Question:
Anyone with WLS w/ Artificial Nails? Problems during/after?

I've had artificial nails for about 8 years and love them? Did you have any difficulty with them or nail problems during post op and after? Did you find with rapid weight loss that nails did not stay on or natural nails were more brittle? Does the biotin that helps with hair loss also help nails? Thanks    — AJC750 (posted on November 16, 2001)

November 16, 2001
Hi Andrea - I love my nails too and - no - I've had no problems with my nails since WLS (3 1/2 months). Good luck with the surgery and your nails! Nancy
   — Nancy Z.

November 16, 2001
Hi! I have artificial nails, have had them for about 4 years. I took them off for the surgery and for the first month or so. They were in really good shape when I finally got them back on. And I haven't had any problems since then, and I'm 5 months post-op. The only reason I took them off is because my surgeon said I should, but his assistant said I didn't have to (she's got artificial nails too). I figured that if I didn't listen to him BEFORE surgery, I probably wouldn't listen to him AFTER surgery! Good luck to you! (PS...5 mos post-op, down 72 lbs!!!)
   — Becky H.

November 16, 2001
I've had artificial nails longer than I can remember. I had them taken off right before my rny because I wan't sure I'd be up to trekking to the shop for fill-ins. Smart move on my part....I didn't have the energy to keep my nails up. But, I had them put on again a few weeks s after surgery and that was three years ago. No problems at all. The majority of woman in my support group have them and no one has ever mentioned any nail problems.
   — margaret N.

November 16, 2001
Hi...I have acylics and love them. I did have them during surgery and they were no trouble. In fact 1 week after my surgery I went to the nail shop to get fills...what a treat to get out of the house! (of course I didnt drive myself) But it was still nice to get out!!!! So enjoy your nails....:)
   — Melissa S.

November 18, 2001
I had to have mine removed before surgery, and the manicurist I was going to said that it was not uncommon for some hospitals to not allow them during surgery. She was very careful, cut my real nails down to a nice shorter length, buffed them very nicely, and gave me a nice clear top coat. In the hospital and for a few weeks at home, I used the press on nails to remind me to becareful and not do too much, or anything I really shouldn't be at this time. Then I orderd the PRO-Strong Nail Thickener kit and polishes from QVC. These products have allowed me to keep my nails in great shape without the acrylic/gel overlays and the expense of a manicurist. Yes, I have had 2 small breaks in the last 11 post-op weeks, but I'm happy to have the extra money and nice nails, and I don't even mind doing them once a week! Also, my elderly mother-in-law started taking the chewable vitamins that we WLSers need to take, and she has noticed that her nails are getting much nicer, stronger, and longer!
   — Sue F.

November 18, 2001
I had my nails removed before surgery and recently went in to get them done again. The lady asked me, "Have you been the hospital?" (I had not told her about my surgery.) I said, "Wow, how'd you know?" She said she could tell by my nails. It flipped me out. The one thing I've noticed is that my nails don't seem to hold the acrylic very well. I hardly ever broken them before, but I have had a lot of them chip and break since my surgery. I know every one is different and you may not experience this. I still get them done anyway because I really like them, but be prepared for a few problems just in case.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 11, 2002
I had nails on during surgery..didnt even remove my polish..and have had no problem before or after surgery.
   — Jeanne C.