Kat
Junior Member
Finally in Onederland!
Posts: 76
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: June 18,2014 (265 lbs.)
Surgeon: Dr. J.R. Salameh
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Post by Kat on Nov 1, 2014 13:49:08 GMT -5
I have been losing hair at an alarming rate. When I visited the hair salon last week, the stylist was extremely concerned. She thought I was having chemo treatments again. My hair loss is actually worse now than when I had chemo. My hair is normally super thick, thankfully, because of the hair loss, it is now getting straggly thin.I am to the point where I am scared to wash my hair because each time there is handfuls of hair. please let me know if there is anything I can do. Do you know of any supplements I might be lacking? I Take all my vitamins, but maybe I need more. I knew hair loss would be an issue, but I just didn't think it would be this bad!
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Post by newyorkbitch on Nov 1, 2014 15:17:33 GMT -5
Some folks will recommend biotin, but there is no scientific evidence that it will help, though some people believe it does.
Unfortunately, this is one of the side effects of such rapid hormonal change, which the weight loss produces. There's not much you can do except give it time - it can be really bad for some people - the response varies from person to person. In the vast majority of cases, it stops falling out and grows back in eventually, although some people report that their hair comes back differently, i.e. curlier or straighter, etc.
I'm really sorry -I know it sucks.
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citizenk9
Junior Member
Posts: 99
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 10/13/2009
Surgeon: Dr, John Rabkin, San Francisco, CA
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Post by citizenk9 on Nov 1, 2014 15:33:10 GMT -5
I agree. Not much you can do about it except treating it gently. I thought I was mentally prepared too but it was overwhelming when it was coming out in chunks. What I didn't think about it how long hair takes to grow from the roots. I think my whole hair ordeal from beginning of loss until complete grow back was just over a year. I looked like a Chia pet. Lots of people take this opportunity to try new, short hairstyles they wouldn't normally try out. It's like a new beginning of taking risks.
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Post by bboop on Nov 1, 2014 16:33:44 GMT -5
I probably shouldn't say this, but my hair never grew back. Now remember I'm old and don't have hormones anymore...well very few. Some people say it's from my father's side that is causing the hair loss.
I take biotin and collagen and they seem to help...I don't think it actually helps to regrow it, but it has kept it from falling out.
Protein is also a big help...so keep up the high protein.
I bet you are just going through what most of us DSers go through...hair loss but it does come back. Just hang in there and unfortunately, you will just have to wait and see.
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hayley88
New Member
Posts: 46
Surgery Type: Revision
Surgery Date: RNY to DS 5/8/2013
Surgeon: Dr. Stewart
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Post by hayley88 on Nov 1, 2014 16:38:23 GMT -5
I had horrible hair loss also. It lasted about 9 months, every time i ran my fingers through it chucks just came out, not to mention in the shower. Finally at about a year out it got better and my hair, although thinner is coming back. It was in bad condition and I started using Nioxin shampoo and conditioner. I think it has helped make my hair stronger. FYI I'm about 18 months out.
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Post by jpcello on Nov 2, 2014 6:04:56 GMT -5
As everyone else has said, this is a side effect of the DS.
There are so many factors on what will happen to you because we're all different. Some get hair growth back, some don't, some lose more than others.
I started using Nioxin from the beginning. I was fortunate to have had a lot of hair, so it really wasn't noticeable to anyone but me. It will slow down. I did actually get some regrowth (you could see it around the hairline, etc.) so I don't know if the Nioxin actually helped or it was just coincidence.
So sorry.
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Post by west4thavenue on Nov 2, 2014 8:40:37 GMT -5
Kat, I'm right there with you. My hair was always fine, so my scalp started showing very shortly after the hair began to fall out.
Like citizenk9, I thought I was "prepared", but it is shocking. A couple of weeks ago, I had it cut short and bought a couple of really good wigs. I'm taking Biotin and using Nioxin. Too early to see any results from that.
All we can do is cope with it the best we can and hope it grows back. My mantra lately is "Roll with the punches". The weight loss, for me, is worth it. Breathe.
<<<<HUGS>>>>
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citizenk9
Junior Member
Posts: 99
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 10/13/2009
Surgeon: Dr, John Rabkin, San Francisco, CA
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Post by citizenk9 on Nov 2, 2014 10:41:43 GMT -5
I would like to add that although hair loss is upsetting, it was a small price to pay for the benefits of the surgery. I was too busy having a great life and new adventures to let it bring me down.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Nov 2, 2014 11:59:37 GMT -5
I'm in the same boat, fortunately, I had thick hair to start out with and a sister with alopecia due to her thyroid. She had me get Nioxin 3 shampoo and conditioner along with Nioxin thickening gel as soon as I noticed it. I've been using the shampoo and conditioner for a week and the breakage/loss has slowed down. I used the gel for the first time this morning and got four compliments on my hair at church. This gel really works, my hair looks full and healthy. This stuff is pricey but my hubby says I'm worth it!!
