Question:
Has any had this surgery and not experience signficant hair loss?

I have read a lot of stories about hair loss or thinning after surgery. I'm a new Post-Op (a little over 2 months) and my hair grows really fast and has continued since surgery. I had already chosen a short hair cut because of what I read about others, however, a friend of mine had the surgery 9 months ago and has not lost her hair yet. Is it just a matter of time - or if there are some out there that did not have hair loss, I'd like to know. Thanks.    — Anna M. (posted on February 4, 2004)


February 4, 2004
Hi there and congrats on your way to becoming a loser. I have to say.. I started out with really thick hair and kept most of it. I did not experience my hair coming out in clumps. I would find a few stragglers on my clothes, but that's about it. I didn't lose anymore then when I was pregnant. I am now almost 2 years out and still have a good head of hair. Keep up with your supplements, water and protein. Remember that everyone is different. Look at this way though. If you do get thinning hair, it won't be the only thing thin. You will be thin too. Have a great journey. Melissa -160lbs
   — Melissa S.

February 4, 2004
I did not have hair loss from this surgery and I am 16mo post-op.
   — Sandy M.

February 4, 2004
I never lost any hair, and I had my original open RNY on 8/99, a stomach transection to repair a broken staple line on 8/00, a TT on 11/02 and a breast reduction on 7/03. I never lost any hair with any or these surgeries.
   — Leslie F.

February 4, 2004
I think everyone is different-- I starteed with thin hair and the loss was a little shocking. I'm nowhere near bald but my hair is short now. It's probably a good idea that you got a short haircut-- if you lose some hair it won't be too shocking and if you don't, well, hey, you've got a new 'do. Enjoy and congrats on becoming a big loser!
   — lizinPA

February 4, 2004
Hmmmm. I don't understand this thing about wls and hair loss. I've had 15 surgeries in my life. Half of them have been doozies. NEVER once have I ever lost hair with ANY surgery, yet many seem to with wls. Hmmm. Go figure. Seems I would have had hair loss if anyone is supposed to. Personally I did'nt care if I lost any or not. Perhaps my not caring was why I did'nt lose any? ;) Anyway, not everyone loses hair with wls.
   — Danmark

February 4, 2004
Hi Anna, <br> I lost a little hair at 4 months out..but this was in Nov, and like a puppy, I always shed with the seasons! It stopped, just as my seasonal shedding always does! I, like the previous poster, have had multiple surgeries and never lost hair with any of them. I did use Nioxin for a while, but do not like it as a shampoo or conditioner. I took biotin a few times...but I already took 15 tablets daily, and meds were becoming like eating 2 meals a day, so I stopped the biotin. My attitude about hair has always been "it grows back", whether it was a bad hair cut, bad perm, or losing some through a season.
   — Linda S.

February 4, 2004
I have been most fortunate and not lost hair. I lost 100 lbs in my 30's (on Weight Watchers) and did experience a fair amount of hair loss but the last two times I've lost 100 (Phen/Fen) and now (Yeah - hopefully the LAST time I have to do this!) with RNY almost a year out I haven't had any problems at all. I've been diligent on protein and vitamins, but it's probably just good luck! Best of luck to YOU, either way it's a great ride!
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 5, 2004
I am about 22 months post-op. I was born with stick-straight, baby thin hair. Did not lose ANY with WLS, even though I had about 9 months of very poor nutrition (about 400 calories/day, 30 g protein). However, I was critically ill about 2 years before WLS. I lost nearly all of my hair from that. To help get it back I took a lot of B12, folic acid, mulitvitamins, etc... and it came back very well. I think having a good "head start" (pardon the pun) gave me a good advantage for the WLS. Good luck!
   — kultgirl

February 5, 2004
Hi! Congratulations to you on how well you are doing, I hope things continue to progress as good as they have thus far. I am a little over 2-1/2 years post op, Open RNY, and I had very little hair loss. As soon as I saw a little more in my hair brush than normal I increased my protien even more and it stopped being a problem. Hopefully you will be one of the many that don't have any loss. Keep up the great job! Anita
   — ALF

February 5, 2004
Thanks for all the supportive and positive answers on WLS and hair loss. So I've decided not to go out and get a short hair cut - I'll wait it out and see what happens. I actually wish my hair would not grow so fast - it a pain and expensive to take care of. But if I cut my long locks off I'm donating to the Cancer Society. Thanks buddys!
   — Anna M.

February 5, 2004
Cheer up Anna! You may end up with curlier hair! My hair has always been very curly. HATE IT! Since WLS is is worse. I finally just shave it off close. It's the only way to get rid of the curls. WLS did me a disservice by curling my hair even worse than it already was. :(
   — Danmark

February 5, 2004
IM 4 MONTHS POSTOP OPEN RNY AND HAVE HAD MANY SURGERIES AND NEVER LOST ANY HAIR AND WAS SO SURE I WOULDNT THIS TIME . BUT I WAS WRONG.I HAVE THICK SHORT WAVY HAIR AND ITS COMING OUT PRETTY BAD.IM KEEPING IT CUT SHORT TOO. ITS EASIER TO MANAGE AND I KEEP IT SPRAYED W/ HAIRSPRAY TO MINIMIZE THE STRAY HAIR THAT IM FINDING ALL OVER THE HOUSE AND CAR.YUCK!
   — loisph

February 6, 2004
Hi Anna....I had my surgery almost one year and have not experienced any hair loss. My nutritionist reminded me the other day when I reduced my protein intake, I began seeing a VERY little hair loss and then I increased my protein drinks back to normal(120-150 grams a day) and it stopped immediately. I truly believe it all has to do with protein. My stylist says that our hair is made up of protein and therefore needs protein to remain healthy. I absolutely live for my ProScore 100 Protein Drinks :o) Hope this helps. Enjoy your new healthy happier life Anna :o) Josii*
   — meltedbuttr




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