No game

Wellllll, Laura - your face is soooo pretty!! :-P

Shoot, nobody ever told me that.

If I had a dollar every time, I'd be broke....

You little sinner! Isn't it nice to be little?

I was about to sell popcorn to the event...

Glad to be almost back to normal though.

I took off two weeks after my surgery to recover..

Lol! I suggested 3 to 4 weeks!

What can I say... I'm old

Hiya dragonsmate,

And welcome to BP

It sounds like you are well on your way with giving up carbonated drinks and such.

And not gaining weight during the holidays?? That is downright brag worthy!

Not sure how much time you should take off. But if you have a choice I would say three to four weeks.. I know that sounds long but if you have the ability to do so it would help you get back to full strength and get used to the new routines

It might be a good question to ask the surgeon though when you meet with him or her.

Again, welcome!

http://www.obesityaction.org/educational-resources/resource-articles-2/weight-loss-surgery/weight-loss-surgery-nutrition-and-hair-loss

Weight-loss Surgery, Nutrition and hair Loss

by Jacqueline Jacques, ND

To view a PDF version of this article, click here.

Typically, about 90 percent of hairs are anagen (in a growth phase) and 10 percent are telogen (in a dormant or resting phase) at any given time, meaning you are usually losing a lot less hair than you are growing so you don’t have noticeable Hair loss. But sometimes this can change.

A common fear and complaint of bariatric surgery patients is post-operative hair loss. While for most of us as people, our hair is an important part of our self-image and body image, it is not very important to our bodies. For this reason, nutrition can have a great impact on hair health because when forced to make a choice, the body will shift nutritional stores to vital organs like your brain and heart and away from your hair.

Hair loss has many causes. The most common type of hair loss after weight-loss surgery is a diffuse loss known medically as telogen effluvium, which can have both nutritional and non-nutritional causes.

Growing and Losing Hair

Whether you are aware of it or not, for most of your life you are always in the process of both growing and losing hair. Human hair follicles have two states; anagen, a growth phase, and telogen, a dormant or resting phase. All hairs begin their life in the anagen phase, grow for some period of time, and then shift into the telogen phase which lasts for about 100 to 120 days. Following this, the hair will fall out.

Specific types of stress can result in a shift of a much greater percentage of hairs into the telogen phase. The stressors known to result in this shift, or telogen effluvium, include:

Weight-loss Surgery and Hair Loss

Nutritional issues aside, bariatric surgery patients already have two major risks of major surgery and rapid weight-loss. These alone are likely to account for much of the hair loss seen after surgery. In the absence of a nutritional issue, hair loss will continue until all hairs that have shifted into the telogen phase have fallen out. There is no way of switching them back to the anagen phase.

Hair loss rarely lasts for more than six months in the absence of a dietary cause. Because hair follicles are not damaged in telogen effluvium, hair should then regrow. For this reason, most doctors can assure their weight-loss surgery patients that with time and patience, and keeping up good nutritional intake, their hair will grow back. Discrete nutritional deficiencies are known to cause and contribute to telogen effluvium. One would be more suspicious of a nutritional contribution to post-bariatric surgery hair loss if:

Nutrition Iron

Iron is the single nutrient most highly correlated with hair loss. The correlation between non-anemic iron deficiency and hair loss was first described in the early 1960s, although little to no follow-up research was conducted until this decade. While new research is conflicted as to the significance of ferritin as a diagnostic tool in hair loss, it has still been found that a significant number of people with telogen effluvium respond to iron therapy.

Optimal iron levels for hair health have not been established, although there is some good evidence that a ferritin level below 40ug/L is highly associated with hair loss in women.1 It is worth noting that this is well above the level that is considered to be anemia, so doctors would not be expected to see this as a deficiency.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency has been tied to hair loss in both animal studies and human cases. There is data linking zinc deficiency in humans to both telogen effluvium and immune-mediated hair loss. Zinc deficiency is a well-recognized problem after bileopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch, and there is some indication that it may occur with other procedures such as gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding.

In 1996, a group of researchers chose to study high dose zinc supplementation as a therapeutic agent for related hair loss2 in patients with vertical banded gastroplasty. The study administered 200 mg of zinc sulfate (45mg elemental zinc) three times daily to post-operative patients with hair loss. This was in addition to the Multivitamin and iron supplements that patients were already taking. No labs for zinc or other nutrients were conducted.

