1yr8m post op; freaking out. Stall, acne hairloss while workingout

[HMJ 2]

Hi,

So I am in a weird, scary place. I REALLY want some help.

I was out of the country in Aug/Sept and in NYC. I was walking around a lot as opposed to my desk job and eating what is normal for me and plus some: small portions, also indulging in carbs and fatty food but also trying to get in Proteins. I was on a stall for months before that and I came back on September 15 I had lost 2.5 kgs in a month and a half. And in inches.

Motivated by that, October 7 I joined a fitness programme. Beginners HIT (burpies, sprints, jumping jacks) three days a week and power yoga 2 days a week. I cut out Snacks except for the odd crackers or crisps (tiniest portions).

I am now 3kgs heavier than I was in Sept when I returned. I have put on my hip what I had lost. I am losing hair and suddenly have acne on my chin. All this while working out and eating healthier.

(Even got tested for thyroids -- all clear).

What am I doing wrong? Has anyone experienced this?

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Re the weight gain, you've added some healthy muscle. Congratulations. Chances are, your clothes are not any tighter and maybe even a little looser?

Re the acne -- any chance you started taking B12 recently? That can suddenly create acne problems for some people. (Google it.)

Re the hair -- so many possible reasons, including thyroid (which you've already been tested for). Iron deficiency is another possibility.

[HMJ 2]

Hi, thanks so much for the reply.

My clothes are what scared me, they are not looser at all. That was my first freak out, then the acne and then the weight gain.

Re the weight gain, you've added some healthy muscle. Congratulations. Chances are, your clothes are not any tighter and maybe even a little looser?

Re the acne -- any chance you started taking B12 recently? That can suddenly create acne problems for some people. (Google it.)

Re the hair -- so many possible reasons, including thyroid (which you've already been tested for). Iron deficiency is another possibility.

[perforce 243]

I think mucle weight would take longer to show up on th scale than that? I'm not 100% though so don't quote me one it. Weight gain and acne sounds like me getting my period, could it be reproductive in origin? Have you been checkout out recently?

[HMJ 2]

I have not been checked recently for hormone related issues.

Can a lack of enough Protein while working out cause any of this?

I think mucle weight would take longer to show up on th scale than that? I'm not 100% though so don't quote me one it. Weight gain and acne sounds like me getting my period, could it be reproductive in origin? Have you been checkout out recently?

[perforce 243]

I would go see your lady doctor, at the very least you can have peace of mind after, but I'd be tempted to say (on my 0 experience and knowledge) that's a likely culprit if you've ruled out other things.

Lack of Protein can cause hair loss I think, but I would imagine you'd have other symptoms (lack of energy etc) if you were exercising without enough fuel in that regard. You sound like you got yourself back on a stricter routine after, I don't know if you eat carbs regularly, but if you are exercising 5 times a week might it be worth experimenting with adding a small amount of wholemeal carbs to you food once a day? See if that affects anything? It seems it didn't hurt you when you were on holiday, but if you think it would be too much of a slippery slope that's understandable too.

[HMJ 2]

Yea, I will go see my gynecologist.

Well, at the moment, I think I have carbs when I snack at work (crackers etc) or in the form of fruit or vegetables. Carb and fat I have been trying to decrease. But I think after I added the workout, I did not add more Protein. I think I have about at max 50 grammes of Protein a day.

I would go see your lady doctor, at the very least you can have peace of mind after, but I'd be tempted to say (on my 0 experience and knowledge) that's a likely culprit if you've ruled out other things.

Lack of protein can cause hair loss I think, but I would imagine you'd have other symptoms (lack of energy etc) if you were exercising without enough fuel in that regard. You sound like you got yourself back on a stricter routine after, I don't know if you eat carbs regularly, but if you are exercising 5 times a week might it be worth experimenting with adding a small amount of wholemeal carbs to you food once a day? See if that affects anything? It seems it didn't hurt you when you were on holiday, but if you think it would be too much of a slippery slope that's understandable too.

[perforce 243]

I know most programs I've read here say minimum of 60g, so I doubt it would hurt to increase that, especially as you're exercising regularly. You could have more than one issue (hair could be Protein, other could be hormonal, or it could be neither) so I think visiting your doctor would still be a good idea (as it seems you plan to).

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

hair loss that begins a year after surgery(or later) is caused by nutrient issues or some other condition, not the normal side effect of surgery. Have you had blood work?

I have had weight gains and losses that don't make sense but I think if you journal your food, for at least a month it will help you pinpoint the problem.

[James Marusek 5,244]

What type of surgery did you have? A total weight loss of 15.6 kg (34 pounds) seems very minimal. hair loss sounds like it might be a lack of Protein. As you exercise more you will need a little addition Protein to compensate.

At a year and a half post-op, it sounds like you have transitioned from the "Weight-Loss" phase into the "Maintenance" phase. The goals and approaches in the two phases are different. This is a link to a short article about my experience in the "Maintenance" phase. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery2.pdf But it probably depends on the type of surgery that you went through.

[HMJ 2]

Hi James,

I had the sleeve. I was 86-87kg before and am now 71.4kg.

Thanks for sharing the link, I will read it. I am very very frustrated and scared in a way I guess. I went from slowly creeping down in weight to not at all and skin and hair issues.

I felt like the working out would help but no results other than feeling some firmness in the abs and biceps area. Help?

What type of surgery did you have? A total weight loss of 15.6 kg (34 pounds) seems very minimal. Hair loss sounds like it might be a lack of Protein. As you exercise more you will need a little addition Protein to compensate.

At a year and a half post-op, it sounds like you have transitioned from the "Weight-Loss" phase into the "Maintenance" phase. The goals and approaches in the two phases are different. This is a link to a short article about my experience in the "Maintenance" phase. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery2.pdf But it probably depends on the type of surgery that you went through.

[HMJ 2]

Sorry, I for some reason could not see my original reply and ended up reposting!

What type of surgery did you have? A total weight loss of 15.6 kg (34 pounds) seems very minimal. hair loss sounds like it might be a lack of Protein. As you exercise more you will need a little addition Protein to compensate.

At a year and a half post-op, it sounds like you have transitioned from the "Weight-Loss" phase into the "Maintenance" phase. The goals and approaches in the two phases are different. This is a link to a short article about my experience in the "Maintenance" phase. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery2.pdf But it probably depends on the type of surgery that you went through.

Edited November 6, 2015 by HMJ

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I am nowhere near maintenance, so take this with a grain of salt, BUT, based on your post and responses.

50 grams of Protein seems low for anyone. Was that the Protein target recommended by your NUT? It does seem low for anyone, especially if you are exercising.

Are you taking all of your Vitamins and supplements daily as directed? Have you had regular blood work to check your levels?

Have you talked with your NUT lately?

Are you tracking your food and Water?

Are you still drinking at least 64 oz. of water/fluids a day?

Are you at or near goal? Are you unhappy with your progress? Do you want to lose more or maintain? Have you talked about this with your doctor or NUT?

I hope that with the help of your doctor and your NUT you can find a solution.

Embrace the Stall!

http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

[HMJ 2]

Hi inner surfer girl,

You've pointed out some key things. I think I'll start with those. Try and meet my nutrionist. And freak out less. Just the surgery has made me more obsessive I feel. And I really am confused about what's happening.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

It is a very complicated process and can be overwhelming. That is why I think what has really helped me is to focus on very specific actions: drink Water, get in Protein, take Vitamins, and exercise. Also, using every resource available (like my NUT).