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Post by sheilal on Jul 8, 2012 19:49:04 GMT -5
So earlier today I noticed my hair is falling out rather quickly. I had it cut short recently so it wouldn't look as noticeable, but I already have lost a lot of hair pre-surgery.
I have a hat, my husband has me wear outside so I don't get sick from the sun. (he has given his up a lot in the past) But I am not a hat person, and finding a good one is hard.
So I think I will start researching scarves and different ways to wear them. They sound prettier anyway. I guess I will just have to play around.
I knew this was likely to happen, and I am not worried. Worse case scenario will be I will eventually wear a wig. Where I can choose the hair I really want.
I am able to do so much more already. A little hair is worth the exchange. I just love waking up without the feeling that I could die any day now. I actually feel alive!
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Post by bagaof4 on Jul 8, 2012 21:10:49 GMT -5
You are so upbeat about something that horrifies most women. I just hope I have the same positive attitude when I start losing mine! I've never had thick voluminous hair to begin with, so when it starts going, it will be hard to hide. Thanks for sharing your strength!
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Post by sherbearmama on Jul 8, 2012 22:23:41 GMT -5
I'm in the same boat with you. Unfortunately, the loss of hair pre-surgery could be a sign of female pattern baldness. I had glorious long, thick hair. Pre-surgery it started to thin. Then after surgery it became VERY thin and noticeable. I'm 7 months out an don't see any regrowth. The dermatologist says I have tell-tale signs of alopecia. I'm only 37 so it's quite a blow. But I too am grateful for my surgery, for my health, for my new (and beautiful) body. So lately, I've been embracing hats! LOTS of hats! And in the fall I'm going to look into some hair pieces. Losing hair should be the least of my worries. Congratulations on your success and on keeping up the terrific attitude. I know it's not always easy.
Sheri
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Post by cathy811 on Jul 9, 2012 10:31:39 GMT -5
Mine is falling out rapidly as well, but I am not handling it nearly as well as you are. I am pretty dang sad about it. Does anyone know the reason behind the hair loss. I have read that it's the anesthesia and also read that it's the lack of protein in our diets immediately after surgery....anyone know?
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Post by Gail R on Jul 9, 2012 12:37:32 GMT -5
You have the right attitude Sheilal. Bravo Here is a recent thread on the same subject for those interested. weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=talk&thread=4357&page=1#63408The condition is called telogen effluvium. It is not at all specific to the DS. Google it for more info. PS I was just noticing that my hair at nearly 3 years out is finally recovered and is actually going to get better as I have lots of hair that is about an inch long growing in. If you have thyroid problems, I cannot stress enough your making certain that the levels are correctly adjusted. My doctor kept insisting that it was within normal range, but my hair was continuing to fall out. Even my eyebrows and body hair. I didn't have to shave my legs was the only benefit. LOL When I insisted, we started retesting and adjusting down my doses.
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Post by sheilal on Jul 10, 2012 23:09:26 GMT -5
I have been getting in my protein early. I was under anesthesia for 6 hours. The surgeon also took out my gallbladder which was bad, fixed my hiatal hernia and three abdominal hernias. So my body went through a lot. Four weeks after surgery my son was in the children't hospital being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. He got sick a week after surgery. My hair is fine and thin before surgery. And a friend of mine developed Alopecia. I still thought she was beautiful. My mom lost her hair during chemotherapy and so did a couple of my friends.
Losing hair is hard, but it isn't the end of the world and I would trade all of my hair for what I am gaining. I can already do so much more than I use to. I don't feel like I have this dark death cloud hanging over me. My son is only 7 and I want to be there to help him grow up.
So it helps me to put it in the proper priority and it has helped to see others go through losing all of their hair.
I feel for those going through losing their hair, it is a hard thing to deal with. I have just had wonderful people who have walked before me and showed me there are better things to focus on and that is what helps me.
Thanks for the compliments.
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Post by Band to DS on Jul 11, 2012 10:28:00 GMT -5
I'm 2 months out from surgery & my hair just started falling out. Like you, I already got it cut short to minimize the damage, so to speak. I'm fortunate to have really thick hair, so maybe it won't be noticeable. Like others have said, I'd rather have a normal BMI & no hair than be morbidly obese with a full head of hair!
Shelli
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Post by Shawnie (kouklamonkey) on Jul 11, 2012 11:07:58 GMT -5
I'm pre-op, been losing hair for a few years now and I suspect it will be very noticeable by the time I'm 3 months or so post-op. It hurts but it's just the way it is. People have much worse things going on in their lives than losing hair so I'm preparing myself to just be thankful I'm (going to be ) healthy.
I guess because of my weight and a significant scar on my face, I have long been used to being "invisible" to a lot of people. A while back I realized that strangers' opinions of me don't matter. I still get self conscious sometimes but it's only when I'm eating in a restaurant. I don't hear the comments but I just know what's being said. Other than that, strangers and other jerks laughing behind my back can suck it.
