Check this out...this article says biotin, essential for healthy skin, hair and nails, binds with protein which can result in a deficiency. Hmmm...curiouser and curiouser.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Hair-Loss:-Biotin-is-Food-for-Your-Hair&id=126771

Very interesting. As much as I hate losing so much hair, I will take it any day over the fat

Hi, I couldn't find the start of this thread. Are you losing hair?

I was banded January 3 and started losing significant amounts of hair about 3 months in. I have been putting off calling my doctor because I am happy with the weight loss!

Thanks,

Meri

I've been using Biotin 1000 mg for about 6 months.

In my research hair loss is an issue for gastric and lap band.

my surgeon requires the use of biotin and multi-Vitamins. i've used it for 6 months and i have noticed a HUGE difference in my hair and nails.

my hubby didn't know i was taking biotin until recently; i happened to mention it and he said he had wondered why there was no longer a barber shop quantity of my hair on the bathroom floor in the morning anymore. he thought i was combing my hair in the car.

It works for me; and my nails...which are brittle and not cute at all have changed too. thicker and growing.

band placement on 6/30...hopefully

Is Biotin available over the counter? My hair has been really falling out a lot. It sounds like it is due to my high protein intake.

Thanks, I hadn't read anything about hair loss in any of my band literature. I have been getting very nervous about the amount of hair I am cleaning up every day.

I will definitely try adding the Biotin and cross my fingers that my results are as good as yours.

You must be very excited to be so close to your surgery date. Good luck. Meri

Dear Hazel-eyes,

Yes it is in the regular drug store. There are two kinds.... Biotin 1000 mcg and 5000 mcg. (my doctor requests I take 1000) Small tablets. at CVS drug store costs $10.50 for 100 tabs. Take 1 tab with meal.

From the bottle: "Found in foods such as oatmeal and soy. Biotin is wqater soluable B Vitamin assists in eergy metabolism in cells. Biotin is essential for the intermediate metabolism of carbs, Proteins and fats. Biotin also helps support healthy skin and hair".

I had read about Biotin benefits about a year ago, meant to start it, but doing the prep for surgery it was required. I wish I had started in years ago... but I lacked the insight.

I think it's a benefit to my overall health, hair and nails.

Dear Meri,

Can't quite say I am excited; but relieved that it is within reach. Being fat --- morbidly obese is no longer an option --- I see a different kind of life ahead...

I have had several bumps this week along the road to prep for surgery...

-surgeon says I have a fat liver

-surgeon says I had to start liquids, asap

-surgeon says I may be bumped back if I don't lose weight in next two weeks and my liver doesn't shrink

-surgeon says my blood sugars need to be 90's

-pulmonologist says that my heart is enlarged, need CAT scan of heart, lungs before I get cleared

on the positive side,

I had my endoscopy yesterday... it was normal!!!

I started liquids yesterday, and practiced self-control and I didn't lick my hubby's face after he ate his dinner of leftover ribs, chicken and steak

But through it all, my hair looked really good yesterday!!!

Meri,

I live in Bowie...

where do you live?

Hi, I couldn't find the start of this thread. Are you losing hair?

Meri, no I'm not losing my hair. I haven't had the surgery yet. I was a bit thrown when I read all the complaints about hair-loss a few months post-op. I've just been reading all these forums and posts about people describing their "hair coming out in gobs", that I want to see if I can "head" (pun intended) off the process.

When I read the article, whose link I posted, I was really surprised to read that Protein affects Biotin absorbtion. I'm going to start taking a high-dose (1-5 mg) good-quality supplement. Who can't use stronger nails, thicker hair and smoother skin?? Plus, as tmkey mentioned, Biotin is Water soluable, so what your body doesn't use, you pee out. I'm just hoping its not one of those B Vitamins that turns you urine a bright yellow.

On another thread someone mentioned biotin in shampoos and conditioners....I might try those as well.

Yes you can get Biotin OTC. You can also order online from places like Drugstore.com and vitacost.com .

I do want to mention that some supplements are made with Calcium carbonate which can be constipating. Not sure if the amount in each dose will do anything or not. Doesn't hurt to see if it is available combined with calcium citrate instead.

Just wanted to share the information I found.

Edited June 14, 200818 yr by vegwannabe
wording clarification

-surgeon says I have a fat liver....-surgeon says I may be bumped back if I don't lose weight in next two weeks and my liver doesn't shrink....

Tmkey, really limit your carbs. The fewer carbs you consume the more your liver shrinks. I don't know the exact mechanism but it has something to do with carbohydrates being converted to glycogen, which is done by your liver. So the more carbohydrates, the larger/fattier your liver...?

You could probably find a more astute description by googleing "fatty liver" or search the forums for more info.

If you haven't already, your dietician should be able to tell you the best diet for shrinking your liver. Good luck!!!

I was banded in November and have not had any hair loss. Hair loss in not an automatic side effect. I personally prefer not to take more medication and/or supplements than I need and you might want to adopt a wait and see attitude.

I am losing hair like crazy! I am taking the Biotin and Zinc I have noticed a HUGE difference in my nails but not yet my hair. I am also choking down flax seed oil for the Omega's and I can't do the fish oil capsules (to big) plus a multivitamin. My nails look great! Still waiting on the hair

Tmkey,

Sorry to hear you had so many bumps along the road to your surgery. On the good side, you will know ALL about your body and be able to see lots of progress as your diet changes!

I live in Reisterstown.

Who is your doctor, and where will your surgery be done?

Meri

Meri,

Thanks for encouragement. All is well... heart normal, esphogus normal...

Actually, I've found out more about my "true" health status in this pre-op period than I actually had before. Eyes wide open, now.

Surgery is not just an option, but a necessity.

Surgeon is Barry Greene, at Shady Grove Adventist (Rockville)

I hate to say it, but I started Biotin before I got banded and still lost half my hair. It's growing in, but it's only been recently that it stopped falling out.