Freaking out about hairloss

[mistymc 3]

So, I am scheduled for surgery on 9/3, and I am concerned about hair loss.. I have fine and thin hair, and do suspect some amount of hairloss. I can't afford much of a loss. I have considered having extensions put in if it gets bad, but I don't know if that would make it worse in the long run. Has anyone had this issue? Done extensions? Any recommendations? Any advice on this is greatly appreciated.

[BitterSweet* 835]

As a matter of fact, I do. hair loss after weight loss surgery results primarily from Protein deficits. The damage occurs early on (usually within the first weeks after surgery) when you're trying to heal, recover, and having a very difficult time consuming Water and Protein. Once the damage is done, it's done.

The consequence (hair shedding) will occur months down the road once the Hair growth cycle enters into a loss phase. We all go through these phases normally, it's just not very noticeable. Rapid weight loss and lack of protein makes that normal shedding process extreme and lengthy.

Even if you do everything right, this may still happen to you; however, remember these concerns after surgery, and as much of a struggle as it may be, get in your daily recommended protein, Water, and Vitamins. Those are the best weapons you have to ward off the Hair loss. And start searching for cute wigs just in case.

The good news is that the hair does and will grow back. It may come in a bit thinner and with a slightly different texture, but it does grow back. Good luck!

[BitterSweet* 835]

Btw, skip extensions during hair loss; it'll just cause matting and tangling like you can't imagine. You'll end up yanking out more hair trying to detangle the matted mess. Clip-ins would be ok though.

[mistymc 3]

@@BitterSweet Thank you so much. I will make it an effort to get those in each day, and hope for the best. In the mean time, I will be looking up wigs online. I hadn't even thought of that... or clip in extenions either... Thanks for the help.

[#9grammy 274]

I have been taking 10,000 units of Biotin it inthevitaminsection also started Flinstones Iron Vitamins and b complex. I have noticed a difference I my nails and somewhat hair, new hairs coming in are thicker. I've been using these since June. Just read about it on one of the forums on here.

Good luck

[BitterSweet* 835]

@@mistymc, no problem. The suggestions about Biotin and Zinc supplements that you may get are all good. They can and may help with hair loss, but can not reverse the hair out of a loss cycle; only Rogaine can do that. The supplements will help when hair begins to regrow so they're worth a shot.

Avoid using Rogaine unless you plan to use it for the rest of your life. It works and works very well by forcing the hair out of a loss cycle into a growth phase; however, if it works for you it will be something you have to use permanently twice per day.

[mistymc 3]

I did very little research, but I did see some information about Biotin. I will defenitely keep that in mind as well. I hope not to loose too much, but I need to be prepared...at least ease my mind. It's the one thing I feel comfortable with, and I hate the thought...

[Beth Pets 36]

I had a health crisis 5 years ago and not only did I lose handfuls of hair, but it and my nails stopped growing for months. It was so weird not to have to file my fingernails. Like you, I have fine hair so it was pretty shocking. Especially since it was unexpected.

It took almost 6 months for my system to "start up" again and a while longer for my hair to get back to normal. I'm not looking forward to it happening again but at least I'm prepared and I know it will grow back.

[Mz C 0]

Im scheduled to be sleeved in November. Would it help my hair to start taking Biotin now. What about extra Protein getting built up in the body. Can the body do that?

[#9grammy 274]

Im scheduled to be sleeved in November. Would it help my hair to start taking Biotin now. What about extra Protein getting built up in the body. Can the body do that?

I started in June with the Vitamins and Biotin. Just hoping it will help, I too will be sleeved in Nov.

[mchiasson68 15]

I've been a hairstylist for 23 years. 2 years ago I had a bout of short term success with Ideal Protein and lost the same amt as my coworker who had the sleeve. She took a product we recommend to clients battling Hair loss called AG PRO which you can get at most walmarts. However, I choose my own concoction of Biotin 10,000 mcg 1 per day, Super B Complex 3 per day, and Acai cap lets 3 per day. I have other clients on this and it's been very successful. All if these can be purchased at Walmart. The Acai juice is most important as I have found even in clients who just have fine , limp hair, that after a month of consistent use the strength and vitality returns dramatically. If you start this regimen pre-op as one of my clients did, her hair loss was almost non existent. Hope this helps. Meeting my doctor this week to start the process for myself.

[BitterSweet* 835]

@@Mz C, high Protein diets are actually really hard on the kidneys. Our bodies can't absorb and make use of more than 30 grams of Protein at a time; so there's no way of having the body store it. All you can do is try to adhere to the day to day requirements of protein, Water, and Vitamins.

hair loss does not happen to every single person, but one common theme is that those who drop weight more rapidly all tend to experience excessive shedding. As fast as we want those pounds to drop off after being sleeved, the slim chance of being able to keep my hair and have less loose skin by being a slower loser, seems like a good deal to me.

[earnestclark 4]

I had the sleeve in March 2014 and have lost 62 lbs. I have always had excessively thick hair and it was my best feature. I have lost 2/3 of it in the past month. Everytime I wash my hair it looks like a small rodent has died in my shower. I just saw my doctor last week and all my labs are very good. I get enough Protein, Vitamins, and Water. I did lose weight fast so that may be the problem. I'm going to do the Biotin, Super B Complex, and Acai juice in hopes my hair will grow back.

[S(he) be(lie)ve(d) 151]

I have really fine & thin hair as well. I am dreading the Hair loss after surgery. Some words of advice, don't have extensions put in and don't use the clip in extensions. Both will cause hair loss, especially with fine & thin hair. Halo Hair is awesome!!! I have used it for a few years now. Nobody can tell at all. It does not cause any damage at all and is super easy to use. You can color & cut it to your liking too. Then if you have severe thinning on top, top pieces are available by other brands.

[LainieG 132]

I'm not too worried about hair loss. Already been there once with leukemia. Did not wear a wig but have a good supply of hats. My hair is a little wavy, short. It came back in curly like I had a perm, but first cutting it was back to normal. It also came in a little darker and a little thicker.

Good luck !!