I will say, though, is that I'm willing to forgo the hair I've lost in exchange for the 132 lbs I've lost (still losing) and the better health otherwise. Blessings to you.
   — CaseyinLA

March 7, 2003
Hey, I feel your pain! I am almost 6 months post op and my hair is everywhere but on my head. I saw my doctor about it, he said that hopefully it will end in the next couple months, my fear is that I won't have hair left in the next couple months. The other part is that I have had no other side effects except weight loss after the surgery, I think my hair loss is something I will deal with for being so lucky. I have friends, who have gone through every side-effect known to man. Good luck
   — Leslie G.