When I say my hair was falling out bad, it was unreal. I was going to follow Monica's lead with the wig and still will if it gets bad. We have cherrywood floors and the blonde hair looked awful and was everywhere. My 18 year old son even felt bad for me. I also take Biotin, not sure if that made a difference but the Nioxin definitely does! Good luck!
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derinoe
Junior Member
Posts: 75
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 06/04/2014
Surgeon: Dr. Marek L.
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Post by derinoe on Nov 3, 2014 10:29:47 GMT -5
My hair loss started about a month ago. I was under impression it should be around 6 month, but oh well. I have been taking biotin for several month before surgery and all the time after. I am convinced it is helping, more of an emotional comfort. I tried Boislee hair regrowth products and not much happens. I will give a shot to Nioxin and see. I feel for you, as my hair so thing to begin with. I believe it will get better. Hang in there and enjoy the weight loss. Think of how much more we can do now. Hair will be back.
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derinoe
Junior Member
Posts: 75
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 06/04/2014
Surgeon: Dr. Marek L.
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Post by derinoe on Nov 3, 2014 10:32:53 GMT -5
Oh yes, I forgot to mention I got a Spynx hairless kitten in solidarity of my hair loss. His name is Smeagol and he is just a sweet heart. I will post a pic if I can figure out how lol.
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Post by goodkel on Nov 3, 2014 15:33:07 GMT -5
Side effect of surgery, any surgery. Nothing to be done about it or prevent it. Get in plenty of protein, keep up with your vitamins and liquids, and cross your fingers. For most people, it grows back. In the meantime, if you have long hair, a shoulder length layered cut will do wonders to hide it. I tried biotin and the only place that grew new hair was my chin. Threw the rest of the bottle in the trash.
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musicdiva
New Member
Posts: 17
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 3/05/14
Surgeon: Dr Daniel Cronk
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Post by musicdiva on Nov 3, 2014 15:50:00 GMT -5
As a former hairdresser I dealt with Hair loss in clients all the time. There are about 10 main causes for hair loss that aren't pregnancy or male pattern baldness related.
Physical Stress- The surgery we underwent is a HUGE Stress-er. Not to mention the blood thinners we were on can cause hair loss. Emotional Stress- everyone's emotions are different during this time, but they do play a role in hair loss Dramatic Weight loss- believe it or not, that in and of it's self causes hair loss Change in Hormones- our bodies after surgery go thru tons of changes, also changing Birth Control can cause Hair loss Anemia- get your levels checked Vitamin B Deficiency- get your levels checked Vitamin D Deficiency- get your levels checked and spend more time outdoors Too much Vitamin A- get your levels checked Lack of Protein- Obviously our #1 priority during the weight loss phase is protein, however, if you are not getting enough, your body will stop sending it to "non-essential" places first like your hair and nails. So up your protein, and that should help too.
Even knowing all of this, I still had HORRIBLE hair loss. Caused by all of the above. There is not much you can do but let it's run it's course and make sure you are getting your Vitamin levels checked. Once the stress your body was under, and your Vits are normal, your hair should come back.
In the mean time try a cute shorter style that you've always been to afraid to try. This is a new you, hair and all!
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Post by west4thavenue on Nov 3, 2014 20:58:58 GMT -5
Side effect of surgery, any surgery. Nothing to be done about it or prevent it. Get in plenty of protein, keep up with your vitamins and liquids, and cross your fingers. For most people, it grows back. In the meantime, if you have long hair, a shoulder length layered cut will do wonders to hide it. I tried biotin and the only place that grew new hair was my chin. Threw the rest of the bottle in the trash. OK. I am voting Biotin off the island now. Thanks, Kel!
