x-post - post-op hair loss - exact reasons?

 Hi All-

I saw my PCP this morning and he was very disturbed by my hair loss (I was a self-pay in MX). 

I said: "it's normal -- it happens all the time after WLS and it will come back."

He, who has always been supportive but is admittedly NOT an expert re: WLS and it's issues, said that "the only reason for the hair loss would be because of poor nutrition."

Now -- I have been getting all my protein and water in -- most days -- since about the 3rd or 4th week out. Is it those early post op weeks when we can't possibly take in proper nutritional values that causes the hair loss this far out?

I also read somewhere that it was a reaction to the actual stress of the surgery that causes the hair loss...??

Anyway I'm suddenly losing hair like crazy and am really disturbed by it - even though I knew it would happen. I plan to eat only super-duper- iron-rich proteins from now on...
Any other thoughts on the specifics of why exactly it happens and how to best minimize the duration / amount lost would be most welcome!

It's typically not a nutritional issue although it can be.  Here is why we lose hair after ANY surgery (not just weight loss surgery):

emedicine.medscape.com/article/1071566-overview

Hair loss is a common side effect of both rapid weight loss and of surgery. I lost a lot of hair after both my breast reduction and my knee replacement, and I expect it will be even worse this time around since I will have weight loss effects in addition to the surgery.

You might try tracking your food intake as well as your supplements/vitamins, so that you can show your PCP what you are eating.

Inadequate protein intake is also associated with hair loss - If yours is around 70 grams/day, this shouldn't be the cause though.... make sure you are using high quality protein supplements or getting your protein from real food. You may need to get in a habit of weighing food to make sure that you are eating what you think you are eating. There are a bunch of nutrition trackers - don't remember them all, I use fitday .com.

Good luck - and it will grow back!

I don't think anyone really "knows" what causes it, but it could stem from those early days post op, but I have also heard that some women after childbirth and c-sections have hair loss.  I didn't have any after my WLS but after my plastics I seem to be having some now.

Ms Shell

Hi Suzie,

I started losing hair at exactly 3 months out and that lasted about 2 1/2 months. My doctor who is a bariatric specialist said that it was something that was to be expected and was the norm rather than the exception. I talked to my hairdresser about it (she is obviously not a doctor but sees lots and lots of hair) and she sees it in all different WLS patients in addition to new moms, stressed out ladies, etc. Poor nutrition can't be the whole answer as to why.

I can tell you that since week 2 I have gotten in at least 65 grams of protein, all vitamins, plenty of fluids, all labs are perfect and I still experienced all the hair loss. Thankfully I have a lot of "baby" hairs sprouting now so I'll be back to my old self soon...as will you!!!

It sucks to go through it but it's a temporary thing.

Take Care,

Thanks everyone!
Midwestern Girl...that was an interesting article...so no wonder WLS people lose the hair almost all the time (with a few exceptions) - we've got practically all of it goin' on.

Anyway...it's funny because this wonderful forum has allowed me (so thankfully) to know what to expect every step of the way...and the hair loss is no exception.

But I guess with the hair loss I was hoping:

1) I'd be one of the lucky ones who is spared and if not...
2) I'd have at least gotten into onederland by the time it really started falling out (not!) and (just so I wouldn't have to be fat and bald!) and
3) that I wouldn't have had such a surprised Dr. on this topic!

Oh well. Once again you all are life-savers! I will wait out these next 2-3 months and hope I don't do this with what hair I have left!
xo
S

I too know to expect this , I am only one month out of surgery. My doctor suggested I also take Zinc which I do.  I get my protein in , and take the zinc (GNC desolvable lazenger). I am hoping this will help.

I've lost a lot of my hair, in clumps, just as others with WLS have.  It's finally stopped, for the most part.  BUT, I've had 3 c sections and after every single one, I lost my hair in massive volumes like this.  It is definitely a reaction of the surgery, not poor nutrition.  It could be, but not likely and that's not the sole reason.

Are you taking vitamins..??

I haven't lost any hair as of yet...thankfully, but I'm only two months out...
I have had  several surgeries and have never lost ANY hair, so what your doc is saying makes A LOT of since to me...!!

I take my vitamins twice a day...not just once...
I'm hoping the extra will help with the hair loss so many experience..

I'll post if things should change, but if you think about it, we don't get in all the vitamins and nutrients early out that our body truly needs...Like i said makes all the since in the world to me...Just sayin'

cyndy

I didnt start loosing hair until 4 months out.  I thought I was one of the lucky ones but no...lol

I think no matter what you take, eat, or shampoo with it if ts going to happen, its going to happen.  You just have to do all the right things and wait and see.

I take biotin everyday, a chewable prenatal vitamin, use Nioxin shampoo etc. but I have lost hair.  Thankfully, it is slowing down.

I got it cut and colored and it looks better. 

I think the Nioxin mouse actually helps it look fuller.  It does not help with growth or loss, but it does help with texture.

Best of luck, psycologically, it is rough to loose hair (for me anyway)