Losing hair

Cookiesncream · 05-02-2007, 03:30 AM

Has anyone had this happen?? I am def noticing that I am losing hair and it's freaking me out! I saw my dietician last week and she siad it could be because I am low in iron as Im not eating meat etc. I am off to the doctors on Friday for a blood test to see if that is the reason. Has this happened to any of you?? Does it right itself naturally or did you take protein shakes???????? Help!

anon · 05-02-2007, 03:57 AM

If you eat a lot less calories than you need for 3 or so months then hair loss can happen. It's quite common in people who do VLCD's (LighterLife, Cambridge diet etc..) The good news is that you won't go bald, just thinner and it will start to grow back after around 2 months of normal eating (although you will still be 'molting' until your body is sure you're going to carry on eating!)
The body sees hair growth/maintenance as 'non essential' if your calories are very low. You can either live with it until you reach your desired weight or live with slightly slower weight loss, have more hair and eat a bit more!

Cookiesncream · 05-02-2007, 04:09 AM

Thanks for your reply it has made me feel much better! I did lighterlife about 5 years ago and lost 3 st but stopped the diet as I was losing my hair and luckily it has been fine and grown back as before but the rate at which I am losing it now is freaking me out a bit :( I just hope my body will adjust in a couple of months and stop the fallout.

I was banded on 28 Jan 07 and have just had my second fill. I started out at 22st and am now 19st 3lb so I have lost just under 3st in just over 3 months which is about right I think but I am going to really watch what I put in my mouth and make sure it has all the the right nutrients etc. :) Any foods you can suggest which will help??

anon · 05-02-2007, 04:42 AM

Glad to be of assistance..... Sometimes it's only a reminder of what has happened before....
I too lost lots of weight on lighterlife.... 7 1/2 stone my hair fell out, but I persevered because I'd never managed to lose that much in one go!
Unfortunately it all came back on and I decided in Oct 2006 that I was going to have a band. It took me until Feb to save the money and persuade OH that it wouldn't mean that I lived on liquids forever more!
Had the op on 21st March 2007.... Have lost 26lbs in 6 weeks no fill at all, but I have restriction.... which I'm surprised, delighted, and frustrated to experience! I started out at 21st so similar! Although I have to admit that when I decided that I was going to have op I was only 18st 9lb! 6lb more and I'll be back there.... My only regret is that I didn't have it done when I first thought about it, instead of having 4 1/2 months of 'last suppers'

Cookiesncream · 05-02-2007, 04:52 AM

Hi anon,

One more thing, did your hair grow back to normal after lightlife? have you noticed any difference since having the band?

anon · 05-02-2007, 05:23 AM

Yes! my hair did grow back, it's lovely and shiny now! I'm only 6 weeks post op, so if it's going to happen then it'll take at least another 6 weeks to start and possibly another month until I notice... I'm not very observant!

lisawynita · 05-02-2007, 08:48 AM

I lost hair from about 4 month out until about 8 months. When I told my doctor he said he had never heard of it with the band. I started eating more protein and try to get in 60 to 80 grams a day. The hair loss has slowed way down. I still have some after I get out of the shower and comb my hair but I also have very long hair and it breaks off.

Cookiesncream · 05-02-2007, 09:06 AM

Is it noticeable the loss? Has anyone noticed because maybe I am being paranoid but that is my main worry as I have long dark hair.

Brandychick · 05-21-2007, 02:03 AM

I have thinned out in the front. If I put my hair in a ponytail you can definitely see a balnk space on the left hand side of my head. With some careful hairdressing you should get away with it. I have very thick hair so it is quite notceable if I am not too careful. Anon is right, make sure you get your protein. Post-op I am not able to eat too much meat as I keep getting "stuck" when eating it. I tend to have meals with low fat mince, it helps make sure you get the right intake. I am 18 months post-op and it has not come back but again it is def my own fault for not making sure I get the right nutrients!
Good luck. Give us an update.