Hair losss, anyone?? - ThinnerTimes

cyndi · 12-16-2007, 11:13 PM

Hi everyone. So, I am 4 months post-op and have lost 74 pounds. Two weeks ago I started shedding, a lot! Any suggestions on keeping my doo or am I destined to have patches? What have you heard about the relationship of biotin to hair loss? Wondering if I need to supplement more. Thanks so much!

N4me · 12-17-2007, 08:03 AM

hey....i am 10 months post op the first 4-5 months i also experienced some hair loss i asked my doc what was causing this and his answer was that i wasnt eating enough protein...now my diet consists of mainly protein and i`v definatly seen a difference my hair seems to be stronger and healthier....hope this helps ;-)

Cinerbelle · 12-17-2007, 08:43 AM

If you go up to the "Search" button above and type in "hair loss"...you will find lots of great info!!

SueRN · 12-17-2007, 09:02 AM

Hair loss is part of the process and all the vitamins and enough protein in the world is NOT going to prevent it. It is caused by the rapid weight loss and the decreased calorie intake the first few months. My hair thinned out pretty bad but didn't have any bald patches. It took about 2 years for my hair to get back to normal. It got really thin. Then the hair loss slowed. then my hair took on the look of pubic hair for a while. Finally.....it's back to normal. usually problems with hair los start about 3 months out and clear up by the end of the first year. I think mine lasted longer because I had problems taking calcium. I am able to take 1 citracal softchew a day now and noticed a difference after that. I stopped hi-liting my hair and blow drying it. There were some people in my post op groups that actually had bald spots. But, it does happen and it is temporary. hang in there! Sue

lward76 · 12-17-2007, 10:32 AM

i over 8 months and still losing, but its slowly starting to get some stibles!! lol..it will grow back, mine was slow at growing back due to lack of protein!! dont stresss over it, cuz we all like are hair!!!

chiquita · 12-17-2007, 04:37 PM

Here is what my clinic recommends people to start taking prior to surgery and continue afterwards to help with the hair loss

2 gel caps of flax seed oil
selenium 200mcg

and use Nioxin, an over the counter shampoo and scalp treatment. They say use it prior to surgery and continue to use it for at least the first post operative year.

I am already taking the flax seed, still need to get the Nioxin and selenium

They say it really makes a big difference.
Hope this helps.

hello kitty · 12-17-2007, 05:21 PM

FYI.. I was told the same info as Sue by my surgeon. And as a friend of someone who used Nioxin for years, yes, it help if you have thinning or hair loss due to NATURAL causes (hereditary, etc) but it is not proven to help with WLS patients, it is very expensive, and many hair stylists agree that if you use it, even for a short period of time, then STOP using it, you will have adverse affects (such as even more lost hair). So unless you plan on using it forever...I wouldn't suggest starting.

Claire-in-Texas · 12-17-2007, 06:47 PM

I started losing my hair (and the texture changed to very dry) at about 3.5 months, and it lasted about 2 months. Now I am seeing that my hair is returning to it's previous texture. It isn't gorwing as quickly as it did.

It's worth it!

cyndi · 12-17-2007, 08:57 PM

Wow, what a great group! Thanks for all the replies! I will up my protien and calcium. I have heard the same concerns about Nioxin. My mother-in-law used it after breast cancer and I don't think it did good things for her hair long-term. Yes, it's all worth it. I'd rather be shedding than obese anyday! Thanks again!

SueRN · 12-19-2007, 12:05 PM

Flaxseed oil doesn't help either. I took it for years prior to RNY and still take it because it helps with eczema breakouts. I also took extra E. The extreme calorie restriction and malabsorption affects rapid growing cells like hairm nails, and skin. The real effects take a few months to show up so that's why the hair loss starts about 3 months out. For those that really have a major hair loss problem, there are a lot of nice, non-Dolly Parton and Cher-looking wigs and hair pieces out there so don't worry! Plus it will grow back.