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Post by goodkel on Nov 4, 2014 2:06:47 GMT -5
As a former hairdresser I dealt with Hair loss in clients all the time. There are about 10 main causes for hair loss that aren't pregnancy or male pattern baldness related. Physical Stress- The surgery we underwent is a HUGE Stress-er. Not to mention the blood thinners we were on can cause hair loss. Emotional Stress- everyone's emotions are different during this time, but they do play a role in hair loss Dramatic Weight loss- believe it or not, that in and of it's self causes hair loss Change in Hormones- our bodies after surgery go thru tons of changes, also changing Birth Control can cause Hair loss Anemia- get your levels checked Vitamin B Deficiency- get your levels checked Vitamin D Deficiency- get your levels checked and spend more time outdoors Too much Vitamin A- get your levels checked Lack of Protein- Obviously our #1 priority during the weight loss phase is protein, however, if you are not getting enough, your body will stop sending it to "non-essential" places first like your hair and nails. So up your protein, and that should help too. Even knowing all of this, I still had HORRIBLE hair loss. Caused by all of the above. There is not much you can do but let it's run it's course and make sure you are getting your Vitamin levels checked. Once the stress your body was under, and your Vits are normal, your hair should come back. In the mean time try a cute shorter style that you've always been to afraid to try. This is a new you, hair and all! The main reason why new post-ops lose their hair is telogen effluvium. From WebMD: www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/effluviumsTelogen effluvium (TE) is probably the second most common form of hair loss dermatologists see. It is a poorly defined condition; very little research has been done to understand TE. In essence though, TE happens when there is a change in the number of hair follicles growing hair. If the number of hair follicles producing hair drops significantly for any reason during the resting, or telogen phase, there will be a significant increase in dormant, telogen stage hair follicles. The result is shedding, or TE hair loss. TE appears as a diffuse thinning of hair on the scalp, which may not be even all over. It can be a bit more severe in some areas of the scalp than others. Most often, the hair on top of the scalp thins more than it does at the sides and back of the scalp. There is usually no hair line recession, except in a few rare chronic cases. The shed hairs are typically telogen hairs, which can be recognized by a small bulb of keratin on the root end. Whether the keratinized lump is pigmented or unpigmented makes no difference; the hair fibers are still typical telogen hairs. People with TE never completely lose all their scalp hair, but the hair can be noticeably thin in severe cases. While TE is often limited to the scalp, in more serious cases TE can affect other areas, like the eyebrows or pubic region. Whatever form of hair loss TE takes, it is fully reversible. The hair follicles are not permanently or irreversibly affected; there are just more hair follicles in a resting state than there should normally be. There are three basic ways TE can develop. 1. There might be an environmental insult that "shocks" the growing hair follicles so much that they decide to go into a resting state for a while. This results in an increase in hair shedding and a diffuse thinning of hair on the scalp. This form of TE can develop rapidly and may be noticeable one or two months after receiving the shock. If the trigger is short lived, then the hair follicles will return to their growing state and start producing new hair fibers pretty quickly. This form of TE usually lasts less than six months and the affected individual has a normal scalp hair density again within a year. 2. The second form of TE develops more slowly and persists longer. The hair follicles may not all suddenly shed their hair fibers and enter a resting telogen state. Rather, the follicles may enter a resting state as they normally would, but instead of returning to a new anagen hair growing state after a month or two, they stay in their telogen state for a prolonged period of time. This results in a gradual accumulation of hair follicles in a telogen state and progressively fewer and fewer anagen hair follicles are left growing hair. In this form of TE, there may not be much noticeable hair shedding, but there will be a slow thinning of the scalp hair. This form of TE is more likely to occur in response to a persistent trigger factor. 3. In a third type of TE, the hair follicles do not stay in a resting state but rather cycle through truncated growth cycles. When this happens, the individual experiences thin scalp hair and persistent shedding of short, thin hair fibers. Causes of Telogen Effluvium: Stress and Diet What are the trigger factors for TE? The short answer is many and varied. Classic short-term TE often happens to women soon after giving birth. Called postpartum alopecia, the sudden change in hormone levels at birth is such a shock to the hair follicles that they shut down for a while. There may be some significant hair shedding, but most women regrow their hair quickly. Similarly, vaccinations, crash dieting, physical trauma such as being in a car crash, and having surgery can sometimes be a shock to the system and a proportion of scalp hair follicles go into hibernation. As the environmental insult passes and the body recovers, the TE subsides and there is new hair growth. Some drugs may also induce TE, especially antidepressants. Often a switch to a different drug resolves the issue. More persistent insults can result in more persistent TE. For example, a chronic illness may lead to TE. Arguably, the two most common problems are chronic stress and diet deficiency. Many dermatologists believe chronic stress can gradually exert a negative effect on hair growth and lead to persistent TE. Research with animal models has provided evidence to back up this claim. There does indeed seem to be a link between stress, a change in hair follicle biochemistry, and more hair follicles entering a telogen resting state....
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