Hair Loss

[purplegerber 29]

I know this is an often discussed topic/side effect, and three months after my surgery I am experiencing it. So, I was just wondering what works and what doesn't to impede the hair from leaving my head? Anyone have any success with the Biotin shampoo's? How long is this going to last?

Any help, any feedback, and reassurance this too shall pass would be greatly appreciated.

[Star1221 270]

Biotin did not work for me. I took all the supplements, shampoos, upped carbs, upped protein.. To no prevail. But, it started about 3 or 4 months out and lasted a couple months to where it was a lot. No one ever noticed, but I did. Then it just stopped. Each person is different. Some have none, some have it bad. But it will stop, and it will come back. It has to do with when your hairs natural shedding happens and part from the anesthesia, and lastly.. Rapid weight loss. So just get your Protein, take your dr prescribed supplements, and it will be done soon. Good luck on your journey

[JeanZ_RN 378]

You might want to search on this site for hair loss - a lot has been written about it.

To summarize what I've read on here: Hair loss usually begins at 3-4 mos post op (just like Star1221 said) and lasts until about 9 mos post op. Of course your mileage may vary :-)

There is apparently no medication, supplement or topical treatment that can be relied on to stop the loss or even slow it appreciably, BUT one person who posts on here said she slowed the loss by increasing her Iron intake to 4x what she had been taking. Beware: If you try that, you may become [more] constipated and you may have very dark stools. The dark is not blood, just a side effect of the Iron supplement.

Biotin will supposedly enhance new Hair growth. I've been taking an extended release tablet of it for a few months, but how would I know if it really helps? I don't know what my hair would look like without it, so ... ? But I keep taking it anyway. I'm debating getting a wig, but my loss is not that bad [yet] and I would think a wig would itch.

I do use a spray-on color occasionally to darken my scalp in places, so I can say those do work. You just have to get one that's very close to your hair color, and use it carefully.

Best wishes!

Edited May 14, 2014 by JeanZ_RN

[Healthier2day1227 326]

I am 11 months out. Despite getting in all my Protein I lost half my hair. Lucky for me I had very thick hair to start so now it is just normal. It only feels thin to me. The shedding ran from months 3 up to month 7. Now I have about two inches of regrowth. It still feels real thin to me it probably won't be noticeably thicker until 6 more months. Is it worth it? Absolutely! I am 120 pounds lighter and still losing and best of all my feet don't hurt anymore. One of the best decisions I ever made.

[purplegerber 29]

Thanks for your input. I am just at 3 months now, so I guess i am right on schedule. I read a lot of what other posters wrote about Hair loss, but just wanted reassurance it eventually stops and my hair will start growing back at one point. Thank you all for your insight