I am having some odd side effects after the band. 1) My hair is falling out & 2) My sweat and urine smell bad/ strong/ acid like. Here is my confusion: The nurse says the hair fall out may be from lack of protien, but I think the smelly urine problem is Ketosis side effect, so how can I have both? Does anyone else have these side effects and are there any suggestions?

I guess my first question would be, what are you eating? What are your calorie and protein intake levels?

they say its from lack of protein

Are you drinking your required amount of water? My doctor requires at LEAST 64 ounces of water daily~~~~just thought that your urine might be strong if you haven't been drinking enough to flush your system. And, about the hair, I already had thin hair so I have been scared to death of lossing any more so I make darn sure I eat enough protein and take my vitamins!

I am not sure, but I thought you could be in Ketosis without actually consuming a lot of Protein. I thought Ketosis occurs when you severely restrict carbs. So, you could be avoiding carbs (resulting in Ketosis and smelly urine) but you could also be not getting enough protein (resulting in hairloss). Again, I'm not sure if my perception of Ketosis is correct. I think I'll GOOGLE it now though, LOL. :smile:

EDIT: Yes, I was right. According to Wikipedia, your body will go into Ketosis when you restrict carbs, i.e. the things that contribute to blood glucose. So it is entirely possible you're cutting out carbs as well as not getting enough protein.

Woohoo, I learned something today!!! :wink_smile:

Edited September 23, 200817 yr by jmegirl

Your hair loss could be from the stress of surgery itself. Mine was most noticeable at 4 months out.

As for smelly urine, drink more Water. And jmegirl is on to something with fewer carbs...

That is probably all true...I do drink lots of water, but I eat mostly protien, Maybe the hairloss will slow down some - I have heard bioton works. I lost lots of hair after all three kids, and now this. I am only 39 and was hoping not go "thining" so soon. I am sure that in year I will be more adjusted to all the changes that come with gastric surgery / banding.

Thanks for the friendly input.

I took Biotin for months and my hair fell out at 4 months and didn't stop or start growing back in until 1 yr post op. I eat a ton of Protein too.

If the smelly urine is coming from no carbs, try eating some Kashi Cereal. It's whole grain which is good for us, and is high in Fiber. Going too low carb will cause constipation and that is not fun either.