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hair loss after surgery



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I was told that Hair loss is due to body being in shock from surgery and rapid weight loss. I am almost 7 months post o.p and am losing lots of hair. It's just part of the process. I was told that most people start noticing new Hair growth after a year post o.p. I sure hope so.

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My nutritionist said that it's from a lack of Protein, It's hard to know what to believe.



That's what I heard as well that u have to follow your diet very strictly so this won't happen to u....I just had surgery yesterday so I'm hoping I don't lose to much hair it's already thin as it is[emoji30]


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Lord, I hope it doesn't take a year to come back in when it happens to me. I think it is likely most people will experience a degree of Hair loss. I hope mine is minimal as I have fine thin hair already and I admit to being vain about my hair!!! I am taking Biotin and folic acid now, and just started using peppermint oil as well, at least I think I am doing something lol I do know extra folic makes my hair grow like crazy - I was already taking it prior to deciding on wls. I don't know if I agree on surgical shock, maybe lack of nutrient shock because if it was surgery wouldn't all drastic surgeries make people lose hair? Pregnancy can make some lose hair which supports the nutrient theory. So the sooner you can get that Protein up to healing level the better chances I suppose to lessen the loss and we all react differently to the wls, so back to the guessing game.

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I get three full paddle brushes of hair a day .I take my Biotin and Multivitamins but its because we don't have enough Protein in our diets and that is part of what our hair is made of .I went to Armstrong McCall and they are ordering nioxin ,they have systems that are made for different hair types to put protein back into the hair and prevent/repair the hair strands .Hope this helps.

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Nioxin didn't work for me. Nothing has so far. I'm pre-sleeve. I have hormonal Hair loss. So between the hormones and the surgery, Protein, nutrients or whatever, I'll be buying a wig or sporting a shaved head!!!! :51_scream:

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Lord, I hope it doesn't take a year to come back in when it happens to me. I think it is likely most people will experience a degree of Hair loss. I hope mine is minimal as I have fine thin hair already and I admit to being vain about my hair!!! I am taking Biotin and folic acid now, and just started using peppermint oil as well, at least I think I am doing something lol I do know extra folic makes my hair grow like crazy - I was already taking it prior to deciding on wls. I don't know if I agree on surgical shock, maybe lack of nutrient shock because if it was surgery wouldn't all drastic surgeries make people lose hair? Pregnancy can make some lose hair which supports the nutrient theory. So the sooner you can get that Protein up to healing level the better chances I suppose to lessen the loss and we all react differently to the wls, so back to the guessing game.

What is the peppermint oil for? I just bought some biotin Shampoo, heard it helps it look fuller.


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Sleeved 9/15/16. I took my Vitamins, but no Biotin or anything else. I thought I was going to be one of the lucky ones who missed out on the Hair loss, but, no, sadly. My husband had leg surgery on 12/9/16 and all went well until 1/1/17, when he developed a massive infection that almost cost him both limb and life, literally. He was hospitalized/in rehab until the end of February, and during that time period, my hair started thinning like crazy. I am now taking 10000mcg biotin daily, only wash my hair every 4 days, try not to curl/dry/abuse it too much. It feels like it's starting to come back in.

I think it was a combination of factors that cost me my hair. Primary cause, IMO, was low Protein. I still have to focus on getting enough protein (and I'm 11 months post-surgery) every day, but I am pretty much there. I DO think there is something to the theory of surgical shock to the body; protein building goes into healing the surgical site, taking away from other protein needs, coupled with a huge lack of protein for the newly-post-op BWLS patient. It makes total sense from a biochemistry viewpoint. I worked hard to keep my vitamin/mineral intake solid with supplements, so not sure if that was an issue. I'm also not sure the biotin makes a difference, but I'm still taking it. I think what really pushed me over the edge was the stress from my husband's situation. Fortunately, he is healing well and progressing nicely, I am eating more protein now, and my hair seems to be thickening. Still gonna take the biotin, though!

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On 2017-08-18 at 10:29 AM, jermic said:

six months since gastric sleeve and hair loss is alot. Does anyone have any suggestions to help this. I have started taking gummy vitamins with Biotin

I'm 5 months post op. I literally lost 1/2 my hair. The last 4 days Ive noticed im only loosing a fraction of what I was. It's not wrapping around my hands in the shower. I don't have a ball of hair after blow drying etc. I'm at my goal now, I started at a BMI of 31 & its 24 now, after loosing 53lbs. So I'm hoping that's why it's slowed down. I ate and did my Protein ,vitamins etc. I'm just Lucky I had very thick hair to start with. Loosing my hair was the worse side affect for me.

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8 hours ago, leebick said:

Sleeved 9/15/16. I took my Vitamins, but no Biotin or anything else. I thought I was going to be one of the lucky ones who missed out on the hair loss, but, no, sadly. My husband had leg surgery on 12/9/16 and all went well until 1/1/17, when he developed a massive infection that almost cost him both limb and life, literally. He was hospitalized/in rehab until the end of February, and during that time period, my hair started thinning like crazy. I am now taking 10000mcg Biotin daily, only wash my hair every 4 days, try not to curl/dry/abuse it too much. It feels like it's starting to come back in.

I think it was a combination of factors that cost me my hair. Primary cause, IMO, was low Protein. I still have to focus on getting enough Protein (and I'm 11 months post-surgery) every day, but I am pretty much there. I DO think there is something to the theory of surgical shock to the body; protein building goes into healing the surgical site, taking away from other protein needs, coupled with a huge lack of protein for the newly-post-op BWLS patient. It makes total sense from a biochemistry viewpoint. I worked hard to keep my vitamin/mineral intake solid with supplements, so not sure if that was an issue. I'm also not sure the biotin makes a difference, but I'm still taking it. I think what really pushed me over the edge was the stress from my husband's situation. Fortunately, he is healing well and progressing nicely, I am eating more protein now, and my hair seems to be thickening. Still gonna take the biotin, though!

Oh Hon, I think it had ALOT to do with the stress of your husband's operation and subsequent situation. Hair loss seems very common with WLS. I don't think anyone escapes it. All we can do is drink (or eat) the protein, take our supplements, I do think Biotin is some help. I too only wash my hair 2 times a week. I work at home so I rarely style it. I'm pre-sleeve but have massive hormonal loss for 3 years. I honestly do not know what the surgery will do. I'm going to try to be the most compliant person they have ever had LOL I can't lose anymore. I'll have to borrow from my husband! Hope you are doing well now and your hubby too.

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I am six months post op. I am still losing hair it is getting so thin. I just tried some Biotin Shampoo that I purchased at walmart.Also taking biotin gummies. I hope it eases up soon

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I've been really good about hitting my Protein numbers, Im at almost 11 months postop. I think there's a couple different factors. I think genetics, nutrition, and possibly luck. I don't think there's any way to determine who it could happen to anyone isn't going to happen to.

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Doctor's office says the Hair loss will stop when the weight stabilizes. Well I have several months to go before hitting my goal so I think I'm screwed!! I've been taking Biotin and silica to no avail and I think I'm about to try pre-natal vitamins!


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