Question:
How much hair do you really loose?

I have really really long hair and I have been horrified at the things I have been reading regarding hair loss. This is the only thing at this time that scares me. I am 30+ and have never had a "real" hair cut. My hair is below my butt and is my best attribute, without it I feel ordinary. Just another fat chick. Can someone help me understand this a little better and put me at ease.    — Debra T. (posted on March 5, 2001)

March 5, 2001
I am almost 6 months post op and i am dealing with the hair loss issue. I am lucky because i have a thick head of hair...but it is falling out..when i shower it falls out in handfuls, my brushes are always needing cleaning out. My doctor says that it will grow back. I do find that my hair is now easier to style, where before it was so thick I needed the biggest hair pins...now small ones will do. I just hope no more falls out. But just remember that it is not a permanant hair loss. Good luck
   — Michelle S.

March 5, 2001
Months 3-6 I lost quite a bit of hair. I was constantly sweeping up the bathroom floor. Luckily, I had thick hair to start with so no one but myself noticed. Then approx. 7 mos. out I stopped losing hair & now have about 1 & 1/2 inches worth of regrowth all over my head. I suggest just seeing how it goes. You may not lose any or even if you do it may not show. Don't forget to keep up your trims. (As an ex-hairdresser I know how important that is even w/long hair). P.S. I do not take protein supps. Just eat a regular diet.
   — Lori_B

March 5, 2001
I am almost 1 year post-op.I started loosing my hair at around 5 months.I am still loosing it. All of the long hair on top of my head has fallen out. But it had already been replaced with new hair growth. It is about 2 inches long on top. I just noticed last week that I don't have any more long hair on one side. And again, it isn't noticeable because of new hair growth. I am going to go have it styled this week in a super short hair cut, so I won't have to watch the remaining long hairs disappear!! I had long thick hair to begin with, and cut it in a shorter style about 3 months ago.It is worth giving up to be healthy again. I have major malabsorbtion. I am very careful with the way I eat, and take meds now. I learned the hard way. My vitamins, and food where going straight through me for months without me knowing it. Good Luck. And remember, You won't be an ordinary Fat Chick. You'll be a healthy melting person, that won't have to hide behind your llonggg hair!!
   — CohenHeart

March 5, 2001
At 3 months post-op, my hair came out by the handful, even though I'd been faithful with protein and vit/mineral supplements (including 30,000 IU of vitamin A, 800 IU of E, 75 mg of zinc). I increased my protein supplement from 60 to 90 gm/day and my hair loss was reduced by half in a week. Then I added 900 mcg of biotin and, after one more week, the hair loss stopped. My nails have gotten stronger and my hair shinier, too. Now I'm just dealing with 2" regrowth from the 1st 2 weeks' loss standing up all over!
   — Linda B.