Hair loss prevention

**WayLessInNH** · 03-07-2013 06:34 AM

I am in the middle of getting my ducks in order to get authorized for my sleeve. This process started in Nov. 2012. One of my big concerns is hair loss. I have long (really long) blonde hair that has taken forever to grow because I have hypothyroidism. I know that my hair is not as important as my journey to be healthy but I sure would like to try to prevent as much of the hair loss that I can.

Could other sleevers please give me tips on what I should do, take, purchase, etc.

Thanks so much!

**dackn8tr** · 03-07-2013 06:51 AM

Not everyone experiences the hairloss so we'll keep our fingers crossed that you're among that lucky percentage!! To be on the safe side I suggest that you start taking Biotin now, it will help strengthen and nourish your hair ... i didn't know about the hair loss issues until after my surgery right before it started happening so i felt like i was trying to play catch up with it. I still take 2 - 5,000mcg tablets each day - one in the morning with breakfast and one at night with my dinner but my loss has stopped, it started around the 2nd month and ended right around month 6-7. Also, invest in a good detangling spray. I know a lot of my hair loss issues were because i wasn't very careful when i brushed out my long curly hair in the beginning, so when i broke through the tangles it tended to pull the hair out so BE GENTLE with your hair after surgery. I actually started using Garnier Fructise "Fall Fight" shampoo & conditioner at one point and it left my hair silky and easier to comb through so I'm going to suggest anything that will help you cut through the tangles easily. Hope that helps a little!

**bergamini** · 03-07-2013 08:15 AM

I'm 97 days in and haven't lost a strand of hair that I've noticed. I followed everyone's advice and took the Biotin. I also took a fantastic multi-vitamin and a high EPA/DHA fish oil supplement -- a lot of them are cheap and don't have the good nutrients but Barlean's Fresh Catch Orange has high levels and comes in liquid form which is actually delicious. I also was vigilant about getting 75++ grams of good protein in per day.

**LisaI** · 03-07-2013 08:21 AM

i'm one of the unlucky ones. ive lost half my hair, its evenly spread on the scalp...so its just THIN. very very thin. biotin will help the hair stay healthy and grow in healthy but will do nothing for the actual loss. its related to several factors...here is a good explanation:

Telogen Effluvium

When your body goes through something traumatic like child birth, malnutrition, a severe infection, major surgery, or extreme stress, it can impact your hair. Many of the 90% or so of hairs in the growing (anagen) or transitional (catagen) phases can actually shift all at once into the resting (telogen) phase.

About six weeks to three months after the stressful event, the shedding phenomenon called telogen effluvium may begin. It is possible to lose handfuls of hair at a time when in full-blown telogen effluvium. (taken from webmd site)

On the bright side, it DOES stop. Absolutely NOTHING can be done to prevent it though...although lots of us tried. You can do several things to help it grow back in quickly or slow the loss, but what is going to fall out, IS going to fall out. Once it goes into that stage, there is no going back.

**robin34** · 03-07-2013 10:41 AM

I am 8 months post op. I have never lost any hair. I drink a premier protein shake in the morning and have 2 meals with protein. I do not take biotin or any other vitamins. My levels are all good. I have more energy than I ever have and even though I am only eating a small portion of food, I eat healthier than ever. I am also off of all medications, including blood pressure meds, restless leg meds, rheumatiod arthritis meds, and sleeping pills. I had a hysterectomy a couple of months ago with removal of my ovaries and so far no menopause symptoms. I am so thankful for this new life! Almost at the century club with 94 lbs lost!

**Erce** · 03-07-2013 10:56 AM

I had hair past my butt a couple of weeks ago. Now it's about bra strap length. You can try Monistat (seriously, if you google "Monistat hair growth" my before and after pictures show up. I have coppery hair, so it's easy to tell it's me.) Some other people on the forum are getting results (from what I understand) with the Monistat. Others swear by biotin or iron. You might just have to experiment with what helps you.

I didn't cut my hair due to hair loss. I just wanted to start fresh.

**TheAvonLady** · 03-07-2013 11:14 AM

From everything I read and was told by the surgeons and dietitian the hair loss is from low protein. I have ery fine hair but a lot of it. My hair is very strange...it grows in the front like crazy but barely grows in the back and on the sides. I never lost any hair but I Always made sure I got my protein in first and never had a problem.

**littlebits** · 03-10-2013 09:27 AM

Eat your protein, take biotin & purchase Nioxin shampoo & scalp I only hadmild shedding...and I overreacted to that!!!. Smh

**CaroleCan'tWait** · 03-10-2013 06:38 PM

This is all great advice, thanks everyone! I was cocky at first, because I started on 5,000 mg of biotin way before surgery, and 2 months after, everything was fine. Then, 3rd month out -- BOOM! My hairline was receding on the right side, and my hairbrush was just full of hair everyday. Won't even discuss the hair left in the shower. And my hair just felt "lighter", like I'd had a major haircut. It depressed me at first, have to admit. Thought I had missed that boat. But I'll deal with it, take everyone's advice, and hope it grows back soon. Great forum!