Question:
Can anyone suggest what I need to do to ward off hair loss?

I am very vain about my hair.....and it is thinning a bit in the front.....I plan on using Llorenz (sp) protein, smoothies with protein powder, etc. Just not sure what vitamins and minerals I should be taking.....LASTLY.....I AM 4 DAYS PRE-OP.....SHOULD I BE TAKING ANYTHING THAT WOULD HELP THE HEALING PROCESS?    — Robert B. (posted on March 20, 2002)

March 20, 2002
I too worry about hair loss, and am a pre-op. I have been using a product called MSM, it is generally used for joint pain, but a side effect is hair growth. I have noticed that my hair has grown ALOT faster than usual, and I don't see as much hair when I get out of the shower as I used to (keep in mind I am still pre-op). It is worth a try...I either mix it with juice, or a protien shake. You can also get it in pill format, but if you are going to be having surgery soon, I would suggest the powder, or liquid, as pills may be difficult after surgery.
   — Sarah P.

March 20, 2002
I didn't take anything until I noticed my hair falling out. Then I started taking a "hair, skin & nails" formula by Futurebiotics. It stopped my hair loss in its tracks! I started taking three a day, but my doc knocked me back to one a day after my blood tests showed too many vitamins. It's still working, and I noticed regrowth after only a couple of weeks. Good Luck :)
   — DonnaCarol

March 20, 2002
I, too, am a bit vain about my hair. I am 7 weeks post op and I am taking 1-2 Biotin pills a day. I got them from GNC and I got the concentrated 2500mcg ones. WORKS like a charm!!!
   — Paula Prichard

March 20, 2002
It is really all about your protein intake. You start losing your hair due to the extreme low calorie intake right after your surgery. It takes a while for your body to start showing the stress hence the reason hair starts falling out at 4/5 months postop.
   — Elizabeth A.

March 20, 2002
This is my own "recipe"to minimize hair loss. THis is what I did and it seems to be working. Please note that I had some hair thinning in the front prior to surgery. This happened when I got divorced, so it is likely that stress contributes to this condition. 1. GNC NOURISHAIR- 2-3 pills daily 2. CALTRATE- 2 daily 3. Multivitamin 4. Slow Fe ( slow-acting iron) 5. B-12- sublingual, once daily 6. (ACTIGALL- as prescribed) 7. water -( iNEVER get it all in. DO NOT DO AS I DO!) HAIR: 8. NIOXIN Shampoo 9. NIOXIN Scalp treatment conditioner I also SATURATE my hair with very warm olive oil. I heat it in the microwave. I wrap my hair in a shower cap or plastic wrap and keep it that way for a couple hours. DO NOT TRY THIS IN FRONT OF LOVED ONES-- they will laugh their heads off to see you in this get-up. I also use ROGAINE. My internist and GBS surgeon had no problem with its use. Ask your health practitioner. I hope this helps.
   — michelle R.

March 20, 2002
In response to the previously posted answer ... I'm not an expert but was told that if you use Rogaine, or any product with Monoxodil (sp?), that you have to STAY on it because once you quit using it the hair regrown by using it falls out! Like I said, don't know for sure but I'd be really cautious.
   — Shelly S.