Question:
Can anyone provide statistics about hair loss?

What % of people lose hair, and when does it usually start and end?    — claire C. (posted on December 9, 2000)

December 9, 2000
Only statistics I can provide is the one on my head.. I lost better than 1/2 of my hair and the thinnest was front and top of crown. My hair loss started at 14 weeks then rained down from 4th to 7th month..Then slowed down a lot when I cut and layered my hair.. Then around the 10th month I now see some hair regrowth...slow by sure..
   — Victoria B.

December 9, 2000
I started losing hair at 6 months, so fast I thought I was going to be completely bald. It is now ten months out and my hair is growing back in very well (sigh of relief). I've been keeping it very short and permed so it is very curly, hiding the thin spots, sides and crown, as much as possible.
   — Connie G.

December 9, 2000
I am a pre-op and have similar concerns. I've heard that taking zinc pre-operatively and also during the rapid weight loss 'window' post-op can help alleviate the hair loss. I'm not sure how much zinc is recommended - I have to ask my surgeon's nutritionist Nicole. :) All the best,
   — Teresa N.

December 10, 2000
I, too, began losing my hair at about 5-6 months post op. I had very thick hair to the middle of my back. I've lost at LEAST half of my hair & have cut it to just below my shoulders. It is now beginning to grow back. I have a mini-mohawk of about 2" hairs all along my part. A small amount is still falling out, but I think more is coming back than is still being lost. Oh, I am now 8 months post. The hair situation has been pretty scary at times &, arguably, the hardest part of all to deal with, but I have never regretted my decision to have this surgery. The hair will grow back, but the fat won't!
   — Kathy W.

December 11, 2000
I am six months post-op and have very thick long hair. I see strands on my clothes and a very small amount when I shower but nothing noticable. I drank protein drinks from the beginning up until about a month ago.
   — Deania W.