Hair loss

oreilly76 · 10-09-2006, 01:55 PM

I am almost 17 weeks post op and have lost about 40lbs. I started losing my hair a few weeks ago. I have heard that it wasn't that uncommon for this to happen. So a couple of weeks ago I saw my dr. for my first fill and mentioned the hair loss. He said it should not happen with this surgery because there is no malabsorption issue. I said, Ok, maybe it is my hormones because similar hair loss happened 3 months out from birth of both my DD's too (although getting worse now). He suggested Biotin. I looked it up and frankly don't know if that would work for me. My nails are harder and stronger than they have ever been... so I am back to the hormone issue. I have been diagonsed with PCOS in the past as well... so maybe that makes it worse.
Would love to hear from anyone else in similar situation and what you did.
Thank you!

Irish Girl · 10-09-2006, 03:26 PM

Oh my gosh...I lost a ton of hair. It only lasted about 2 months for me and now it seems that things are back to normal. My doc said I could spend the money on supplements if I wanted to, but he didn't feel it was worth it. From what I understand that a lot of people that lose a lot of weight quickly is one of the times the hair loss happens. So have faith and know that you are not alone and that it will definately get better.

Smiles.

ddiedre · 10-09-2006, 03:42 PM

Here's a great link to weight loss as it relates to hair loss. I realize it's a little over a year old, but I think it explains things pretty well. It doesn't get into great scientific detail, but it's helpful just the same and can lead you to further research in to the specifics of iron or other nutritional deficiencies.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05256/570686.stm

IMHO, regardless of the malabsorption, WLS can lead to some hair loss. Our diets change. Our hormones can change, especially those affected by the fat content of our bodies. Yes, if you have malabsorption it only adds to the problem. But, if you're doing your best to make sure you get a well-rounded diet including iron, protein and various other vitamins and minerals as recommended by the ADA you'll do just fine. I've had some thinning. I had some thinning before WLS. I was told I had some mild iron deficiency and had to take those rotten iron supplements. It didn't do a lot of good other than slow the shedding. Right now, I use Nioxin shampoo and conditioner. I've noticed an improvement. It's not a miracle, but it helps.

Good luck to all those suffering with thinning hair. I think we all understand your fears and concerns.

beachgirl · 10-09-2006, 04:38 PM

Mine is coming out in handfulls. Everytime I wash my hair I have to scoop all of it up and put it on papertowels. It would definitely ruin our system. I got 6 inches cut off thinking that would help last week, it didn't. So now I have short hair that's falling out.

JJB · 10-09-2006, 08:39 PM

I had the same thing happen to me a few months ago. I lost a lot of hair and it really scared me. I was also told it does not happen with this surgery. But it did. I waisted a lot of money on Biotin and vitamins. I was told it just has to run its coarse. Well it did and now it has stopped falling out and new hair is coming in quick. So I know it is really scary but it will come back. Good luck to you and remember it is temerary.

EricBermudez · 11-03-2006, 07:16 PM

Hairloss is common even when you diet. Maybe there is a lack of a mineral or any kind of vitamin. I believe that is only at the beginning, cause the body is getting used to a new diet. Try taking something like Centrum.

I am a man in the mid 30's and have thin hair, and have not had any problem with my hair.

AngelaT · 11-03-2006, 07:25 PM

It is really important you are getting enough protein. Also important to supplement your B vitamins, especially B12, B6, Folic Acid which you can get a sublingual little pill that melts under your tongue. Biotin works well...do not expect it to work over night. Also take a daily multivitamin a good one! Good luck!:)

NJChick · 11-04-2006, 07:16 AM

Yes it is comon when you lose that much weight that fast. Fast WL shocks the body and thats when you start to shed. I started losing my hair at 5 months out and it started growing back at 9 months. I lost a TON of hair... I was in tears. There's no meds that will help regrow it, its just time that your body needs to adjust....so hang in there. It will grow back so don't worry... but it is devistating to say the least.