Ok I am thrilled with the lapband so far I have lost 43 pounds, but just lately my hair is coming out in big chunks when I comb after a shower or even when when shampooing. I know this is probably a vitamin I am missing, but which one?? Please help.:Banane56:

O NO! I am hoping that this hair loss will not occur, but...I would like to be proactive. I already take Vitamins. I think everyone should be preventative, yes? I should get the liquid vitamins before surgery so I can take them right away...? Does that sound like a good plan? What kind of vitamins? I take Centrum.

Hi...sorry to say there is nothing you can do to prevent the hair thinning...its from a sudden dip in Protein...it takes about 3-4 months after surgery for your body to realize you don't have protein stored anymore...hair loss is temporary and a lot of the time it grows back even nicer!! Vitamins before won't help. And sad to say those expensive Lap band vitamins are a waste too. Just make sure you get your protein first in your meals then worry about the carbs, but don't go protein free! My sis had to wear hair pieces post surgery, but now her hair is back and really nice!!!

(someone mentioned the doc and the nutritionist didn't know about it? I can kind of understand the doc but not the nutritionist..its sorta common knowledge)

Take care and good luck....I too will be a member of the Bandana club.:bananapartyhat:

I just read a news article, and they linked hair loss to an iron deficiencey.

At the risk of sounding like a "know-it-all" and at my sister's insistence (I just called her (she lost her hair from WLS- and insists I set the record straight)

Hair loss is from the depletion of Protein from your body's storage system..after weightloss, especially when we are restricted and not getting the adequate protein we need.

Below are three medical articles and the links where they can be found.

http://weightloss.upmc.com/Chats/SurgeryFeb00.htm

Guest12: Why does hair loss sometimes occur with rapid weight loss?

Dr. Courcoulas: This is a follow-up question about hair loss. Many patients will experience this in the first three to six months after surgery. We believe the reason for this is rapid turn over of the hair follicles and rapid weight loss may deplete them of their ability to turn over in the short term. This problem can be limited if Vitamins are taken on a daily basis, and patients are careful that they are eating protein at least once a day.

http://www.obesityconsult.org/html/faqs.htm

Q: Is there hair loss following the bypass?

A: While not all patients lose some hair after the bypass, many do. The reason has to do with weight loss and not surgery. Anyone who experiences a rapid, sustained weight loss will frequently also experience some temporary hair loss as well. This usually occurs between the fourth and the eighth month after surgery. Consistent intake of protein at mealtime is the most important prevention method. Also recommended are a daily zinc supplement and a good daily volume of Fluid intake. Almost all patients will experience natural hair re-growth after the initial period of loss.

http://thinforlife.med.nyu.edu/postsurgery/sideeffects.html

Transient Hair-Loss

Hair-loss and -thinning are common side-effects which occurs in almost everyone during the first 6 months. It is very alarming, however it will not lead to baldness and it is reversible. Once your weight stabilizes and you take in more protein, the hair will grow back. Hair treatments and permanents should be avoided. Be sure to take in an adequate amount of protein

YES! Not in patches, just a lot of hair in by brush. But it has finally slowed down. In may case I doubt it was the weight loss. I lost 100 pounds 15 years ago, faster than this and I NEVER had hair loss. I think it has to do with the truama of my surgery and not eating much for a few weeks and a totally change in diet. At least everyone says it grows back.

My hair is falling out too.

I started taking a vitamin put out by Avon.

My surgeon says keep taking the vitamins to ensure that it doesn't get worse.

Protein baby! I use a daily protein spray in my hair after a shower it is "All Nutrient Hair Proteinizer". The salon I go to suggested it and it works GREAT! I have really thin fine hair anyway so I can't afford to lose any of it! I bought it online. I get mine from http://www.spiralhaircase.com/sukesha.html or 1-866-590-6963

MY hair was falling out, but I also had an overfill therefore I wasnt taking in nearly enuff proteins and stuff so I got an unfill, and bam within 2 oe 3 days my hair quit falling out...Now I think Im fuller than I was then but now my tummy is ready for the amount of the fill

I normally have thick hair--but not anymore. I have had my band exactly 1 year today. My hair is much thinner now. I had gall bladder surgery 3 weeks ago, so I will probably lose even more hair. AT our aupport meetings, they say it will grow back. My hair still looks ok, but I don't want my scalp to start showing. I will buy some Nioxin and try that. I have also ordered some Revival Soy protein bars. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Have you had your iron levels checked? Do you take any vitamins? Iron saturation and ferritin levels determine if you're iron deficient. I tried the Nioxin but did not find it did anything noticable.

Congratulations on your great weight loss.