Question:
DS and Hair loss

Can anyone tell me if yo lose more of less hair with the DS And what can I do to try and prevent it or deal with it when/if it comes. Thankyou so much for your advice Susan    — susan T. (posted on July 15, 2002)

July 14, 2002
Donna is right. The hairloss will happen to patients with either type of surgery, but the degree of loss varies by person. At about 3 months after ANY operation I have every had, I have had hair loss, which stopped at about 6 months and my hair returned to normal. I attempted to slow or stop the loss after my DS by taking Biotin and other vitamins for hair and nails. As far as I can tell, it made no difference. At 26 months post DS, my hair is just like it used to be, ok, so it is curlier and blond, but you know what I mean... Good Luck to you!
   — merri B.

July 14, 2002
Hi! The hair loss is caused by the surgery and anesthesia. Any shock to the body will cause hair loss, even pregnancy. I had my DS Dec. 17, 01. The hair loss started at three months and has stopped already. The first few weeks were scary when I saw all the hair on my hands after washing it but it slowed down fairly quickly and is back to normal now.
   — grammie5

July 15, 2002
Susan, I had the DS about 11 months ago. I encountered the hair loss about at about the 6-month mark. It lasted about 3 months. No, I didn't go bald or any thing! Your hair just thins out a bit. One of the most common explanations of this phenomena is that basically, this whole process is a huge shock to the system. Our bodies are very strong and redundant, but after about 4-6 months of the continual stress (i.e. -the lack of food) your body starts shutting down unnecessary functions...like hair growth. Though, we all think we will just DIE if our hair falls out, from a biological point of view, it is not necessary. After about 8-9 months, our bodies figure out that this condition is here to stay, as well as most post ops, by this stage, are eating more. So...hence the slow down of the loss. The most popular ideas of trying to lessen this affect is to MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PROTEIN IN!! That is not just good for your hair, but it will help your body heal faster and be stronger. It will also promote the gaining of muscle, which will help you burn calories faster. Other things are to up your intake of Biotin, do NOT have any hair treatments that are harsh, (perms, colors, etc). Use gentle shampoos and conditioners. Drink lots of water. I know we all are tired of hearing the "drink lots of water", but you would not believe all the thinks that that will take care of! I hope this helps you. I wish you the best of luck in your journey! ---Sherri Carver, ObesityHelp.com staff member
   — Sherri O.

July 15, 2002
Susan~~~~It seems that the hair loss is certainly an individual thing. The nutritionist doc that I see explained that the protein demands are less on folks that have the DS than those who have the RNY. Around six months or so I noticed more hair in the drain catcher after I shampooed. I was very gentle with my hair after that; washed it every other day instead of every day, used a wide tooth comb to detangle it; gentle shampoo and conditioner and cut it, trim really, every month. My hair is below my waist and is baby fine but very abundant. I noticed a little thinning at the crown but that resolved after three or four months. I was never able to tolerate protein drinks--I ate very high protein foods--lots of fish, beans, sardines, cottage cheese and the like. Drank lots of water. Treat yourself and your hair gently. Be well, be happy, be blessed.
   — LORRAINE K.

July 16, 2002
Susan I was told that it happens more with women not sure why via dr. But also was told to use the nioxx shampoo, conditioner an treatment to prevent it from loosing too much or stop. It is expensive to for warn you but its worth it also. Good luck.
   — Wendy G.