Researchers found that in patients taking the zinc, 100 percent had cessation of hair loss after six months. They then stopped the zinc. In five patients, hair loss resumed after zinc was stopped, and was arrested again with renewed supplementation. It is important to note that in telogen effluvium of non-nutritional origin, hair loss would be expected to stop normally within six months. Since the researchers conducted no laboratory studies, and there was no control group, the only patients of interest here are those who began to lose hair again after stopping zinc. Thus we cannot say that zinc would prevent hair loss after weight-loss surgery, and further study would definitely be needed to make this connection.

A further note: The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for zinc is set at 40mg in adults. This study utilized a daily dose of more than three times that level. Not only can these levels cause gastrointestinal distress, but chronic toxicity (mostly associated with copper depletion) can start at levels of 60 mg/day. Information related to this study has made its way to many a support group and chat room – even to doctor’s offices – with the message of “high dose zinc will prevent hair loss after weight-loss surgery.” Patients should be advised that high dose zinc therapy is unproven and should only be done under supervision due to the associated risks of toxicity. A lab test to check for zinc deficiency would be best before giving a high dose such as this.

Protein

Low Protein intake is associated with hair loss. Protein malnutrition has been reported with duodenal switch, and in gastric bypass to a much lesser degree. Little is known about incidence, as only around eight percent of surgeons track labs such as total protein, albumen or prealbumen. Limited studies suggest that patients with the most rapid or greatest amounts of weight-loss are at greatest risk.3

With surgical reduction of the stomach, hydrochloric acid,4 pepsinogen5 and normal churning are all significantly reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, pancreatic enzymes that would also aid in protein digestion are redirected to a lower part of the small intestine. It is thus likely that maldigestion, rather than malabsorption, is responsible for most cases. Some studies have also implicated low protein intake.6

Research also indicates that low levels of the amino acid l-lysine can contribute to hair loss and that repletion of lysine stores may both improve iron status and hair regrowth. In a study of anemic patients with hair loss who were supplemented with 1.5 to 2 grams of l-lysine in addition to their iron therapy, ferritin levels increased more substantially over iron therapy alone.1

Many individuals believe that supplementing with or topically applying the nutrient Biotin will either help to prevent hair loss or will improve hair regrowth. To date, there is no science that would support either of these presumptions. While Biotin deficiency can cause dermatitis, hair loss is only known to occur in experimentally induced states in animal models or in extreme cases of prolonged diets composed exclusively of egg whites.7

Other

Other nutrients associated with hair health include Vitamin A, inositol, folate, B-6 and essential fatty acids. Hair loss can also be caused by systemic diseases, including thyroid disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and is influenced by genetics.

Conclusion

Hair loss can be distressing to bariatric surgery patients and many will try nutrition themselves to see if they can prevent it. Unfortunately, there is little evidence that early hair loss is preventable because it is mostly likely caused by surgery and rapid weight-loss.

Later hair loss, however, can be indicative of a nutritional problem, especially iron deficiency, and may be a clinically useful sign. Educating patients about the potential for hair loss and possible underlying causes can help them to make informed choices and avoid wasting money on gimmicks that may have little real value.

About the Author:

Jacqueline Jacques, ND, is a Naturopathic Doctor with more than a decade of expertise in medical nutrition. She is the Chief Science Officer for Catalina Lifesciences LLC, a company dedicated to providing the best of nutritional care to weight-loss surgery patients. Her greatest love is empowering patients to better their own health. Dr. Jacques is a member of the OAC National Board of Directors.

Lol I saw cupcake and I came running

I have been fighting for my sinner life the last few days so I haven't been here much..

Sorry

I'm not sure why you'd want to use these.. Especially on the pre op diet. You are going to want a Protein Drink to fill you up no?

So you won't be hungry?

Your nut is a nut...

Fage plain 0% is one of the best things we could eat. Heck it's on most of our "ok" lists by name (plain Greek not Fage)

Listen, I'm all for following you surgeon and your nuts advice..

But! I'd demand a explanation and if she's not willing, move on to the 2nd nut they offer.

By the way the first and only time I met my nut? She was chugging a diet soda..

Droopy hoo ha, FUPA! OMG that thread is hilarious and informative. Thanks for the link

Lol,no problem

Some threads you never forget and that was definitely one of them!

This may be the best thread ever on the topic

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/211981-this-may-be-inappropriate-forgive-me/?fromsearch=1

Thanks, Lauraven. I needed this. Been bouncing around for a few weeks and getting frustrated.

A bit of a personal antidote here..

My whole weight loss journey has been a stall with bits and pieces lost here and there.

It was a bit frustrating at times, but at some point I just gave into the process and said I'd look at the big picture after a year. And if by then there wasn't a good loss then I would freak!

