Hair loss
HI AUBREY!
HERE IS MY INFO ON HAIR LOSS 
AFTER WLS
According to Dr. Louis Flancbaum the author of: "The doctor's guide to weightloss surgery: How to make the decision that could save your life", 2001, pgs 69-70................................................
(paraphrased)
"Hair loss can occur with any form of stringent dieting and weight loss. After WLS 10-30% of patients will experience hair thinning or easily removed hair during combing. Protein and iron deficiencies are a common cause, and increasing both can help. If it occurs it will start around 3-6 months and stop around 6-9 months. This is because
immediately following WLS adequate protein intake is difficult and it takes about 3 months for the effects to become evident, therefore taking in additional protein via shakes/supplements at the time hair loss is seen is ineffective. 
There are also many other things including medications that can cause hair loss"
· Protein and calorie intake insufficiency
· iron deficiency
· mineral/vitamin insufficiency
· major systemic stress (surgery. trauma...)
· Chronic diseases
· Ace inhibitors for high BP
· Actigall taken to prevent gallstones
· allopurinal taken for gout
· anticoagulants, (ex coumadin)
· anti-depressants
· anti-thyroid medicine
· beta-blockers for high bp & heart disease
· birth control pills
· tagamet for stomach acid
· lithium-a mood stabilizer
TREATMENTS:
Increase protein intake (we need at least 60gms a day according to most sources, remember we malabsorb some we take in! So think protein shakes predigested Whey!), & make sure you are taking a good quality multivitamin.
Some people use Rogaine for women and some people take a natural B vitamin product called biotin (5mg 1-2x day), Selenium 200mcg 1-2x day and Zinc 50mg 1-2x day. Also some have reported that biotin shampoo sometimes helps (beware too much zinc for too long can raise cholesterol...and possibly lower your HDL and lower your immunity also)....
In reality treating the underlying cause is necessary (so if from trauma of surgery/rapid wt loss/protein malnutrition then ONLY time will help and upping protein as early as possible for today's hair loss is from malnutrition/trauma 3 months ago, over time if your focused on the protein and vits it will stop and regrow! (no extra vits or minerals/shampoos needed!)
I waited 1 yr after WLS to highlight my hair, to avoid any further trauma. I used to do it every 3 months pre WLS. Speak with an experienced hairdresser on this ok! Cutting hair may help it look healthier and fuller, so that may be a good start! 
Take Care,
Jamie
Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh
320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"
AFTER WLS
According to Dr. Louis Flancbaum the author of: "The doctor's guide to weightloss surgery: How to make the decision that could save your life", 2001, pgs 69-70................................................
(paraphrased)
"Hair loss can occur with any form of stringent dieting and weight loss. After WLS 10-30% of patients will experience hair thinning or easily removed hair during combing. Protein and iron deficiencies are a common cause, and increasing both can help. If it occurs it will start around 3-6 months and stop around 6-9 months. This is because
immediately following WLS adequate protein intake is difficult and it takes about 3 months for the effects to become evident, therefore taking in additional protein via shakes/supplements at the time hair loss is seen is ineffective. There are also many other things including medications that can cause hair loss"
· Protein and calorie intake insufficiency
· iron deficiency
· mineral/vitamin insufficiency
· major systemic stress (surgery. trauma...)
· Chronic diseases
· Ace inhibitors for high BP
· Actigall taken to prevent gallstones
· allopurinal taken for gout
· anticoagulants, (ex coumadin)
· anti-depressants
· anti-thyroid medicine
· beta-blockers for high bp & heart disease
· birth control pills
· tagamet for stomach acid
· lithium-a mood stabilizer
TREATMENTS:
Increase protein intake (we need at least 60gms a day according to most sources, remember we malabsorb some we take in! So think protein shakes predigested Whey!), & make sure you are taking a good quality multivitamin.
Some people use Rogaine for women and some people take a natural B vitamin product called biotin (5mg 1-2x day), Selenium 200mcg 1-2x day and Zinc 50mg 1-2x day. Also some have reported that biotin shampoo sometimes helps (beware too much zinc for too long can raise cholesterol...and possibly lower your HDL and lower your immunity also)....
In reality treating the underlying cause is necessary (so if from trauma of surgery/rapid wt loss/protein malnutrition then ONLY time will help and upping protein as early as possible for today's hair loss is from malnutrition/trauma 3 months ago, over time if your focused on the protein and vits it will stop and regrow! (no extra vits or minerals/shampoos needed!)
I waited 1 yr after WLS to highlight my hair, to avoid any further trauma. I used to do it every 3 months pre WLS. Speak with an experienced hairdresser on this ok! Cutting hair may help it look healthier and fuller, so that may be a good start!
Take Care,
Jamie
Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh
320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!" 
Hello Aubrey,
Well at first I panicked and called my doctor after two weeks of handfuls of hair falling out. My Doctor told me that it will only last about 6-8 weeks from when it started, and I must say he was right. All of a sudden it just stopped. I did what I was supposed to do, drank my protien and took my vitamins, nothing extra.
There is an end to this, Do not get upset or worried, IT GROWS BACK!
Kimberly
238/158/140
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