Hi - I have just joined this forum. I had my surgery about 7 months ago and I have lost about 50lbs in that time. Which I am happy with. Well done me.

I am however really struggling to eat - I am just not hungry and 4 bites of food and I am done. This is causing me a whole host of problems not least of which is I am now officially a freaky eater.

The thing that is REALLY upsetting me is that my hair is falling out. Not a little bit of hair - I am talking about handfuls of hair. Even the hairdresser asked me whether I am sick.

So pretty please could someone help me - I don't know what to do but there must be something.

Thanks very much in advance for your advice.

Gina

My surgeon recommended that I take Biotin. I have started a7,500 mcg pill 5 days a week and my hair loss has slowed significantly. I also make sure I get 50-60 if not a little more Protein every day. You could take a 2,000-5,000 mcg pill every day as well in addition to your Calcium and Vitamins. I hope this helps! Ask your RD about it!

Thanks Pipula - googling biotin right now.

I don't take calcium supplements either - will look at those as well.

Are you taking any supplements at all? A complete multi, B-12, and iron? Hair loss at seven months out is probably a sign of dietary deficiency and not just due to weight loss. Have you gotten a set of labs?

I take a full spectrum Multivitamin and mineral supplement and it has calcium in it - I just hadn't realised.

I am really not eating properly at all - I realise that is not helping but am not sure what to do about it. In that I am not eating rather than I am eating the wrong thing. I make wonderful healthy meals but just can't eat more than a couple of bites.....

Any ideas greatfuly received....I am getting v upset about it now

Thanks

Gina

Hi - I have just joined this forum. I had my surgery about 7 months ago and I have lost about 50lbs in that time. Which I am happy with. Well done me.

I am however really struggling to eat - I am just not hungry and 4 bites of food and I am done. This is causing me a whole host of problems not least of which is I am now officially a freaky eater.

The thing that is REALLY upsetting me is that my hair is falling out. Not a little bit of hair - I am talking about handfuls of hair. Even the hairdresser asked me whether I am sick.

So pretty please could someone help me - I don't know what to do but there must be something.

Thanks very much in advance for your advice.

Gina

Hi Gina, My Dr told me about this before surgery and stressed getting my Protein in to prevent hair loss. So far so good for me.

I am surprised that 7 months out you can only eat a few bites. Are you tracking your intake, if so what are your average numbers for calories/protein/carbs/fluid intake? I would think that you are going to have to focus on getting the highest amount of nutrition into your small serving size eating solid protein, perhaps fish and veggies. Add some eggs and dairy. I add Atkins protein bars because I can only stand to drink one protein shake a day. Are you using protein shakes for supplementation of your protein? Protein is critical in minimizing muscle and hair loss. The absolute minium for weight loss patients is about 60 grams of protein. Add Biotene to your vitamin supplementation as well.

I agree with the protein recommendations although every center will give you different recommendations. Have you tried a protein shake? I really like EAS Carb Advantage shakes. My clinic recommends 50-60 grams of protein daily for women and men have a higher value. I have seen other members have higher daily required values for protein... I think it depends on your center's recommendation because the ADA has recommendations for RNY patients of minimum 80 grams per day but with that you are getting some malabsorption issues..and with the sleeve we shouldn't be having malabsorption issues so I feel that is the reason my center has what are congruent with dietary recommendations for Americans. If you can't eat, you need to be talking with your surgeon. If he/she isn't willing to help, find one who will!! Good luck!