Hi there! I had gastric sleeve surgery on Dec. 4, 2019. I’m doing really well with my weight loss of 50 lbs already. My concern is that my hair has been falling out a lot. I’m eating enough protein as prescribed by the dietician but I’m losing big amount of hair. Has anyone had this problem? In need of advice.

Haven't had my surgery yet but I know biotin has been recommended to combat hair loss. These are the ones I bought. Hope this helps.

It's MY time!

Thanks! I will definitely try these. ☺️

I haven't had any hair loss yet (sleeved 3/6) but that said, I'm a hairdresser with several clients who had weight loss surgery, who had hairloss. So I know it's coming. The good news it's temporary. Give it 4 months, it will come back!

I'm surprised someone at your clinic didn't mention this - it happens to almost everyone. It can supposedly happen after any type of surgery because it can be due to the trauma to the body plus the anesthesia, but I'm guessing you see it more in bariatric patients since we're taking in so few calories the first few months.

it'll last a few months and then it'll all grow back. For most of us, we're the only ones who notice it.

there's really not much you can do about it other than keep on top of your protein and vitamins so it doesn't get any worse than it would otherwise. Some people say biotin and special shampoos work for them, but others say they don't do a thing. You may just have to wait it out.

Edited March 24, 20206 yr by catwoman7

Yes, this is common for many people, not just gastric surgery patients. When your body goes through an extreme event (any kind of surgery, pregnancy, etc) some hair loss will occur. It can be upsetting and disconcerting, but probably the only people who will notice are you and your hairdresser. It will stop, it will grow back, just give it a few months.

HERE'S A GOOD ARTICLE ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR HAIR

It's very common and supposedly temporary...

Well you gals Covered the heck out of this one! Im getting old and male so my hair is going bye bye all the time!

Good to know.

It's MY time!

Telogen Effluvium: a form of TEMPORARY hair loss associated with a stressful event, shock or trauma. It's caused by a disruption in the growth cycle of hair and usually happens around 3-6 months after surgery.

• It is normal
• it is temporary
• there is very little you can do to prevent or reduce the amount of hair loss
• There are some schools of thought that you can mitigate it by taking hair supplements BEFORE surgery. I've seen stories where people claim that they have been able to avoid it. I can only speak from experience. I took hair supplements for months before surgery, but that still didn't stop me from having a lot of hair loss after surgery.

Not to be an extremist, just offering another example. Not all people's hair grows back. I had a surgery about 4 years ago now (not WLS) and have to say I'm still shedding. Nothing I have tried has helped. I am worried that the WLS will just make the fallout rate even higher. Oh well, that's why they invented wigs, right?

I'm guessing I'm in the minority though of people who don't get their hair back. I would try not to worry too much about it, and wait and see what happens. Hoping the best for you!