Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.

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fredgwardo 07/07/2015

I have two queations:

1. Can someone tell me about apparent hair loss with Gastric Banding? Has this happened to anyone? Why does it occur?

2. Are there any Aussie GB folks out there?

Lcat4 07/07/2015

Hair loss is a natural part of the gastric surgery process which usually lasts from around months 3-7. Biotin, protein, and vioxin shampoo might help but not always. It does grow back. Not Aussie but best wishes!

fredgwardo 07/07/2015

Lcat4, thank you for your support your a wealth of knowledge!!!!

God knows I will probably have a million more questions about GB in the very near future :)

Lcat4 07/07/2015

You are welcome. Ask away! Check out the "what newbies need to know post" for more answers.

farmgirl392 07/08/2015

Hair loss can occur after any major surgery that involves general anesthesia. Apparently, the trauma and the drugs cause your body to miss one or two growth cycles. Therefore, when hair naturally falls out, there is a delay before regrowth occurs.

That's it. It sucks, but eventually it comes back. :)

farmgirl392 07/08/2015

Forgot to mention: I used Joan River's Great Hair Day to disguise my pink scalp. It was more comfortable for me than wearing a hat.

invirginia 07/09/2015

Farm Girl, THANK YOU for mentioning the Joan Rivers product. I didn't know such a thing existed. I'm two months out and my hair loss has begun. And I had thin hair to begin with :-O so I was kinda wondering how I was going to deal with it when it got to the point that it is really noticeable. I'm resigned to the fact that this will happen and I know it'll eventually grow back. But it would be nice to be able to camouflage it some in the meantime.

joannannotti 07/09/2015

Yep...hair loss is something that can occur. And yes...it sucks, especially if you already have fine thin hair. My doc advised me to make sure I'm getting enough protein every day. I wish I had a thick lion's mane head of hair, but thinning hair is a small price to pay considering the wealth of benefits following Bariatric surgery.
One of my favorite products is Bumble and Bumble dry hairspray. It pumps up the volume.

MNMama 07/09/2015

My hair, already super fine, was noticeably thinner for almost 3 years after my sleeve surgery. I took/take Biotin, but have no way of knowing if it helped in any way or kept me from going bald! :)

fredgwardo 07/09/2015

Thank you everyone :)

momofcats 07/11/2015

Excellent explanation ............

https://www.drdkim.net/ask-the-dietitian/understanding-hair-loss-after-bariatric-surgery/

brandnewending 09/13/2015

I am struggling with this right now. I always and thin, fine hair, but it is getting really bad now. I am 4 months post-op, so the hair loss is right on "schedule"

It is very noticeable , and gets me down, but I try to remember that the health benefits- (diabetes better, sleep apnea gone, and down 60+ lbs) FAR out-weigh the hair loss and saggy skin.

Hanging in there....

invirginia 09/15/2015

Brandnewending, me too. Fine thin hair and now this hair loss on top of it = YIKES. I started around month 3, it's now month 4 and I'm hoping it stops soon. But you're right, the pros outweigh the cons definitely.

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