Question:
Are there any possible side effects like hair loss due to Lap Band Surgery?

I'm considering having the Lap Band done and I was wondering if people typically experience hair loss, sagging skin, vitamin depletion or anything else as a result of the surgery. Can you see or feel the tube for the fill under the skin? Also, how much does a fill cost? I have more questions but I don't want to load anyone down with them right now. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.    — l S. (posted on February 4, 2005)

February 4, 2005
I think the hair loss happens when you are not getting enough protein in your diet. I do not think it is a side effect of any particular type of bypass surgery. As far as the sagging skin, that all depends on how much weight has been lost and the elasticity of your skin, and how much you exercise. Anyone having WLS, no matter the type, needs to take vitamins the rest of their lives. I have read from others on the OH website, that alot of people who have the lap band done end up having a revision. I'm not saying all but alot. I had started out wanting the lap band but after researching different types of WLS, I decided on the open RNY. I'm 6 months out, down 92 lbs and have not had any problems at all. I did go through the hair loss phase, but it was not to bad, it isn't noticeable. Good luck in which ever route you decide to take. Just make sure you research each type and talk to your surgeon about all of them. This OH website is chalk full of information.
   — Kelley

February 4, 2005
some of your questions you might get more answers if you post in the lapband forum. Yes you can feel your port. Cost - varies... if your insurance is covering the band they cover the fills - so in my case the fills were 'free' since my doctor included them in his original fee for the first year; then after that just a office co pay. If your self pay you could be looking at $300 +- As far as hair loss, vitminas etc, you should NOT have any. hair loss is due to rapid weight loss and the vitamin def happens with the bypass if the vitamins are not taken. The lapband is designed for 'steady' weight loss NOT rapid weight loss and your weight loss is solely from 'food' restriction not malabsorbtion. Basically your 'dieting'. Sagging skin could be an issue depending on how much you loose how old and how long you have been obese. no guarantees here.
   — star .

February 4, 2005
For most people, post-op hair loss occurs because of the body's reaction to the trauma of surgery and general anesthesia. There's NOTHING the post-op can do---either it happens or it doesn't. Taking in optimum levels of protein won't STOP hair loss, but it WILL promote hair re-growth.
   — MsBatt

February 5, 2005
Lorna There is so much to learn, but I will briefly answer a few of your questions. You will not experience vitamin depletion with the band--there are no malabsortion issues with it--you will take in food normally and digest just as you always have, all I take is a flinstones vitamin. Some people can feel their ports, but its not a big deal. Some people after they have lost a great deal of weight can see their ports sticking out and opt for a low profile port (smaller, doesn't show up) and really unless you are wearing skin tight clothing, no one would notice. As for fills, that is something that depends on your surgeon--some offer free fills for life, so for a year, some not at all. The average price that I have found is $200--I think it just depends on where you are. If your insurance is covering the band, they should cover your fills (and if they are you are SO LUCKY!!! I was a self payer). Sagging skin--genetics mostly, but with the band the weight loss is slower, so for alot of people its not an issue. Someone here mentioned that alot of people get revisions from the band--if that is the case, I think it would mainy be due to lack of research prior to surgery--not knowing that it takes time to get a proper fill and to start losing steadily--I have heard of too many people expecting bypass results with the band, then getting frustrated when they don't lose a ton of weight right off. The band is slow but steady, and completely effective if you give it a chance. Please email me privately and I will answer any more questions you may have. Good luck! Jessica
   — jessicamegan

February 8, 2005
Well, Jessica covered it pretty well. The complications that are most often associated with the Band are things like erosion and slippage, which can most often be dealt with by emptying the Band or at most, a minor surgery. But even these are rare. I have had no hair, vitamin or skin issues as of yet, and I am down 105 lb. I can feel my port if I press really hard over my port site. My fills cost $100 but I have only had three, and the first one was free. My DH was also Banded last week. You can email me if you have more questions. Best of luck!!
   — Jeanie

February 8, 2005
Also, if you haven't already, go to the Lap Band forum on this site. There's hundreds of posters there and probably thousands of lurkers! You can ask anything and they are very supportive. Go to the Main Entrance, then Forums and it's there.
   — Jeanie