We spend so much time finding and wearing the right clothes and accessories, putting on make up, fussing with our hair, grooming, etc. and what we don't understand is that it really doesn't matter. All those people at the gas station, in the bank, shopping at Dillards, in the grocery store, none of them think twice about you or anyone else. It just doesn't matter.
So, Good for you Sheilal!!! Wigs, hair pieces, hats, spray hair, scarves, just saying FUCK IT... are all options.
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Post by sherbearmama on Jul 11, 2012 14:19:06 GMT -5
I wasn't under the same anesthesia as most. I think Propofol (intravenous anesthesia) was used with me. I'm allergic to inhalant forms of anesthesia. So I wonder if the same sort of hair loss occurs with that type of anesthesia. Regardless, I've lost at least 50% of my hair.
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Post by Red Rage on Jul 11, 2012 16:56:56 GMT -5
We spend so much time finding and wearing the right clothes and accessories, putting on make up, fussing with our hair, grooming, etc. and what we don't understand is that it really doesn't matter. All those people at the gas station, in the bank, shopping at Dillards, in the grocery store, none of them think twice about you or anyone else. It just doesn't matter. I wish that every single girl and woman in the world understood this. Exalt!
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Post by chicarita on Jul 11, 2012 19:41:04 GMT -5
I have a lot of hair but it is falling out in huge clumps. I have handfuls of hair every time I touch it and there is hair all over my house. I can see my scalp now. I wish I had a better attitude about it. I'm just flat out sad. (sigh)
Sent from my iPad using ProBoards
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Post by sherbearmama on Jul 11, 2012 19:44:49 GMT -5
I have a lot of hair but it is falling out in huge clumps. I have handfuls of hair every time I touch it and there is hair all over my house. I can see my scalp now. I wish I had a better attitude about it. I'm just flat out sad. (sigh) Sent from my iPad using ProBoards It's hard not to be sad. I think it's fair to be able to be sad about it. It's a loss. And even though you can appreciate that the DS has the potential to make you healthier and live a longer life, losing one's hair is still quite a trauma. I read that it's common for women who lose hair to become depressed. It's a daily struggle for me. But I try my best to look to the positives about what I'm going through--though it's still hard. Hugs.
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Post by mlleelise on Jul 11, 2012 20:17:23 GMT -5
I'm almost 5 mos. out...and waiting for the hair loss to STOP. It started 3 mos. ago, so I cut my long hair up to my shoulders. Mine was fine and thin to begin with, so now it's plain 'ole wispy. I have invested in some human hair extensions (Jessica Simpson/Ken Pave) that are shoulder length, like my hair. I clip them in under my hair on the sides and in the back. It makes a huge difference, so you might want to try them, Sheilal. Besides it being emotionally tough to watch your hair fall out on everything, it's hard to clean it all up! My vacuum brushes get clogged - and the back of my shirt is COVERED with dark strands. :-( And, as someone else mentioned, my scalp is very visible especially since my hair is very dark. Still, all in all, the DS was the best decision I ever made for myself!!!!!
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Post by ilovechocolate on Jul 12, 2012 18:12:51 GMT -5
I have a funny story about losing my hair. I was so sick after my DS, (hospital 5 weeks, feeding tube 10 weeks) that I was just glad to be alive and didn't care about losing my hair.
Because of that my husband took me away to Fiji as soon as I was well enough, he paid for me to be pampered and massaged etc. I was so enjoying this wonderful massage by this amazingly strong fingered Fijian woman that I didn't notice that she had gone very quiet. The massage ended and as I got up I saw that there was enough of my hair on the massage table and floor to knit a cat. The darling masseuse, had tears in her eyes and she handed me back my money. She was worried that she had pulled my hair out.
I had a very hard time explaining that it was just me, she had done nothing wrong and she should keep the money. My hair has grown back and is extremely thick again, and my darling and I still laugh about "knitting a cat" only it would be with his hair now.
