Protein is obviously very important but are you also taking Biotin?

what is biotin and what does it do?

I was told that hair loss is the body's reaction to this big change. About 70% of people experience this. I am not sure how to stop it. Biotin is a vitamin, I cant recall what it has in it. I know its good for hair and nails. They sell tablets. Maybe that would help.

About the protein, You can get unflavored protein powder to mix into your regular menu items. If you mix it in the right food for you, you'll never know it's there. There are several of these powders on the market, but the one I can remember the name of is Beneprotein, it is the sister of Benefiber. Beneprotein is the same whey protein that is easiest for GBS patients to digest.

Biotin is the way to go to help with the hair loss. Just remember it isn't permanent. I've been reading what I can find on this and so far what I've found convinces me that NONE OF US will go completely bald from this. Many people do, however, see marked thinning.

Are you supplementing B-12? If the Biotin doesn't work then maybe the B-12 might.

God Bless!

Janelle

Your hair loss today is the result of trauma up to 3 months ago and is from the surgery, the anesthesia, etc.

Do this. . . part your hair and look closely. You will likely already see tiny wisps of hair coming back in. : )

Many wls patients are lactose intolerant. Have you tried any pure whey protein shakes??? www.vitalady.com is the place to go for samples of whey protein products that are good for us. And, it prevents you from having to buy a whole jug of something you canNOT stand.

Some are blends and some are isolates. Sometimes in the early days isolates are also hard to get down. But, the folks at the Vitalady site will help you decide.

As for me, I'm an admitted chocoholic so I love a mixture of 15 gr. of Champion Pro Score 100 Choco, Champion Pure Whey Stack Choco, alot of ice, water and a little s.f. choco syrup from Wal-mart's Great Value brand. Blended together to make a "shake" that is both yummy and good for you.

I also have alot of ideas about getting down those first protein shakes . . . sippy cups (for one thing) because sometimes it's the actual act of "smelling" the protein that gets to sensitive noses in the early days after wls.

Write to me at higkp@satx.rr.com and tell me you want this information and I will be most happy to share it with you.

There is also an OSSG Protein board if you want even more information.

You can also use a vitamin supplement (if you can get it down) called Hair, Skin and Nails. : )

But, most likely the hair will recover with or without use of these products.

And, by the way, I never met a bald weight loss surgery patient (and I've seen a bunch of them, LOL!!!) unless they were balding men to begin with. LOL!!! : )

hugs,

gaylek11

I am so happy to see that I am not the only one who cannot tolerate regualr protein I am so frustrated as to what to eat -- at almost 6 months out, I though I would be eating normally -- but less. This weekend was terrible -- nothing went down well and I was in pain so much of the time. I am going to get the beneprotein. I use the benefiber, but continue to have real problems with constipation (sorry to be graphic). Thanks for the support. Lorraine

I found some Biotin Lozenges at Supper Supplemts...they taste good & as well know after surgery we dont absorb everything so something that comes in chewable or dissolving will get to our systems faster than a pill. I am 5 months post op & still losing some hair...I went short & it seems to be getting better, I hear the worst of it is done with around 6 months....WOO HOO, I am almost there...but seriously I am so over the hair loss...I am at 97 lbs GONE....so who cares about a little hair :) I am just one happy chick!!!

I've heard using nioxin shampoo can help as well. HTH

I am also 4 months post-op and noticed gobs of hair in my brush every morning. I even went for a trim last month and my hair dresser noticed it immediately.

I had gone to my doctor for my 3 month check-up on the 30th and all my blood levels were fine too. The nurse informed me that the hair thinning was a result of the rapid weight loss and not to worry that it is only temporary and I WONT go bald. I also asked about protein supplements and she advised that she wanted me to get my protein from foods and not powders. Luckily, I dont have a hard time tolerating protein. Its just that I have no appetite which normally is not a bad thing but when youre eating such small amounts, its important not to skip meals.