Question:
Lack of protein?

So the hair loss and also when your nails split like a potato chip being broken in two, these are both signs of not getting enough protein? Or is this gonna happen no matter what? I'm a little over 3 months post op. There's hair all over the bathroom and the other day one of my nails just broke off, but not in the usual manner but it just cracked off.    — Annie H. (posted on February 10, 2002)

February 9, 2002
The Question of the DECADE!!! No, hair loss and fingernail issues is not due to lack of protien...I get nearly 80 grams of protein per day... and yes my hair is still falling slowly but surely. I went to a seminar given by a surgeon and he said the hair loss is a combination of losing so much weight and having surgery.... At the support group in Birmingham, AL... the weight loss coordinator stated that about only 1/3 of all those that have surgery lose a hair in a noticable amount... and about 10% of those have a significant amounnt of hair loss... DISCLAIMER: This is the information that I have learned... and it NOT gospel.... or the absolute fact! There are a lot of theories to the loss of hair. My best to you!
   — Pamela W.

February 9, 2002
I agree with Pamela. I don't think your protein intake is the problem. I think it's just one of those things - some of us get this reaction and some don't. I take biotin and zinc every day to help with the hair loss and, at 6 weeks post op, my hair is thicker than it's ever been. I don't worry about my nails much because I have acrylics. Several people swear by a vitamin that GNC has for hair and nails. I considered it but it's a HUGE pill that I didn't want to have to swallow so I just went with biotin and zinc (2 small pills daily). Good luck.
   — Pam S.