Help with hair loss

[Namaste]

Hi:
I'm 14 weeks out & my hair is falling out like crazy. I have long blonde/white hair & it's getting pretty thin on top. I take all my vitamins plus GNC's Hair & Nails along with a heavy duty dose of biotin everyday. I bought a detangler brush so that I wouldn't be pulling on my hair, but I'm at wits end as it's everywhere. Now I know how a German shepherd feels! Anyone have any tips or suggestions? How long will this go on?
Thanks so much, hugs, Roberta

[curlyme]

http://www.gastricsleeve.com/forum/a...in-clumps.html
Check out this post

[Think]

Tip one, ditch the brush and use a wide-tooth comb. Then start combing gently from further from the scalp and when you can comb through that easily, move up a bit until finally you are able to comb the entire length.

Are you getting in all your protein?

I know when I lost my hair (previous illness combined with 3 surgeries) mine started falling out at about 9-10 weeks from onset of illness, continued for 2 months, and then visible growth was apparent 6 1/2 months from onset of illness.

[SethP]

I have resolved to duct taping it back on. Mines is getting so thin on top I actually experienced a little sun burn on the scalp last month. I would rather be bald and healthy then keep a good head of hair and fat. I was getting so miserable that it wasnt funny. Losing my hair is something that I was prepared to accept in the trade off. Many say that it comes back so I will see.

[rlh121172]

I started freaking out when my incredibly thick hair started coming out, even though I knew it was going to happen. Honestly, this was the ONLY thing I was scared of pre surgery. Vain? yeah maybe but hey...I love my hair. I did the megadoses of Biotin and made sure I got in plenty of water and protein. I'm 6 months post op and its almost completely stopped coming out when I brush. There is no miracle cure, but it happens when you are not getting enough protein, and your water intake always creates healthier hair. Its almost 100% because of your protein intake....up it, drink, and patiently wait. It will stop. My hair is back to super healthy and staying on my head...which I desperately want.

Good luck! We all have to just thank God we are losing our hair to get healthy and not because of chemo like so many others. Its just hair...(and that part is hard for me to say!) but i'd take thinner hair and down 100 pounds any day of the week.

[mlrisser]

I ended up cutting mine really short this weekend because it was falling out so bad. It got really thin and to hide my thinner spots I was pulling it back in a pony tail which in turn caused it to have tension all the time. Since cutting it, the hair loss is much less. IDK if this is a resolution for everyone but it seems to be helping mine. It was hard because I had long hair too, but I like the short spiky style.

[Namaste]

Your cut looks great. Thanks for the advice. I'm going to up my protein & keep a careful eye on my water. You look fabulous! Thanks again.
Hugs, Roberta

[Namaste]

Hi Regina: Thanks for posting. I knew about the hair loss before surgery, but it's another thing when it's coming out in gobs. I'm going to up the protein & watch the water intake. You're right, I'd rather have hair loss due to wls than any other reason & I say a silent prayer for those who are undergoing chemo. Hugs, Roberta

[Namaste]

Thanks Seth. I suffered a sunburn on the top of my head also. It was painful, but it's so thin on top - no wonder. I now wear a hat. I too thought I was prepared to lose it, but when it started coming out in chunks it was rather upsetting. But like you, I'd rather be thin-haired with bald spots than unhealthy fat and lots of hair. I too was so miserable b4 surgery. I thank God everyday for this second chance. Thanks again Seth. Hugs, Roberta

I have resolved to duct taping it back on. Mines is getting so thin on top I actually experienced a little sun burn on the scalp last month. I would rather be bald and healthy then keep a good head of hair and fat. I was getting so miserable that it wasnt funny. Losing my hair is something that I was prepared to accept in the trade off. Many say that it comes back so I will see.

[bikrchk]

I'm about 2 weeks from surgery so don't have much experience at this point. Been on Biotin for a couple months already and will plan on 'beachy waves' for a hairstyle for the next 6-9 months to minimize the brushing, flat iron, blow dryer, etc. Hope it helps!

[Jingles]

I am 13 months out and I had hair loss a few months ago - it is a bit unsettling and I used to look at the hair in the shower, or bathtub or sink in dismay. But it does stop - not sure anything you do will stop it or prevent it - I watched a video that told us that it is inevitable with the radical change in diet but that it is a normal symptom of weight loss surgery and just to remember that it will stop and new hair grows back...

[Namaste]

Thanks Jingles - yes, it is unnerving to see my hair everywhere. Thanks so much for responding. Hugs, Roberta

I am 13 months out and I had hair loss a few months ago - it is a bit unsettling and I used to look at the hair in the shower, or bathtub or sink in dismay. But it does stop - not sure anything you do will stop it or prevent it - I watched a video that told us that it is inevitable with the radical change in diet but that it is a normal symptom of weight loss surgery and just to remember that it will stop and new hair grows back...

[niamh]

For me it was from month four to about month eight. My advice is to do your best to adjust your mental attitude. It's only temporary, and it will be much more noticeable to you than others. People having chemo lose ALL their hair, AND they are fighting a life threatening illness. Focus on the positives of the weight loss, wear a hat (it's getting colder now), get a hair cut that makes it less obvious, and ride it out. Good luck!

[Ronnie]

Certainly hair and nail supplements are good, but I also found that Minoxidil 5% as found in Rogaine helped me tremendously. Stopped hair from falling out and actually had new hair growth, thicker and barely any falls out now. I get the generic version from Walmart, CVS or Walgreens... it is about $20 for a 3 month supply. Very Very worth it!

[OAM]

I was wondering if Rogain was going to come up? Very good to know, thank you!