any info on hair loss

I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions for something to take to try to slow down some of the hair loss. I have just started to loose but it is coming out by the handfuls. Help please!!! Thanks everyone. Jeri

Jeri, I had my surgery about 6 days before you did, and I'm starting to lose a bit too. I got worried last week and I went into my doctor's clinic to buy a vitamin they sell that prevents hair loss, but the advice I got from several other post-op patients was just to be patient and wait. They said it generally stops between 6-10 months after surgery, and at that point, you start to grow the hair back. (It grows back like little baby hairs.) My nutritionist also said that GNC sells hair & nails vitamins that work just as well as anything they sell. She also recommended that I try a shampoo called "Nioxin" (I think that's the name). She said you can get it at most salons. Hope that helps. -Cathryn

I bought the nioxin shampoo and conditioner. It never worked for me. I got it at Cost Cutters in case you want to try it. Karen

Hi Jeri, though I don't believe there is any scientific proof that any supplements work. This is what I did and I know a lot of patients still take. Biotin is a supplement that is suppose to help..it's promotes healthy skin, hair and nails. I know when I take it my nails grow great!! I did notice that when taking it I didnt' lose hair as fast..this past 6 months was the pitts for me as I had undergone 3 surgeries.. I had lap-gallbladder by Dr. Sonnanstine in August.. 6 hr plastic surgery in Nov.. then Dr. Sonnanstine took me back into surgery for an infection due to the plastics.. my hair fell out in handfuls..I began taking the biotin but I also did tons of protein..when I say tons i mean 120 grams per day..as suggested by Dr. Sonnanstine .. Finally the falling out stopped but my hair has no umph to it at all...but at least it isn't falling out!! good luck and if I can help guide you with the product let me know..you can email me at [email protected] Brenda

Well, I'm 7 months post-op and my hair is still falling out though not as much. I recently started (in the last few days as a matter of fact) taking Biotin 3x's a day. I'm hoping it will help and fast. My hair is so limp and damaged. I can't afford nioxin. $30+ for a bottle of shampoo is just a bit much for my budget. But, I have had friends who've made this investment and seem to like it. I also have friends who don't. I do use a special gentle shampoo and conditioner. After I towel dry my hair, I put on some more conditioner and leave it in. It seems to help a lot with the frizzies. I have to blow dry my hair now, ( I used to let it air dry for the curls) because air drying it leaves it wild with the frizzes and no style. My curls are non-existant. I miss my hair. I am praying it will grow back, but it's going to take awhile for me, I'm afraid. I found out from my surgeon (not my WLS surgeon) that I need a follow up surgery to my last surgery, because of my complication. Aye, aye, aye...will it ever end? Good luck to you-- Dee

I was one of those who just waited and it does stop. Make sure you get all your protein in. I lost mine for about 2 months. I have very fine hair anyway that I really looked like I was sick. I got a shorter haircut and colored my hair so it wasn't so dead looking. That really shined it up. I have a niece who swears by the Biotin. Hope it doesn't last that long. Jane

Jeri, Make sure you are getting your protein in and getting your vitamins. Then, additional vitamin E and zinc. Many people have reported help from minoxidil shampoo. Think of it this way -- hair is not the most important to survival. When you lose weight quickly, your body sacrifice some of the less important functions --- hair falling out, brittle fingernails and scaly skin. Most people will notice the other changes you are going thru and not the hair loss. I hope this helps. David Geller, MD Medical Director Norton Suburban Bariatric Surgery Program Bariatric Surgeons of Kentuckiana 4001 Dutchmans Lane, Suite 1E Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 893-7151, fax 893-7020 [email protected]

Thanks to everybody for your helpful suggestions, especially you Dr. Geller. I know the weight loss is the most important thing. I will see you on Thursday. Thanks again. Jeri