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Post by chicarita on Jul 12, 2012 19:35:44 GMT -5
I have a lot of hair but it is falling out in huge clumps. I have handfuls of hair every time I touch it and there is hair all over my house. I can see my scalp now. I wish I had a better attitude about it. I'm just flat out sad. (sigh) Sent from my iPad using ProBoards It's hard not to be sad. I think it's fair to be able to be sad about it. It's a loss. And even though you can appreciate that the DS has the potential to make you healthier and live a longer life, losing one's hair is still quite a trauma. I read that it's common for women who lose hair to become depressed. It's a daily struggle for me. But I try my best to look to the positives about what I'm going through--though it's still hard. Hugs. Girl, you have been sooooooo positive it seriously inspires me. I'm so sad at all the hair. I just can't imagine this going on for months, I won't have any hair left at all. Just want the falling out to stop! Sent from my iPad using ProBoards
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Post by sherbearmama on Jul 12, 2012 19:54:27 GMT -5
It's hard not to be sad. I think it's fair to be able to be sad about it. It's a loss. And even though you can appreciate that the DS has the potential to make you healthier and live a longer life, losing one's hair is still quite a trauma. I read that it's common for women who lose hair to become depressed. It's a daily struggle for me. But I try my best to look to the positives about what I'm going through--though it's still hard. Hugs. Girl, you have been sooooooo positive it seriously inspires me. I'm so sad at all the hair. I just can't imagine this going on for months, I won't have any hair left at all. Just want the falling out to stop! Sent from my iPad using ProBoards Since it started only AFTER the surgery (my began months before and then got much worse after surgery) then I have to guess it's surgery related. If it's surgery related at least you have a chance of it growing back. Look at it in that light--you've got the potential to grow it back. Now for me, it's less likely since it began before surgery. That's a little depressing but things could be worse. I could be dead now of a heart attack, stroke, or other obesity-related illness. Can't wait to talk with you on the phone when you get a chance! Sheri
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Post by sheilal on Jul 12, 2012 21:24:16 GMT -5
chicarita I think I have a more positive attitude because I watched people that I cared about go through it, and it shaped my thinking a head of time. Losing your hair can be very hard and you went through a lot with this surgery.
Ilovechocolate I love your story! I felt so bad for that poor woman when I read your story. And what a wonderful husband. Thanks for sharing.
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Carla
Junior Member
Posts: 75
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Post by Carla on Jul 13, 2012 14:30:49 GMT -5
For what it's worth; When I received the paperwork about what vitamins my surgeon wanted me to take, he had included "Zinc (I think 25 mg) every other day to help with the hair loss." I don't know what that has to do with you losing your hair, but I am taking it as directed. Also, my friend who had RNY 4 years ago (hair loss is common with many weight loss surgeries), gave me advice to take Biotin supplements to help with the hair loss. She said it really works.
I am 6 weeks out from my virgin DS and I haven't started losing hair yet. I hope the Zinc and Biotin help lessen the hair loss for me. I'll let you know when it starts to show it's ugly presence. BTW - I'm down 72 lbs. total, so far! Yeah!
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Post by Band to DS on Jul 13, 2012 17:36:01 GMT -5
For what it's worth, I take 100mg of zinc every day per Vitalady's plan. I also take 1000mcg of biotin every day to help with my hair. I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not.
Shelli
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Post by mlleelise on Jul 14, 2012 0:03:39 GMT -5
Like Shelli, my vitamin schedule also includes 100 mg of zinc per day - and I was taking 1000mcg of biotin, but just upped that to 5000mcg of day. I also take MSM daily (1000mcg) which is good for hair, bone and ligaments. None of it has stopped the hair loss, but it probably has slowed it down. I began losing it at 3 mos...and still am at 5 mos. Because of my prolonged sickness with c-diff and colitis, I wasn't even able to START any vitamins until I was a little over 2 months out...I'm sure that didn't help. I think it's awesome that we can all come here and, ahem, 'let our hair down' - complain a little, cry a little, but most of all, rejoice a LOT with each other's trials and successes! :-)
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Post by grannyrue on Jul 14, 2012 2:04:16 GMT -5
You all had me in tears (sad) and in tears (from laughing). I hope my attitude will be positive when my hair loss happens.
My husband is 45 and going bald. Since I'll be (most likely) losing hair after my DS, I've decided to have it all (yes totally bald) cut off just before surgery. My husband thinks this sounds erotic (what can I say? it takes all kinds) and wants to watch it get shaved off. My going bald will show him that I truly mean it when I tell him that I'll love him bald just like I do now.
Right now, I've got longer than shoulder length hair. When it is cut, I'm going to donate it to Locks of Love. They make human hair wigs for children who lose their hair due to chemo.
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Post by kirmy on Jul 14, 2012 9:46:55 GMT -5
I have a funny story about losing my hair. I was so sick after my DS, (hospital 5 weeks, feeding tube 10 weeks) that I was just glad to be alive and didn't care about losing my hair. Because of that my husband took me away to Fiji as soon as I was well enough, he paid for me to be pampered and massaged etc. I was so enjoying this wonderful massage by this amazingly strong fingered Fijian woman that I didn't notice that she had gone very quiet. The massage ended and as I got up I saw that there was enough of my hair on the massage table and floor to knit a cat. The darling masseuse, had tears in her eyes and she handed me back my money. She was worried that she had pulled my hair out. I had a very hard time explaining that it was just me, she had done nothing wrong and she should keep the money. My hair has grown back and is extremely thick again, and my darling and I still laugh about "knitting a cat" only it would be with his hair now. You should have made a Jackson5 fro out of it. Dammit you missed your chance! Loving the car Mrs!!!
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