Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I was banded 3/14/11 and I seem to be losing hair. It doesn't matter if I brush my hair or the wind blows, I am finding hair falling out like crazy. The nurse told me to take Biotin or prenatal gummies. Anyone else having this problem?!?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded 3/14/11 and I seem to be losing hair. It doesn't matter if I brush my hair or the wind blows, I am finding hair falling out like crazy. The nurse told me to take Biotin or prenatal gummies. Anyone else having this problem?!?

I was told that Hair loss was due to not enough Protein after surgery, so I have made sure to get in TONS of it. My nutritionist recommends 60 grams per day for me....

BUT.... recently I have been losing my hair too! I am blaming it on all the radiation since I have been in so much of it lately with Upper GI's, CAT scans, Ultrasounds, etc... for the last 3 months since surgery due to some complications and a few ER visits.

I am curious about the Biotin and prenatal gummies... if you don't mind letting me know how they work for you...

Also i am about to re-order some pure liquid minerals called GENESIS which is AMAZINGGGGGG for hair and nails and hope that helps! It's Genesis by Conscious Planet if you ever want to check it out. You just poor a tiny cap full into your juice or Water and don't even taste it! Next thing you know, your nails will start growing beautifully and your hair thicker and shinier! I would use it constantly if I could afford it all the time, but I know right now is crucial and TOTALLY worth it.

Hope that helps! :rolleyes:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hi...i got banded on 17th march and even my hair is falling....:mellow:I am taking e Vitamin, Calcium but all say its the trauma of the operation...we will get new hair but old hair will fall....

so cheer up...few months might be depressing....but you will get new hair.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's caused from Protein deficiency. Rapid weight lose can also be a factor. It usually starts between 4 - 8 months after surgery. The good news is that it's NOT falling out, it's breaking. It will grow back. Be patient, get your protein and take your Vitamins.< /span>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Common side effect of surgery+weight-loss combined. Not enough protein/vitamins in the world will stop it. It's part of the hair cycle but it does stop.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

See this article for a full explanation...

Everyone experiences hair loss on a daily basis. Normal Hair loss is barely noticeable, amounting to less than 100 hairs per day. However, the stress of a major surgery can cause hair loss to accelerate up to three times as much in both men and women. It's the body's way of reacting to the trauma of the operation.


  1. The Facts
    • During a normal Hair growth cycle, hair grows, then enters into a resting or "telogen" period and eventually sheds. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, "telogen effluvium" is a term used to describe hair that has been rushed into the resting state after the body suffers a shock due to major surgery. As resources are redirected to help heal the affected surgical area, the body temporarily shuts down hair production because it is not necessary for survival.

Identification

  • Telogen effluvium related to surgery can be distinguished from other forms of hair loss in several ways. Individuals typically begin to notice the increasing hair loss two to three months after the surgery. Hair loss after surgery is uniform, noticeable on the scalp but never excessive enough to cause a patchy appearance or complete baldness. In addition, the shed hairs all exhibit a specific pattern at the root, which resembles a white bulb.

Time Frame

  • Hair usually resides in the telogen phase for a period of two to four months before growth resumes. Individuals don't begin to notice the increase in hair loss when showering or brushing the hair until about three months post-surgery. Although the resting hair is being pushed out of the scalp by new hair that is already growing, it can take anywhere from about six months to a year for the hair to return to its normal fullness.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

  • Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass or other operations of the digestive tract designed to reduce obesity are more prone to hair loss post-surgery. This is due to the reduced intake of food in the weeks and months immediately following these procedures. The body needs an adequate amount of Proteins and Vitamins to maintain hair production. Protein-enhanced shakes are often recommended for these patients as a substitute until solid food can be better tolerated.

Proper Diet

  • Hair loss related to surgery typically reverses itself without any medicinal intervention or the need for over-the-counter hair loss tonics or treatments. However, maintaining a diet rich in Protein and Iron is believed to help promote and speed up healthy hair growth. Suggested foods include salmon, Beans, eggs, spinach, broccoli, nuts and whole-grain cereals. Avoid foods that can inhibit hair growth, such as those that contain high levels of caffeine and fat.

Read more: Losing Hair After Surgery | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/...l#ixzz1QtFeANl3

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was loosing hair at a higher rate then normal about 6 months out. My bariactric office did not think it was from weight loss because and I quote "not losing fast enough" for that to happen. Geez thanks! Anyway I started taking 5000 mg Biotin and about 6 weeks later the Hair loss slowed down. Look carefully at the bottle because it also comes in 1,000 and 2,000 mg; and some of the smaller doses actually have larger pills. Mine are about the size of tic tac. My Protein levels were always fine when my blood was checked so I don't think that was the problem.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded 3/14/11 and I seem to be losing hair. It doesn't matter if I brush my hair or the wind blows, I am finding hair falling out like crazy. The nurse told me to take Biotin or prenatal gummies. Anyone else having this problem?!?

I did this too after about three months of being banded. I was eating 60+ grams of Protein a day, but it was still falling out. My doctor and beautician both told me that my body would have to adjust to the rapid weight loss and Vitamin deficiency. They were both correct. My hair thinned out for a few months. Then, it leveled out and is fine now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

See this article for a full explanation...

Everyone experiences hair loss on a daily basis. Normal Hair loss is barely noticeable, amounting to less than 100 hairs per day. However, the stress of a major surgery can cause hair loss to accelerate up to three times as much in both men and women. It's the body's way of reacting to the trauma of the operation.


