Hair Loss???

I have a friend who had rny surgery in Dec, her hair is coming out so much she thinks... I saw that she colllects it and it seems to be more and more each time. It is a lillte bigger size each time as a silver dollar??? She takes her vitiams protein etc... I know we all have some hair loss but wanted to get some others who have had a lot more lose.. Also, her hair has become very thin.. Any help would be helpful... Thanks... Debbie....

She won't go bald, but I am banking on the fact that she is not getting ENOUGH grams of protein. Even still, I drink not less than two thirty gram shakes per day. Hair loss happens in most of us. The hair is constructed of mostly protein. When our bodies are in the early stages of wls and suffering from extreme malabsorption, the hair loss begins to occur - not immediately, but in a couple of months. Nioxin and other expensive stuff is great for mental therapy, but does nothing to keep the hair loss from happening. There is no need to go out and buy the $30 shampoos and hair treatments. I found out the easy way that doing that was throwing the money out with the rinse water. You can take Biotin supplements and use Biotin shampoo, both of which you can get at GNC relatively inexpensively. I paid $8 for my Biotin shampoo and conditioner total. The Biotin will not keep the hair from falling out, but will help the new hair to come in stronger and healthier.

Thanks for the info...she will be happy, So you still drink a shake a day.. I think I am going back to them and do you minus out 30 from the 60??? a day..Debbie....

Well, I'm far enough out that I don't minus anything, but I know that we will malabsorb for life. If I feel I didn't get enough "other" protein, I drink a third 30 gram shake.

Debbie: This is the info I send 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. Today's hair loss is from malnutrition/trauma 3 months ago, over time if you 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 www.albanyplasticsurgeons.com "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

MY take on the debated topic and my personal experience. MY hair began thinning between 3 and 4 months out. I am at 11 months now and still looseing. I am very good with eating and my proteins meet my surgeons guidelines. I took biotin well before surgery and also use NIOXIN shampoo. FROM past dieting experience this happened not as long but i fell of the diet wagon too when i did ATKINS so i think its more from the rapid weight loss and ketosis process then the actual surgery. I am hoping it stops some time soon and im thankful when i started I had thick hair. MY surgeon said this can go on still for another 6 months. I am considered by him to be a rapid looser but i eat and every meal i have is loaded with protein. I tend to eat all meals and snacks and always have since early out. I had hunger all the time. SO i just deal with it and keep telling myself i wont go totally bald from this and that im just shedding. HUGS for your friend i know when this first started and i saw my scalp from the thinning i was depressed. I can report i have new growth and the scalp isnt as bad as it was months back but its still in the shower drain daily. PEOPLE do not notice this problem only my and my hair dresser. LISA fr1endly2