Hair Loss in Weight Loss Surgery Patients

I am often asked about hair loss in WLS patients, so I did a little research and found an article from the Obesity Action Coalition written by Jacqueline Jacques that describes how hair grows, the risk factors and treatments for hair loss.

I am including her conclusion and will provide a brief summary of the article.

Conclusion
Hair loss can be distressing to bariatric surgery patients and many will try nutrition themselves to see if they can prevent it. Unfortunately, there is little evidence that early hair loss is preventable because it is mostly likely caused by surgery and rapid weight-loss.

Later hair loss, however, can be indicative of a nutritional problem, especially iron deficiency, and may be a clinically useful sign. Educating patients about the potential for hair loss and possible underlying causes can help them to make informed choices and avoid wasting money on gimmicks that may have little real value.

Summary:
At any given time most of our hair is in a 'growth phase', but a small percentage is in a 'resting phase'. A number of stressors can cause a greater percentage of our hair to move into a resting phase and WLS patients are at particular risk because we have all had major surgery and experience rapid weight loss which are among the stressors that can impact having a larger percentage of our hair being in the resting phase. Also, if we are experiencing low values of ferritin, zinc or protein or have had more rapid than expected weight loss we may be at greater risk of hair loss.

While some think that supplementing with Biotin, topically or ingesting it; studies have not shown it to be effective in either stopping hair loss or improving regrowth.

Thanks Barbara, I'm struggling with hair loss and a friend recommeded this sight for informaiton.

I think that the main thing to take away from this article is to make sure that you get in all of your nutritional needs and take a deep breath, it really will get better. 

Hang in there!

Thank you for posting this. I always wondered why it happens.

You are welcome. I hope that this lets you know that while it doesn't happen to everyone, that it does seem to be transient and that you are likely to fully recover any loss you experience. Just take good care of yourself and you'll do well.

mine started about 4 months out and stopped 3 months later....  patience is important.... it does get better!!


jeris

You are so right to say that it patience is important. Your loss and regrowth followed a relatively normal, predictable pattern.I hope that it will give others that are facing some level hair loss some comfort.

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for having this page on hair loss ....   I kinda freaked this evening when I lost a chunk of hair...  Thanks again..
Gina