Is Hair Loss Unavoidable After WLS?

I've read a few times on this forum people talking about hair loss after surgery, but that it does grow back.  I was wondering if that happens to everyone?  Is there any way to avoid it?  When does it start to fall out and WHY??  Thank goodness it seems to grow back in, but when does that start?  I have to admit this is one thing that is kinda freaking me out and I don't have a surgery date yet.  By the time I have a date I'll likely be bald from worrying about it.  LOL

Any insight into this would be appreciated.


Thank you
Cheryl

From what I have heard don't stress about it. Yes your hair falls out a little due to the changes in your body, I'm sure someone can add the exact reason but I was told that I might notice some on my pillow or extra in my bru**** does grow back, I have also been told the slower you lose the weight the less this happens and the shorter you keep your hair the less noticable it is. At least that's what my doctors office said at my check up. I wish I could tell you exactly why but I really wouldn't worry about it too much!!!

Suzanne

I've heard that taking Biotin helps....more knowledgeable will chime in  m

I think everyone is different.  I had surgery Mar 3, 2009 and my hair started falling out about 1.5 months ago.  I started taking biotin, zinc and folic acid daily right after my surgery however it hasn't worked.  I am still taking them just in case it would be worse without it.  I recently had my hair cut really short and colored.  It certainly looks better than it did.  It looked dead before.  I am hoping that it will stop soon.  I really can't complain as I have lost 80 lbs to date and feel fabulous with or without all my hair.  Life is good!

Thanks for your responses.  It  doesn't sound so bad  now;)   

I think it's time for a shorter hair cut anyway


Thanks!

Cheryl

I lost quite a bit of my hair starting at only 2 weeks postop.  It fell out for about 6 months and totaled probably 40% of my hair.  I reached goal in less than 8 months and was in ketosis hardcore for almost all that time.  Ketosis is deadly on the hair follicles!!!!!!  By 8 months postop I already had quite a bit of regrowth.  I can't say my hair is as thick as it was preop but I def still have hair LOL!

Below is a hair regime that some swear by (I did not do this I just let whatever was going to happen happen and was prepared to buy myself a nice wig if things got too crazy)...

Hair Loss Prevention

From Carolyn M's Profile

Ready for one more set of tips? This is my hair loss prevention program: It is a 3-step program:

1. Make sure you get at least 60 grams of protein every day beginning as soon as you get out of the hospital. Use shakes until you can get enough food. Build up to 80 grams when you can. Protein is essential for hair growth and hair that doesn't grow falls out.

2. Force the fluids. At least 64 oz a day the first week or two then bump it up to 80-100 oz per day. Fluids flush out the ketones your body makes when burning fats. Ketones are toxic to rapidly dividing cells like the hair follicles.

3. Beginning the first week after surgery, add 100mg of Zinc and 200 mcg of Selenium to your supplements. Crush these tablets for the first 3 months to guarantee absorption. These mineral support the telogenic (resting)phase of hair growth.

Biotin supplements may also help, some swear by them. Nothing you put ON your hair from the outside will do anything to prevent loss, although it may plump up the individual strands and make your hair seem thicker. Topical emulsions don't usually penetrate the scalp to the level of the hair follicles--Minoxidil is an exception to this general rule.

i had my surgery on june 3.  about 3ish weeks ago my hair started falling out in heaps.
im lucky i had lots of hair pre-op...  i shall see what happens.  only time will tell.

Thank you all for your input, it sure is something to think about.  Whenever I get a surgery date I think I'll try the pointers here.

I appreciate this so much!

Cheryl

I started my hair loss at 6 weeks out.  I have a lot of volume with my hair but it's not very thick.  I feel the top of my head thinning a lot. 

In November I'm going to a fancy hair salon (Johnny Cuppello) and treating myself to the full works....cut/style/colour/highlights etc.  I used to be blonde so I may just go back.

I figure that will make me feel better with the hair loss that hsould be pretty bad by then lol

Remember if you take Biotin, you may grow more hair in other places than you bargain for.  That's what has scared me off that peoples accounts of extra hair growth.  Rather just gut out this hair loss for now!

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