Sleeve surgery and scarring alopecia

[animallover1247 249]

Hi, I am new to the forum. I am thinking about the sleeve surgery but I have not had a consultation yet. I have several concerns. I have scarring alopecia which is basically permanent and irreversible Hair loss. I have large bald spots all over my head and the condition is worsening. I know it is possible to lose hair after the surgery as I know of three people who had the surgery and all three have lost a lot of hair. With scarring alopecia, there is the potential to lose hair ANYWHERE on the body. I am scared I may lose my eyelashes and eyebrows. I have multiple medical issues: diabetes, high blood pressure, anemia, Vitamin D deficiency, sleep apnea, interstitial cystitis, fibromyalgia and a history of recurrent shingles (two episodes in the past year). I obviously have a weakened immune system so I don't even know if my body can handle the surgery I suffer from severe depression as well, mainly due to my medical problems. I would like to know if there is anyone who has the scarring alopecia who had the surgery and lost hair,including facial hair. Also, if anyone would like to comment on any of the other medical conditions I listed. Thanks.

[jane13 2,256]

@@animallover1247 - diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and fibromyalgia may all be affected tremendously by WLS - IMO. I was pre-diabetic, high blood pressure and had undiagnosed sleep apnea and fibromyalgia. My A1C never got above 5.9 - but one time about 2 years ago and it has been below 5 for sometime. BP has dropped, I sleep much better and I don't ache all over. I am 8 weeks out today - not saying you will be cured but just eliminating diabetes part alone would be a tremendous plus for WLS. I am losing hair & my breath stinks (ketosis) - I am so happy to report!

[valcatlett4 33]

I have alopecia areata and am scheduled for surgery July 20th. I have had alopecia for the last 20 years. I have had some periods of tons falling out and bald spots everywhere, to periods where I hardly loose any. I am, like you terrified of loosing more hair due to the surgery but I think I am more terrified of being heavy forever.

[animallover1247 249]

I have alopecia areata and am scheduled for surgery July 20th. I have had alopecia for the last 20 years. I have had some periods of tons falling out and bald spots everywhere, to periods where I hardly loose any. I am, like you terrified of loosing more hair due to the surgery but I think I am more terrified of being heavy forever.

When you have periods where your hair falls out, how do you deal with it? I mean do you have to wear wigs, hairpieces or anything like that? With alopecia areata, the hair grows back, is that correct? Mine never will. Luckily i have long hair and no one can tell unless I wear it up but if more falls out, I would have to do something. Please let me know how your hair journey goes after surgery.

[valcatlett4 33]

I seem to always have a bald spot here and there. Depending on where they are just depends on how I wear my hair. I have only had to wear a wig when this first started when I was 19. I lost almost all of my hair then, especially the front. It is very hard to deal with at times such as now there is a spot that no matter how I wear my hair you can see that shiny scalp. I have started taking the Biotin they recommend for Hair loss with hopes that the hair I do have will be healthy and stay put. I will definitely let you know how this journey goes. Good luck to you also. It had to be worth it, right ?