Hair loss after bariatric surgery is very common and very stressful. We all want to achieve great weight loss results and still have great hair. The hair loss associated with bariatric surgery is called telogen effluvium and has to do with the normal hair growth cycle. It usually starts abruptly and very seldom lasts longer than 6 months. Human hair has a two stage growth cycle. The growth phase is called anagen and 90% of our hair follicles are in this phase at any given time. The resting phase is called telogen, which lasts about 1 to 6 months, with an average of 3 months. About 5-15% of our hair is in the resting phase at any given time. It is also known that telogen effluvium has to do with stress to the body and hormonal changes that can occur. Due to the stress more hair follicles can enter into the resting phase. This is important because the hair in the resting phase at the time of surgery is most likely the hair you will shed. This is why your hair sheds between 1 to 6 months after surgery (usually about3 to 4 months). When the hair starts to grow again the old hair follicle is released and you lose hair. Sometimes the hair comes out before new hair grows

So in summary, this type of hair loss is a diffuse shedding of hair as it relates to the normal hair growth cycle. It is common in men and women and all races. It occurs a little more frequently in women typically after child birth and can also happen to infants after the first month or so of life. (1, 2)

Why does this happen in people who have bariatric surgery? The most common reasons are:

• Surgery, acute illness, trauma
• Chronic disease such as liver disease or any chronic debilitating disease
• Hormonal imbalance such as hypothyroidism
• Crash dieting, low protein intake, anorexia, chronic iron deficiency
• Heavy metal toxicity
• Medications such as beta-blockers, excess vitamin A and anticoagulants (1)

Wow, thanks!

Good info, thx!

Great post, I had half the info but now have the full story. At least temporary hair loss is not detrimental to your health.

I'm three months post op and mine just started. Luckily I have loads of hair, but some mornings in the shower I feel like I may go bald! lol.

I am definitely afraid of going bald! I'm losing hair like crazy and I'm three months post op. I can't wait for it to stop!!!

I know! It's kind of crazy to read that it can last up to 6 months! That is scary!

It is the same thing that happens after you have a baby. I did it with all 3 of mine. It defiantly comes back.

Having lived through chemo and drastic hair loss, I'm not worried.

hair loss after bariatric surgery is very common and very stressful. We all want to achieve great weight loss results and still have great hair. The hair loss associated with bariatric surgery is called telogen effluvium and has to do with the normal hair growth cycle. It usually starts abruptly and very seldom lasts longer than 6 months. Human hair has a two stage growth cycle. The growth phase is called anagen and 90% of our hair follicles are in this phase at any given time. The resting phase is called telogen, which lasts about 1 to 6 months, with an average of 3 months. About 5-15% of our hair is in the resting phase at any given time. It is also known that telogen effluvium has to do with stress to the body and hormonal changes that can occur. Due to the stress more hair follicles can enter into the resting phase. This is important because the hair in the resting phase at the time of surgery is most likely the hair you will shed. This is why your hair sheds between 1 to 6 months after surgery (usually about3 to 4 months). When the hair starts to grow again the old hair follicle is released and you lose hair. Sometimes the hair comes out before new hair grows

So in summary, this type of hair loss is a diffuse shedding of hair as it relates to the normal hair growth cycle. It is common in men and women and all races. It occurs a little more frequently in women typically after child birth and can also happen to infants after the first month or so of life. (1, 2)

Why does this happen in people who have bariatric surgery? The most common reasons are:

Surgery, acute illness, trauma

Chronic disease such as liver disease or any chronic debilitating disease

Hormonal imbalance such as hypothyroidism

Crash dieting, low Protein intake, anorexia, chronic Iron deficiency

Heavy metal toxicity

Medications such as beta-blockers, excess Vitamin A and anticoagulants (1)

Wonderful information