Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

This answer my question about hair loss



Recommended Posts

Hair loss after bariatric surgery is very common and very stressful. We all want to achieve great weight loss results and still have great hair. The hair loss associated with bariatric surgery is called telogen effluvium and has to do with the normal hair growth cycle. It usually starts abruptly and very seldom lasts longer than 6 months. Human hair has a two stage growth cycle. The growth phase is called anagen and 90% of our hair follicles are in this phase at any given time. The resting phase is called telogen, which lasts about 1 to 6 months, with an average of 3 months. About 5-15% of our hair is in the resting phase at any given time. It is also known that telogen effluvium has to do with stress to the body and hormonal changes that can occur. Due to the stress more hair follicles can enter into the resting phase. This is important because the hair in the resting phase at the time of surgery is most likely the hair you will shed. This is why your hair sheds between 1 to 6 months after surgery (usually about3 to 4 months). When the hair starts to grow again the old hair follicle is released and you lose hair. Sometimes the hair comes out before new hair grows

So in summary, this type of hair loss is a diffuse shedding of hair as it relates to the normal Hair growth cycle. It is common in men and women and all races. It occurs a little more frequently in women typically after child birth and can also happen to infants after the first month or so of life. (1, 2)

Why does this happen in people who have bariatric surgery? The most common reasons are:

  • Surgery, acute illness, trauma
  • Chronic disease such as liver disease or any chronic debilitating disease
  • Hormonal imbalance such as hypothyroidism
  • Crash dieting, low Protein intake, anorexia, chronic Iron deficiency
  • Heavy metal toxicity
  • Medications such as beta-blockers, excess Vitamin A and anticoagulants (1)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow, thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good info, thx!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Great post, I had half the info but now have the full story. At least temporary hair loss is not detrimental to your health.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm three months post op and mine just started. Luckily I have loads of hair, but some mornings in the shower I feel like I may go bald! lol.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am definitely afraid of going bald! I'm losing hair like crazy and I'm three months post op. I can't wait for it to stop!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know! It's kind of crazy to read that it can last up to 6 months! That is scary!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Having lived through chemo and drastic Hair loss, I'm not worried.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hair loss after bariatric surgery is very common and very stressful. We all want to achieve great weight loss results and still have great hair. The Hair loss associated with bariatric surgery is called telogen effluvium and has to do with the normal Hair growth cycle. It usually starts abruptly and very seldom lasts longer than 6 months. Human hair has a two stage growth cycle. The growth phase is called anagen and 90% of our hair follicles are in this phase at any given time. The resting phase is called telogen, which lasts about 1 to 6 months, with an average of 3 months. About 5-15% of our hair is in the resting phase at any given time. It is also known that telogen effluvium has to do with stress to the body and hormonal changes that can occur. Due to the stress more hair follicles can enter into the resting phase. This is important because the hair in the resting phase at the time of surgery is most likely the hair you will shed. This is why your hair sheds between 1 to 6 months after surgery (usually about3 to 4 months). When the hair starts to grow again the old hair follicle is released and you lose hair. Sometimes the hair comes out before new hair grows

So in summary, this type of hair loss is a diffuse shedding of hair as it relates to the normal hair growth cycle. It is common in men and women and all races. It occurs a little more frequently in women typically after child birth and can also happen to infants after the first month or so of life. (1, 2)

Why does this happen in people who have bariatric surgery? The most common reasons are:

Surgery, acute illness, trauma

Chronic disease such as liver disease or any chronic debilitating disease

Hormonal imbalance such as hypothyroidism

Crash dieting, low Protein intake, anorexia, chronic Iron deficiency

Heavy metal toxicity

Medications such as beta-blockers, excess Vitamin A and anticoagulants (1)

Wonderful information

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • buildabetteranna

      I FINALLY HAVE MY DATE!!!!

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      Gearing up for my consult 01/14! Starting to get a little nervous.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Goyafigs

      I had VSG 11.20.24 with Miguel Burch, MD Cedars-Sinai and I am 1 month post-op. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • DaisyChainOz

      🥳 Jan 1 2025 - Day 1 of Pre Op, surgery on the 16th! 😬😅
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      Just been waiting until time for my consult with my bariatric surgeon. It's scheduled for Jan 9th. Turns out I won't actually be seeing him. Apparently it'll be with his P.A.             Not sure what to expect. I thought this is where the surgeon would discuss the best surgery option for me. For years I had my heart set on the sleeve, but I've read so many people have issues with reflux - even if they've never had it before - that they've had to be revised to the bypass. I already deal with GERD & take 40 mg of Omeprazole daily, so I started studying about bypass and honestly, it seems like it might be the better choice for me. How can we discuss surgery options if the surgeon is not there?
      What happened at your first consult? Trying to get an idea of what to expect, or maybe I should say, what NOT to expect.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×