Question:
DS and Hair loss
Can anyone tell me if yo lose more of less hair with the DS And what can I do to try and prevent it or deal with it when/if it comes. Thankyou so much for your advice Susan — susan T. (posted on July 15, 2002)
July 14, 2002
Donna is right. The hairloss will happen to patients with either type of
surgery, but the degree of loss varies by person. At about 3 months after
ANY operation I have every had, I have had hair loss, which stopped at
about 6 months and my hair returned to normal. I attempted to slow or stop
the loss after my DS by taking Biotin and other vitamins for hair and
nails. As far as I can tell, it made no difference. At 26 months post DS,
my hair is just like it used to be, ok, so it is curlier and blond, but you
know what I mean... Good Luck to you!
— merri B.
July 14, 2002
Hi! The hair loss is caused by the surgery and anesthesia. Any shock to
the body will cause hair loss, even pregnancy. I had my DS Dec. 17, 01.
The hair loss started at three months and has stopped already. The first
few weeks were scary when I saw all the hair on my hands after washing it
but it slowed down fairly quickly and is back to normal now.
— grammie5
July 15, 2002
Susan, I had the DS about 11 months ago. I encountered the hair loss about
at about the 6-month mark. It lasted about 3 months. No, I didn't go bald
or any thing! Your hair just thins out a bit.
One of the most common explanations of this phenomena is that basically,
this whole process is a huge shock to the system. Our bodies are very
strong and redundant, but after about 4-6 months of the continual stress
(i.e. -the lack of food) your body starts shutting down unnecessary
functions...like hair growth. Though, we all think we will just DIE if our
hair falls out, from a biological point of view, it is not necessary. After
about 8-9 months, our bodies figure out that this condition is here to
stay, as well as most post ops, by this stage, are eating more. So...hence
the slow down of the loss.
The most popular ideas of trying to lessen this affect is to MAKE SURE TO
GET YOUR PROTEIN IN!! That is not just good for your hair, but it will help
your body heal faster and be stronger. It will also promote the gaining of
muscle, which will help you burn calories faster.
Other things are to up your intake of Biotin, do NOT have any hair
treatments that are harsh, (perms, colors, etc). Use gentle shampoos and
conditioners. Drink lots of water. I know we all are tired of hearing the
"drink lots of water", but you would not believe all the thinks
that that will take care of!
I hope this helps you. I wish you the best of luck in your journey!
---Sherri Carver, ObesityHelp.com staff member
— Sherri O.
July 15, 2002
Susan~~~~It seems that the hair loss is certainly an individual thing. The
nutritionist doc that I see explained that the protein demands are less on
folks that have the DS than those who have the RNY. Around six months or so
I noticed more hair in the drain catcher after I shampooed. I was very
gentle with my hair after that; washed it every other day instead of every
day, used a wide tooth comb to detangle it; gentle shampoo and conditioner
and cut it, trim really, every month. My hair is below my waist and is baby
fine but very abundant. I noticed a little thinning at the crown but that
resolved after three or four months. I was never able to tolerate protein
drinks--I ate very high protein foods--lots of fish, beans, sardines,
cottage cheese and the like. Drank lots of water. Treat yourself and your
hair gently. Be well, be happy, be blessed.
— LORRAINE K.
July 16, 2002
Susan I was told that it happens more with women not sure why via dr. But
also was told to use the nioxx shampoo, conditioner an treatment to prevent
it from loosing too much or stop. It is expensive to for warn you but its
worth it also. Good luck.
— Wendy G.
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