BetsyB

Yes, hair loss is pretty common. It's not really band-related; it's related to trauma---and surgery is trauma. It interrupts the hair growth cycle. For a while, you won't lose hair that you'd ordinarily shed on a daily basis. Then BAM! It will all seem to come out at once.

If your nutritional status is good (you get plenty of protein, drink enough fluid, take a good multivitamin and biotin and zinc), the loss will reverse itself. It's a pain, but it's time-limited.

Just when I was starting to think, "hey! I can't afford to lose any more hair!" the loss stopped. This seems to be the case for just about everyone---though not everyone does experience much loss (or perceive it; those who have really thick hair may not even notice the amount that is lost).

Don't worry too much! It will be okay