Hi, I haven't had the surgery yet, but have heard some people have hair loss. I already have some hair loss and I don't want to lose anymore. I'm wondering what people are doing to maintain their hair.

Linda:)

Lindata, there are LOADS of threads around here with this topic. There's tons of good info, but unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any one thing that works for everyone. For some of the other threads, scroll down to the bottom of this page and you'll find links to five threads about it alone, use the Search function on the blue tool bar near the top of the page and you'll find loads more. I mention it because if you are anything like me, when you want info, you want it NOW.

I posted about this in another thread, I'm experiencing hair loss right now myself. I had experienced it in the past as well. In the past I never regained my volume (it was after my first salon perm, I lost about 1/3 of my volume) completely. I am a significant "shedder" as it is. I have been losing weight in preparation for this surgery since early February which put me at about six months of weight loss, that seems to be when most start noticing loss, at about six months into a weight decrease. They say it does grow back.

I did take extra steps to prevent loss during my eating changes, I never got less than 80 grams of Protein a day, mostly I found myself 100-120 grams a day. I took my MVI's, Biotin supp's (got about 4mg biotin a day), and Calcium supps. I STILL am losing hair. They also say that anesthesia can cause some hair loss in many people. Perhaps that's why I'm losing right now and not the weight loss. I don't know. I'm going to get some Nioxin shampoo today, though.

I truly do not think there is any one answer.

Hi lindata,

I had my surgery in April. From what I have read, it's the side effect of the anesthesia/trauma of surgey that causes this. I did have quite a bit of hair strands flying around, but now 3 months out it seems to be stabilizing.

I use Rogaine for women. I went out and bought it right away. It takes 3/4 months to take effect, so I figured I better get an early start. I really haven't noticed it working very much yet, but it's still early.

Make sure you get the Protein in too. I heard that is a major cause of hair loss also.

Good luck. I would not let this scare you off, from what I hear it's only temporary and mine has stabilized after 3 months.

You'll find that everyone has been told something different by their doc for hair loss. Some docs say more Protein, some say additional Biotin, some say carbs. Truth is, if it happens it happens and there isn't a lot you can do about it but wait it out. I started losing hair at 4 months after surgery and I'm 7.5 months now and it is just now slowing down.

I started using "Density Therapy" (hair care stuff) and I could credit that but the truth is, it will grow back when it grows back.

I hear all the time that hair loss comes with bypass and not banding. What a bunch of hooey that turned out to be. After some research I discovered that 70% of people have some hair loss after anesthesia. It seems to really kick in for most people at 4 months and slows down at 6 months. You can consume extra protein, you can take Vitamins, but if it happens it's going to happen. It will stop when it stops. While I'm using Density Therapy I also know I'm just spinning my wheels but at least I feel like I am doing something.

I hear all the time that hair loss comes with bypass and not banding. What a bunch of hooey that turned out to be. After some research I discovered that 70% of people have some hair loss after anesthesia. It seems to really kick in for most people at 4 months and slows down at 6 months. You can consume extra Protein, you can take Vitamins, but if it happens it's going to happen. It will stop when it stops. While I'm using Density Therapy I also know I'm just spinning my wheels but at least I feel like I am doing something.

That's what I heard too---that the hairloss comes with bypass and not banding.. then of course, read here that it's caused by trauma/anesthesia. I'm 3 months out, you've got me paranoid about next month. I lost a lot of hair when I did Atkins, and it never grew back--even though the weight did!! I went to a doctor about it back then and they just said it was 'weird'. Hrmph. 'some' hair grew back, but I still have a spot where I lost a lot of hair, that I strategically fix my hair to hide. I'm hoping not to lose more hair.. maybe I'll get the extensions! This salon nearby the lady said for 900 bucks I can get extensions to make my hair thick and full.. she said it would lost a year.. Hmmmm.. we'll see what happens next month!!

I'm losing hair too. My hair dresser confirmed it yesterday. I'm four months out and annoyed.

I know it will come back, but herumph.

I'll read old posts to get some ideas what I might be able to do....

Juli, I think I have likely tried everything there is to do, check out my post a little higher on this page.

I did read on Dr. Curry's board that they reccommend getting a minimum of 5 mg (5000mcg) of Biotin a day. So I'll increase that, and increase Vit D intake. But that's all I can find.

I hesitate to use Rogaine because as soon as you stop using it, whatever you were able to keep in your head, then falls out. That's the way Rogaine works.

THanks for the posts. Faith, you're right, I do want info now!! haha I did see another one of the posts just a second ago. I have been doing a bit of research since my post and found that any kind of traumatic event will trigger it and it will start falling out 3-6 months after this event. So that probably explains why people doing any kind of surgery gets hair loss after the event.

I've been using Nioxin stuff for about two years now, and I'm on my way tonight to buy some flax seed oil. I didn't realize you could get Biotin supplements, I'll give that a try - heard that on another post - oh, and the protein, I think I'll try some protein shakes. I swear to God I'm getting a comb-over look on top though. It's really bad. eek.

Has anyone tried the hairmax??

try extra brushing/scalp massage. That can help stimulate regrowth. And some people like essential oils and natural stuff-- morrocco method (spelling?) caters to that. Or if you are crazy like me you can shave your head and no more worries about clumps of hair comming out in the shower (not recommended), but then you have this bowling ball you need to figure out.

I also suspect some loss might be related to hormonal changes that take place as a result of weight changes. When my giant cyst exploded a few years ago, lots of hair loss then. And hair changes when I've had hormonal issues in the past. And the weight loss is affecting my period, etc...

try extra brushing/scalp massage. That can help stimulate regrowth. And some people like essential oils and natural stuff-- morrocco method (spelling?) caters to that. Or if you are crazy like me you can shave your head and no more worries about clumps of hair comming out in the shower (not recommended), but then you have this bowling ball you need to figure out.

I have actually considered the bowling ball phase. But you know, I just don't have the ovaries for that.