Hello all!

I am in the beginning stages of my journey (patiently waiting for my insurance to approve my surgery...the torture,,,LOL)

In the meantime I'm researching everything. I see most people say they lose hair at the 3-6 month mark. I know most suggest to load up on Biotin and getting plenty of protein.

But my question is: Does your hair ever go back to its state prior to surgery?

Can I expect to ever have a full head of thick hair again?

@@2goldengirl

Hmmm...you've got a valid point! ????

it seems to me that it's inevitable and some experience it more than others in regards to the severity.

@@2goldengirl - I don't think the actual surgery being the cause for the stress, more the big drop of calories that follows the surgery. I understood that to be more of the issue than the actual procedure. My doctor said its part (hair loss) of the side effects and that not everyone loses ALOT of hair. He said if you don't feel a bit tired or lose some hair in the those first few months then you are probably not doing something right. I really didn't feel that tired after I cut my BP meds in half. I have lost hair. It started around the 2-3rd month and slowed about 6 weeks ago and has now started back up. It actually kind of reflects when I was losing the most weight.

I did lose some but not so much that it was noticeable when it happened. When I noticed it was when it started coming back and I found a million short pieces falling out of my pony tail! Thing I did... Followed post-op Vitamin and Protein instructions, took Biotin and attempted to feed myself as much as my weight loss would bear, (1000-1200 cal per day) with exercise. Same as the folks who lose a lot of hair, I suppose. Personally, other than staying properly nourished, I don't think there's a lot you can do. It's a response to trauma and some bodies handle it better than others. It DOES come back. Just part of the deal.

@@bikrchk

You're so right, it's definitely on the con list in regards to WLS. But in my opinion the pro list is longer

Will try to stay as healthy and proactive as possible and hope/pray for the best!

It may be a potential con, but even if you go completely bald and have to wear a wig the rest of your life, being bald won't kill you. Carrying around an extra 100+ pounds of fat the rest of your life very well may kill you.

@@JamieLogical

You are absolutely right! I couldn't agree with you more.

I have really thick hair (fine in texture but a lot of it). I was sleeved in April and haven't noticed any significant hair loss so far.

I used to wear my hair long but soon after surgery I cut it short and get frequent trims. I also have been able to get at least 100 grams of Protein a day almost every day since the second day after surgery and take my Vitamins.

@@Inner Surfer Girl

I have the same thin but lots of it. Hopefully I'll have your same experience. Thanks for sharing with me. ????

Let me comment for any males reading this - I noticed hair loss 4 months post surgery, increasing Protein HELPED. Glad I made a point of going to 100g plus before trying Rogaine. Once I started getting more protein to go along with the heavy muscle building workouts I was fine. Now I am 52, and I am blessed with great genes (we keep producing hair, up until the time we have heart attacks). So I say the later for full disclosure.

I agree with JamieLogical on the anesthesia point. I lost hair after a very long surgery in 2010 (5 hours)

I lost quite a bit but it came back fine with no issues. If it's like that again I'm not too worried about losing some again.

Every time I have a surgical procedure involving anesthesia- hair falls out. So it's not just this surgery or the weight loss. And my body usually waits 2.5-3 months to do it. So yup, I'm right on track *picks up another stray hair*

Every time I have a surgical procedure involving anesthesia- hair falls out. So it's not just this surgery or the weight loss. And my body usually waits 2.5-3 months to do it. So yup, I'm right on track *picks up another stray hair*

@@Mistie - you have a point.

I've had two surgeries in my life never even noticed hair loss with either procedure. Which makes me feel optimistic and think it won't be as bad as I was fearing?

It's very possible. Now I didn't start having this problem until four years ago, and many people have the loss with wls when not noticing it otherwise, but there are still many others who do not experience it or it is very minimal!

Yes mine did. It just takes time.

I took Collagen, and Hair Skin and nails 8 months prior to surgery. SO far I have experienced a little hair loss around the hairline, but am back to taking my collagen and will start the hair skin and nails regime next month.

This is one of my big concerns. Such vanity, I know but my hair is something I've always felt good about myself. It doesn't help that I've noticed just with age my hair is getting thinner. I just ordered the Nioxin system and started on my liquid biotin. I'm hoping both will help with re-growth!

@@Jengarcia055,

Everyone’s experience is different. The amount of hair you lose, and when you get it back, and whether it comes back the exact same, depends on your nutrition and your other habits and your genetics.

In general, yes! You will get your hair back. It may take a while, but it usually comes back. A few sleeve patients get it back a little thinner than it used to be.

The things you can do to help yourself are to take Biotin and the other Vitamins recommended by your surgeon, get your Protein and Fluid, and generally take care of yourself: sleep enough, exercise as you are allowed and can, etc.

Good luck!