Question:
How long does it take to regrow hair if protein deficiency was the cause?

Hi, AMOS family. I am about 8.5 months post-op and just went through a devastating hair loss. At least 40% of my hair fell out in months 4-8. It has stopped falling out now but is still very thin. I didn't think I had a protein deficiency, because my blood tests came back normal ... but I was reading on this site the other day that you need at bare minimum 60 g. of protein per day, because our post-RNY bodies don't absorb all 60 grams. I have only been getting in about 30-40 grams, which may explain my hair loss problems. I immediately bumped my protein intake up starting a few days ago. I try to get 70-100 g. of protein in everyday. How long until my new diet will cause my hair to recover? Anyone have experience with that?    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 27, 2001)

November 27, 2001
It is likely that you your loss is not caused by lack of protein, but by rapid weight loss. My surgeon says that there is really nothing to be done to stop the hair loss but time. Most people find that by one year after surgery, their hair has regrown.
   — Gina E.

November 27, 2001
A number of things can cause hair loss. One or more of these reasons below are directly related to WLS. (Shock and stress to the body just having the surgery, Blood thinners used during surgery, and rapid weight loss) <p> For example, about 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is temporary. The stress of childbirth often causes hair loss. Rapid weight loss is another reason that stresses the hair from the loss of certain nutrients <p> Hormonal problems may cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, your hair may fall out. This hair loss usually can be helped by treatment of the thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Correcting the hormone imbalance may end your hair loss. <p> Some medicines cause hair loss. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, medicines used in chemotherapy to treat cancer, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills and antidepressants. <p> Certain infections can cause hair loss. Children may have hair loss caused by a fungal infection of the scalp. The infection is easily treated with antifungal medicines. <p> Finally, hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so that it can be treated. <P> Most WLS'ers have new regrowth from the 9-12th month post-op..Getting your protein in and taking supplements can't hurt and just may help... I not only had WLS, I also had an abdominoplasty and body lift all within 18 months.. Yes, my hair suffered but I never went bald.. and I was religious about taking Biotin, Z-Bed and my protein daily..
   — Victoria B.