My Hair loss....

Hi Kathy, I'm Kathy too but from Allentown PA. I had RNY on 2-2-05. I'm down 108lbs so far but with in the last 2-3 weeks my beautiful thick brown hair is thinning. I pick hairs off my clothing and seem to constantly be cleaning out my combs. I swear I can see my scalp shining in the sun when I look in the mirror. My friends say they don't see a difference other than my hair looks dryer than it used to, but it still shines and looks nice, but I am freaking over the loss of hair. My surgeon says it's not the amount of protein I take in but how rapidly the weight is coming off. He says you don't see any bald people in my office do you? Frankly I'm scared. How long does the hair loss go on, and does anything really help with the loss? I agree too that other than the hair loss, and the sagging skin, I would do it all over again. Kathy

A year ago I was diagnosed with severe anemia. Since getting my iron levels where they need to be my hair has made great improvements. It's finally back to being thicker (not like before but it's better). I recently has bloodwork done and EVERYTHING is great... I walked around for days all proud of myself once I found out my cholesterol is 161! WOOO HOOO!

Kathy - Regarding your severe anemia... How much iron were you taking before you were diagnosed? 

I guess I am officially anemic (as of 5/09) since thats when I got my last set of labs and my iron was just below the normal range.  My january labs were fine...away I had only been taking 18mg once a day.   Now I take between 58mg - 76mg broken up in 2 or 3 doses. 

My doctor never really advised what I should increase too but through research I found that the 58mg was acceptable and a do a little extra when I'm on my period.  I've been doing this for almost 2 month and plan to go back for labs in late July to see how I've in prove.

Thanks