I am worried about hair loss after getting the sleeve. I thought this only happened with gastric bypass patients. I read one comment on a sleevers forum about someone with hair loss and it raised concern. Sleevers please leave feedback and share any hair loss you may or may not have experienced post surgery. I have a long full mane and really don't want to lose I..t. And yet, I am beyond excited for my June 5th surgery that's just ahead...

I guess (per my Dr) it is fairly minimal with us during months 3-6, but it does grow back. The hair loss is less than RuenY. There are shampoos and vitamins to help that, but some is expected- per my understanding.

I haven't experienced any hair loss so far, but it does happen. Getting in plenty of protein can help.

No hair loss here but I'm only a little over a month out. I have been and continue to take Biotin. Not sure if it helps but trying it. Also making sure I get in my protein. : )

No one can tell you if it will happen or not. I was pretty good with getting in all my protein, but never took any special supplements or used special shampoos and at 5 months out I've had no hair loss. But I was totally prepared to shave my head and wear hats if it happened. Just like the preop diet and the gas pains and the recovery diet and and the diarrhea, it would have just been a temporary thing on my way to a new wonderful life.

Edited May 26, 201412 yr by Kindle

Been taking mega doses of Biotin and lots of Protein but started losing it at about 5 mos out. Still losing at almost six months out.

I think part of it is the shock to your system from the surgery itself bc same thing happened to me post gall bladder surgery.

I had significant hair loss - I was prepared for it. I take Biotin, Folic Acid, and use Nioxin shampoo - I still lost it.

I started losing at 2 months and it just started slowing down at the 6 month mark. I have noticeable thinning in my bangs and on the sides. I use a product called Toppik to cover the thinning spots.

I can also see lots of re-growth right now. Styling is challenging.

I will say, even with the hair loss (that really sucks), I would do this all over again. The hair loss, if it happens to you, is temporary. My doc said that anything I lose due the surgery will grow back. It was totally worth it.

I started losing... (more like shedding) hair at about 4 months. Had my VSG in October so I'm 7 months out- still shedding but it's not really noticeable. Hoping that it regulates soon. I try not to wash it every day but when I put product in my hair after washing it, I end up with quite a few strands on my hands- but it's not like it comes out in clumps. Biotin regrows hair but does not prevent it from falling out. My understanding it that if you get your fluids in, keep your protein up & take your vitamins, all those things will help. This past week I hit a major milestone- under 200 lbs. I've lost 88 pounds so far and I have to say that the hair thing- although it's scary- is well worth going through to get my health and life back!

Been taking mega doses of biotin and lots of protein but started losing it at about 5 mos out. Still losing at almost six months out. I think part of it is the shock to your system from the surgery itself bc same thing happened to me post gall bladder surgery.

Yes, this is true and WLS patients get the double whammy of losing hair due to the actual surgery/anesthesia and the major weight loss. Had the same issue after a prior surgery.

I get in my Protein, Vitamins and fluids and I am still losing my hair. Started right before my 3 months post surgery. I hate it and wish it wasn't so but I knew coming into this that it was a possibility. Even so, I think it is worth it since it is a temporary problem and the hair will grow back. Don't worry about it, what will be will be and you could be one of the lucky 30% that doesn't lose their hair. I was able to buy a size 14 dress today, down from a size 22 in just over 3 months. Yep that hair loss is so worth it.

I'm 4 months out and have not noticed any hair loss. Still waiting to see if I will escape that side effect. I wonder if the amount you lose has anything to do with it. I have lost a total of 29 pounds post surgery...(in almost 4 months)... I only had 50 pounds to lose from my start point. I still think it is so different for every one, no way of knowing what your personal experience will be. I think the more important question if that is you fear... would be, "Has hair loss left anyone regretting their surgry." It sounds like most would answer no

Good luck to you!

I am roughly 5 months post op and haven't lost hair. I had a period of time in 2000 where I lost a lot of hair due to a thyroid problem, so I knew i had potential to lose hair. If I have lost any, I haven't noticed nor has my hairdresser. I've been good about Protein but admittedly only so-so about Vitamins.

I was terrified of this side effect! I started losing my hair early too...about 1.5 months out. I have super fine hair to begin with. It started in clumps but has since trickled to loose hair shedding ( slightly more than norm. I found a (don't laugh) hair powder at Sally's for about $20 that fills my part a little bit. It's amazing! Doesn't come out unless I wash with shampoo. It's called Toppix hair fibers. ($20). Worth every penny! Got a super cute hair cut, and have been getting so many compliments! There are plenty of products out there! No worries! Your gorgeous mane will grow back eventually! I can't really get in all my protein but take biotin religiously! My doc said I'm completely healthy and I look great! Isn't that all that matters?

I had lapband in 2005 and had no hairloss or hair thinning...I have long thick hair. I recently was sleeved April/2014 and so far no loss...my dr told me to continue taking my vitamins, getting in my protein, drink water and take my biotin...i have been taking biotin since 2005 and just recently started takin MSM in 2014 which is also good for hair thinning.....Im hopin and praying that I dont lose any, like someone said earlier WE just dont know if we lose it or not and I know WE all fear the unknown...goodluck on your journey

Yes I have been losing hair since about 4 months out, I'm 6 months post op now and still losing. : (

Yes, and my hair was already thin. I have been very careful about getting 80 grams of Protein per day, extra Iron daily, and I'm taking my Multivitamins plus extra Biotin, but I started losing hair like crazy at month 3. I only wash my hair twice a week, and avoid brushing my hair while blow-drying, and keep the dryer on low. I do use the Toppix fibers, like others do, and I cut my long hair short to hid the thinning. No one has noticed but me. Who know I had a giant freckle on top of my scalp?

Still, all my pants are size 10 now and getting a little baggy, so the hair loss is a small price to pay.