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

Bald and depressed...



Recommended Posts

I have had horrible hormonal issues most of my life. My hair has been thinning since age 17. I'm 30 now. I am 14 weeks out from surgery and am losing what little hair I had at an alarming rate. To top it off my thyroid has decided to spaz out, so you guessed it....more hair loss!!! I am 30 and nearly bald. It's depressing me. Have any of you had to get a hairpiece? Do you have a brand you would recommend? Has anyone had extensions? I knew this would happen but I prayed I would be one of the lucky ones who would dodge the Hair loss bullet. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated ...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Two alternatives exist - get a hair piece of quality, depending on the size the price will vary. Of course if you live in a large metropolitan area you should find a good place through internet searching. I have one lined up in Los Angeles just in case.

The second is shave it off, some women like bald men.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know this may sound odd, but I would contact some breast cancer support organizations and ask them what their patients who wear wigs have to say about style, cost, natural feel, and comfort of wear. My Mom had a wig that looked a lot better than her own hair ever did. I'm getting sleeved in the morning and I will get a wig if needed - I have plenty of hair, but have had some of the problems you mention. I used to tell one of my former employees that her hair was so cute. It was a short and sassy style - cute, cute, cute! I loved it. She finally told me that she was wearing a wig due to cancer treatments she had. I didn't have a clue.

Please let us know what you find out in your research.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Please forgive me, but my computer does not like this forum's new format. I cannot read the profile names of any posters. My reply was intended for a woman (obviously). If this is not the case, I'm going to blame my lapse on the starvation mode I feel today - the day before surgery. Yikes!

The person who posted some women like bald men is so right!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you! That honestly made me feel a lot better. I guess I.shouldnt be ashamed of a wig. I should be happy they make such great ones!:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

meggs, I'm about 2.5 months out and started taking Biotin at 2 months out. I also have read from several people here about their use of hair extension (Sleeve 4 Me uses them, I believe). I spent an hour in Sally Beauty Supply last night looking at the hair extensions and hair pieces and I've been exploring the internet looking at wigs.

I've decided that, if I develop a bald spot, I'm buying a dolly parton-look wig! :) I'm gonna buy the biggest, trampiest looking hair I can find and wear it every day and enjoy the heck out of it! I haven't had long hair since I was 16 and I miss it. I had the true Farrah Fawcett look, with feathered hair and curls. If I have to deal with a wig, I'm gonna do it in style! Besides, it's so different from what I've been doing, that I'm sure it will be a blast. I'll post pics if I go that route.

My mom had a really cute wig that she wore when her hair fell out due to cancer. She was always really into her hair, but she said the wig was much easier to style because she could put it on the stand and do it instead of trying to do the back of her hair in the mirror. There ARE benefits to wearing a wig.

I'll be following this topic. Maybe someone who has lots of experience will chime in with better info?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is one thing I have truly worried about. I do not cut my hair because of religious convictions. It has been 25 years since the last time it was cut and currently it reaches almost to the bends of my knees. Although I have not had my surgery yet, I might be able to help you out though. Because of injuries to my arms and shoulders, I got to the point that I was no longer able to hold my arms up long enough to put my hair up in the fancy hair styles and curls that I used to. A friend turned me on to Paula Young. I buy clip-ons (of course they sell wigs [Human and synthetic]) from them and people have a fit over my hair all the time. It is not uncommon at all for me to have a perfect stranger stop me just so they can look at my hair. It matches so well, they never even figure out part of it is not even mine. You might want to check them out. They are very reasonable and you can shop online or by catalogue. Good luck, I hope it gets better for you soon.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Funny that you should post this today. I spent almost four hours on the internet this afternoon looking at wig options. I finally purchased one too! I hope I like it. It should be here in three or four days.

I am five months post op this week, and noticed (REALLY noticed) that I was loosing hair about 4-6 weeks ago. I went to see a physician and had some blood work done, I was so concerned, and all my blood work was normal. She said it was probably from the fast weight loss. (I have lost 90 pounds so far in the five months since surgery.)

About four weeks ago I switched to Nioxin Shampoo and hair treatment. Also am using Minoxidil hair treatment. But doesn't seem to be helping. Maybe I haven't been using long enought to notice a difference.

Anyway, Today, after I showered and was drying my hair and putting on my make up I just couldn't believe how bald I looked! It seems like the Hair loss is accelerating instead of getting less. So I decided that I was going to invest in a wig. I bought a Human Hair Raquel Welch wig. It is a short style. And I tried to match it very closely to my current color. (I have colored my hair for years. I am NOT going into old age gracefully!)

Will let you all know when it arrives how I like it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh Megs, I am really feeling for you!

My hair went really thin - it has always been fine, like you - after my surgery... and it hasn't really recovered now, at 16+mths post op. I have recently had it cut really short, trying to hide how fine it looks! I think it hasn't grown back due to hormones too... and you are soooo right. It is depressing!

Hope you find a solution, be it wig or whatever, that makes you feel more confident and happy. Hugs

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is really getting to me too. My problem with wigs is that none of them seem to fit my huge head. I could only really have the confidence to wear one if it looked just like my own hair, I wouldn't want anyone at work to question if I had a wig on. I have started to use dermmatch, and it does really help it look normal, I hate to have to use it, but at least that is a good option. I so wish I had a good face for baldness. Sinead looks great now she has gone back to shaving her head, if I could get away with that, I would do it. I'm hoping it at least stops falling out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I love my clip on hair extensions! They are awesome! Put them on in the a.m. and take them off in the p.m., I really don't need them anymore but I love how thick they make my hair feel. A lot of people on t.v. wear them and you wouldn't even know it :)

p.s. they don't ruin your hair either...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hair loss can be from the lack of Protein. If your not getting enough in, you will lose your hair. Start there. My hair started falling out on the edges and back when i hit 3 months! It is alarming! I am now working on getting in at least 60-80grams of protein a day. I also take Biotin every day. Biotin will not stop the hair loss but proper protein will. I strongly suggest consulting with your dr for a plan just for you. It could be other reasons for the hair loss. Hope this helps.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, I have stepped up my Protein, Vitamin and Biotin intake, but nothing seems to be making a difference so far. BUT, my wig arrived, and I love it. It looks so natural! Check out Headcovers Unlimited.com. They have TONS of wigs and hair pieces and are SO great about talking to you on the phone if you have ??? or concerns. I love the wig I got from them, and am not embarassed at all to wear it anywhere. I was hesitant at first, but had so many compliments on it that I thought "what the heck? it looks great, I'm going to go with it."

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have gotten a minimum of 70 grams of Protein since week two and it made no difference- I started losing hair big time around three months out and though it has slowed the average seems to be losing until 8-10 months out and then slow regrowth. I had thin hair already and now it is pathetic. It is so funny- I look at my before photos and though of course I do not miss being that weight I also always notice how much better my hair looked! It does NOT help that I am in the pool five days a week. Oh well, if I go bald at least I will be skinny and bald!

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

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • 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. 💜

  • 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

    ×