Question:
Why am I still losing my hair?

I am almost 5 months post-op and have lost 80 lbs (YEAH) but the hair loss issue has kicked in and I am freaking out. I am try very very hard to keep my protein intake to at least 60 grams a day and am also using Nioxin shampoo and Scalp therapy. I have been using it for about 3 weeks. I am also taking all my vitamins, calcium supplements and even bought special "Hair, skin, and nail" vitamins that include Biotin. Should the hair loss seem to slow soon? It still comes out in handfuls after I wash it, and Lord forbid if I blowdry and try to style it. Its all over my shoulders, in the sink, and on the floor of the bathroom. I went last week and got my hair cut to a shorter length and talked to a stylist speacializing in this. She said the Nioxin was the best and I should see some results. someone please tell me this gets better. My husband has told me "It will quit falling out when its all gone" I smacked him! He was just kidding of course. Any thoughts, or suggestions, or just even a pep talk? Thanks everyone! Ya"ll are great!    — PNethery (posted on March 3, 2001)

March 3, 2001
I lost quite a bit of hair starting at month 3, but it stopped at around month 6, after lap BPD/DS. Within some variation, this seems to be approximately what happened to the rest of my DS buds. None of us needed wigs although it is a little scary while it is falling. Many of us got short layered haircuts at this time and we all looked like we had much more hair. There's nothing worse than long stringy hair LOL. The added bonus was that with the weightloss and short hair, everyone acted like I had had a face lift too. Enjoy your fabulous weight loss now and now that the hair will start regrowing in a month of two.
   — Jill L.

March 3, 2001
Peggy, There may very well be some truth to our systems being in shock after surgery and all that but I just met with my nutritionist (required by my surgeon pre-op) and I specifically asked her about the hair loss thing. She explained that everyone's body is different and to expect that your body only needs 60 grams of protein was incorrect. Your body obviously needs more than 60 grams at this point and time. As a matter of fact, she told me the lack of protein was the only thing that would make my hair fall out. Furthermore, she told me that for the first three weeks I would need 96 grams of protein, the next 5 weeks I would need 84 gramss of protein and then after that I would need around 72 grams. Please check with your doctor to ensure that you are getting in enough protein. I just lost a very good friend last week, who had wls in July, from malnutrition and liver failure - plainly put...lack of PROTEIN! Please take care of yourself and be careful! Good luck and God be with you!
   — Sharon R.

March 3, 2001
My hair started falling out at 3.5 months post op, and has just now tapered off at 8.5 months. At 5 months, I was convinced I would be bald within a matter of weeks. My protein count is very high (85 - 100 grams per day), my vitamin regimen complete, including extra zinc. I personally subscribe to the stress theory, since I experienced hair loss once before due to a long term, stressful situation. My most helpful suggestion? Take the drain out of your shower and use a dark towel so you can't see how much is falling out! - Kate -
   — kateseidel

March 3, 2001
Hi Peggy!! I am 4 months post op and have begun to experience pretty substantial hair loss myself. It is pretty scary. My husband, who is so sweet and considerate, suggested a hair weave or a wig or an extension, etc. I was completely opposed to this because it would be hot, unnatural, expensive, a hassle and a million other terrible things.......BUT......I happened to be in a shopping center that has a store called "The Hair Place". They sell everything from Shampoo to Wigs. I thought...what the heck. I went in and tried on some wigs and they were to hot and too confining on my head. I tried some extensions and they made my hair look lumpy. Then I tried on something that is sort of a cross between a wig and an extension. It's several extensions sewn into a widely woven mesh base - not a tight cap light most wigs. My husband and I both gasped when I put it on.....IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!!! And it was comfortable, inexpensive and easy to work with. I felt like someone had handed me my self respect on a silver platter!! I know this isn't the answer for everyone and I NEVER thought it would be the answer for me. It just goes to show that anything's worth a try!! Good Luck and Hang In There!! :)
   — ronascott

March 11, 2001
I am also 5 months Post op and Post op Hair loss is normal. It doesn't matter what you do or how much extra "supplements" you pump into your body nothing is going to help but time. There is absolutely nothing you can do but keep your vitamins, protein, etc etc up. This will not prevent the hair loss but it will keep you "up to par" with everything else. Surgery is very stressful on your body and your body is reacting to the post surgery stress which is normally caused by all surgeries. You aren't do anything wrong but there isn't anything you can do to prevent hair loss. The only thing you can do is be patient and try a new hair style. Be patient and smile. Normal hair loss only last until you are about 6 months post op and then it slows down. I know this has been a huge concern of mine but hey if the good Lord wants me bald there is nothing I can do to prevent it so I just smile with each handful of hair I throw away. Just keep smiling and remember with each strand of hair you lose why you had this surgery. Good Luck and Keep smiling it will eventually slow down.
   — BOK