  1. The Facts
    • During a normal Hair growth cycle, hair grows, then enters into a resting or "telogen" period and eventually sheds. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, "telogen effluvium" is a term used to describe hair that has been rushed into the resting state after the body suffers a shock due to major surgery. As resources are redirected to help heal the affected surgical area, the body temporarily shuts down hair production because it is not necessary for survival.

Identification

  • Telogen effluvium related to surgery can be distinguished from other forms of hair loss in several ways. Individuals typically begin to notice the increasing hair loss two to three months after the surgery. Hair loss after surgery is uniform, noticeable on the scalp but never excessive enough to cause a patchy appearance or complete baldness. In addition, the shed hairs all exhibit a specific pattern at the root, which resembles a white bulb.

Time Frame

  • Hair usually resides in the telogen phase for a period of two to four months before growth resumes. Individuals don't begin to notice the increase in hair loss when showering or brushing the hair until about three months post-surgery. Although the resting hair is being pushed out of the scalp by new hair that is already growing, it can take anywhere from about six months to a year for the hair to return to its normal fullness.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

  • Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass or other operations of the digestive tract designed to reduce obesity are more prone to hair loss post-surgery. This is due to the reduced intake of food in the weeks and months immediately following these procedures. The body needs an adequate amount of Proteins and Vitamins to maintain hair production. Protein-enhanced shakes are often recommended for these patients as a substitute until solid food can be better tolerated.

Proper Diet

  • Hair loss related to surgery typically reverses itself without any medicinal intervention or the need for over-the-counter hair loss tonics or treatments. However, maintaining a diet rich in Protein and Iron is believed to help promote and speed up healthy hair growth. Suggested foods include salmon, Beans, eggs, spinach, broccoli, nuts and whole-grain cereals. Avoid foods that can inhibit hair growth, such as those that contain high levels of caffeine and fat.

Read more: Losing Hair After Surgery | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/...l#ixzz1QtFeANl3

WOW! Thank you for this! Makes much more sense now! I'm exactly 3 months out....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

singingpeaches:

What type of the Genesis liquid did you get? I was just looking for it, and they make a lot of different kinds, apparently.

I was told that hair loss was due to not enough Protein after surgery, so I have made sure to get in TONS of it. My nutritionist recommends 60 grams per day for me....

BUT.... recently I have been losing my hair too! I am blaming it on all the radiation since I have been in so much of it lately with Upper GI's, CAT scans, Ultrasounds, etc... for the last 3 months since surgery due to some complications and a few ER visits.

I am curious about the Biotin and prenatal gummies... if you don't mind letting me know how they work for you...

Also i am about to re-order some pure liquid minerals called GENESIS which is AMAZINGGGGGG for hair and nails and hope that helps! It's Genesis by Conscious Planet if you ever want to check it out. You just poor a tiny cap full into your juice or Water and don't even taste it! Next thing you know, your nails will start growing beautifully and your hair thicker and shinier! I would use it constantly if I could afford it all the time, but I know right now is crucial and TOTALLY worth it.

Hope that helps! :rolleyes:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i just got banded yesterday, so have not had this happen yet to me...but i have heard taking selenium Vitamins (you can get them at GNC for sure) helps with Hair growth, my mom used to take it after she lost her hair from chemo and i also know someone else who took them after their hairdresser recommended it to them!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Protein and proper nutrition. I had the same problem but I had to increase my protein intake and it has finally leveled out. One of the great problems I have is that I can't eat enough of the good foods, like whole grains and fruits and veggies but I take Vitamins every day and I eat Protein Bars too. V-8 is delicious and good for u and since it's a liquid goes down easy. Milk and yogurt and cheese are good ways to add to that important protein goal and Greek yogurt has even more protein than regular yogurt. Good Luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I will find out details about how to order Genesis and what kind for everyone ASAP. For now, here is some info about it...

Genesis™is a concentrated source of nano size and electrically enhanced Mannatomic platinum group and other trace minerals, zeolite and Fulvic acid: nature's most complex molecule known as a chelater and a foremost organic co-enzyme, antioxidant and electrolyte - the key to organic life. Genesis™ is made by proprietary process without hydroxides or chemicals from pristine source Humic Shale (ancient plant matter) made with alchemical understanding.

Genesis™ helps nourish us, remove waste and repair DNA. It has innate intelligence accumulated in its complex structure to protect and support life and is one of the key factors of enzyme reactions within all living cells supporting longevity, optimum health and all life as we know it.

Genesis™ is a truly unique proprietary blend that provides extraordinary support for our energetic and physical bodies, our endocrine system (especially the pineal gland) to raise consciousness and create happy chemicals in the brain and the safe removal of inorganic heavy metals and chemical toxins in the body, thus reducing the oxidative process (free radical damage). We believe Genesis™ contains the highest light quotient of any food that is commercially available and creates the perfect terrain for well being and a conscious life.

Ingredients: Monatomic activated Fulvic Acid from humic shale with added trace minerals: Cobalt, Copper, Manganese, Magnesium, Silica, Iron, Platinum Group Metals, Calcium, Molybdenum, Ruthenium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Chromium, Germanium, Taurine, Nutritional Oxygen, FOS.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow! Thanks for this thread; I haven't experienced any hair loss, but I've been worried that I might. Honestly, I'm fairly vain about my hair. I have almost buttlength red hair that I take very good care of. To be honest, it's been a little fear in the back of my mind... of course I'd be bald if it meant infinite health forever, so if it does happen I'm willing to deal with it.

Thanks for the information about GENESIS, I am going to look it up.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for all these responses. Helps to know I'm not alone. The cycle that our hair goes thru is truly amazing! I will definitely try to stay calm and of course increase the protein! Thanks everyone ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×