Oh and this!!

Stalls

http://www.dsfacts.com/weight-loss-stall-or-plateau.html#.UsDA0Xm9Kc1

Here you go

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/292516-stall-already/?fromsearch=1

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/292342-stall-solutions/?fromsearch=1

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/291447-stall/?fromsearch=1

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/291961-mmm-a-little-help-with-a-stallplease/?fromsearch=1

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/291385-standing-still-almost-2-weeksweight-loss-stall/?fromsearch=1

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/290249-ive-hit-the-dreaded-3-week-stallugh/?fromsearch=1

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/290691-stupid-stall-im-so-frustrated/?fromsearch=1

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/290164-stall-im-so-discouraged-help/?fromsearch=1

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/289704-2nd-week-and-already-in-a-stallwtf/?fromsearch=1

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/289365-going-on-week-3-of-a-stall/?fromsearch=1

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/265903-how-to-break-through-the-dreaded-3-week-stall/?fromsearch=1

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/260321-hitting-a-stall-one-week-after-sugery/?fromsearch=1

The only two things that come to mind are gerd with acid reflux symptoms.. Or a stricture.

It really is best to put a call into the doctor to have him or her evaluate you.

For the first month or two I felt nauseous in the mornings too. I didn't throw up, but was definitely nauseated. It did go away though, completely after the third month or so.

I had second thoughts..

Unfortunately I wasn't smart enough to have them until they where wheeling me into the operating room

But I think most people have moments of second guessing going into this. And that's a good thing! It means you are really thinking about this radical move and what brought you here.

I know for me this was my last stop, radical yes but I had literally tried everything else and failed. It was try this or die an early death. So I took my chances on this. I'm happy I did.

I don't know your story..

But I will assume this is your last chance at health too? That you have tried many ways of losing weight before. And could not lose or keep the weight off long term?

Hello,

I'm not a nurse but there are many here.

This is just one thread where you might get some pertinent info and ask questions.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/218028-super-nurses-with-sleeves-support-group/?fromsearch=1

Ok this is from member maharet111 I always like her answer so I copy and paste it to these questions.

Okay a little science here as told to me by my surgeon. Water has a high surface tension, meaning that its barrier to allow it to be broken down is hard. Think of a steel paper clip that floats on the surface. Now your stomach is like the size of a coffee stirrer at this point due to swelling etc. because of the high surface tension it is hard sometimes for the Water to be absorbed and gets kind of backed up if that makes sense. So when you dilute water or mix it with something if breaks that high tension and thus can be absorbed faster. Not everyone experiences it but it is one of those side effects that can happen.

Sheila, You are beautiful...

Kim, I hope your father is doing better everyday.

I felt the need to post because what you are suggesting...

or as you are saying "trying to find a healthier way" is not in anyway a healthy thing to do. That's why there is no info on the "right" way to do it.

Don't you see that eating to temporarily cover the depression, as you put it above, is a self destructive thing to do?

There is no way, no matter how you slice it, a safe way to do it!

So you want the person to preserve their teeth or stomach so the acid doesn't get them?

That, my dear, is the least of their problems with this behavior

My chest hurt pretty bad to from being intubated during surgery. The first week or so I felt everything painfully going down.

Yes some have very easy recoveries but many (me included) had a very rough time of it!

You just had VERY major surgery. I always tell people don't let the 5 cute little scars fool you.

Be kind to yourself ask for help when you need it and know it will get better.

I do not want to shame anyone...

Please don't say that I do.

As for dealing with the real pain that many of us are trying to "heal" with food?

I know the "hole" I know that I ate to fill that hole.

But now I must learn to feel the pain hold the pain and be ok experiencing the pain without the crutch of food to numb it.

Also I am not perfect, far from it, and I have stumbled more than once. It is well documented on this forum as a matter of fact.

So i am in no way trying to "bash" anyone.

I am here to heal and to help others heal.

Work on 2 oz (a shot glass) of Water every 15 minutes.The last thing you want is to go back into the hospital for dehydration.

And are you walking as horrible as it sounds you need to get up every waking hour and walk about at least 10 minutes.. The first week is hell, it is a time of regret for a lot of people. But I promise you it will get better

So my question to you is "For those people who refuse to take your warning and are going to chew and spit anyway (Yes, there will be many people who do it, despite our warnings), what can you offer them to make sure they are informed and minimize medical risks while they do it?" Ken

Well I can't stop anybody..

So the only thing that I would bluntly say??

Is this is why there are statistics.

Some of us will make it, some of us won't. Read, you will see that everyday too..