Hair growth problems 10 years after duodenal switch surgery

by Kathie
(Ellicott City, MD)

I had the laparoscopic duodenal switch surgery 10 years ago. Surgically everything has been fine.

As we all do, I had problems with thinning hair in the beginning. It grew back. I have had iron deficiency & Vit D deficiency problems & PTH problems since my surgery. They are under control by my Endricronoligist & Hematologist.

Now, for many months, I have had problems with hair breakage & now even worse my hair has stopped growing for the past year. I know I am seriously missing something in the way of a supplements or minerals. The obvious culprits like Thyroid or hormones have been ruled out. I have bloodwork 4-5 times per year. My doctors are stumped, any suggestions?

I am desperate & depressed. Can anyone share what Vitamins & other supplements dosages they take daily? I must be missing something.

Comments for
Hair growth problems 10 years after duodenal switch surgery

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Hair loss after 10 years
by: Her Moojesty

Try iron suppliments, if you aren't already taking it. Iron plays a huge role in keeping hair healthy. So do zinc and copper. Good luck

About hair loss
by: Molly

Ladies,
I read about your hair loss and problems after your bariatric surgeries. That is sad, I am sorry for both of you.

I believe you have a deficiency in the level of protein you are getting. Hair needs protein to grow, plain and simple. Most hair loss can be linked to protein deficiencies.

I suggest you add protein drinks, like Muscle Milk, and also take large doses of Biotin. Check your multiple vitamin, or your B complex vitamin, and you'll see that you are only getting about 17% of the daily requirement of this important B vitamin. Adding it really helps, trust me! It will also make your nails stronger and less brittle.

I am having surgery (gastric sleeve) next month, and I already have thin fine hair. I can NOT afford hair loss, so I plan to really push the protein and biotin. I wish us all luck!

Related Pages:

- Bariatric Vitamins
- Bariatric Surgery Complications
- Bariatric Diet (What you eat)
- Bariatric Eating (How you eat)

Hair Growth from my-weight-loss-surgery.com
by: Brenda Seelbach

Hey Kathie, sounds like you are on the ball. I know that all that can be done is being done. Trust it will turn around. I know how hard it is to have your hair not cooperating with you!

I am in VA (just moved here) and I am considering working with the folks at Winchester Medical Center - they are a Center of Excellence, I am excited about this. Have you have any connection with them or know much about them?

Reponse to your ? about "My hair has stopped growing"
by: Kathie

Thanks for your response. Ten years ago when I had my surgery there were very few doctors doing bariatric surgeries laparoscopically. I live in MD & I went to NY for my surgery. (My surgeon (who is brilliant) has since left NY & moved back to his native Canada & opened his own clinic.) The downside of me going to NY was that my follow-up was limited because of the distance.

I want to first say that although I have had absorption issues, there is not a day that I regret having had this surgery. I was dying in my own body at 335 lbs. I weigh about 165 now & have easily maintained this weight all these years.

I tend to believe that my current hair issue is a lack of something in my diet & I am trying to determine what I am missing. Long term complications from bariatric surgery are just coming to light as the earlier recipients of this surgery age.

I am being treated by 2 Board Certified Specialist from one of the best hospitals in the world (Johns Hopkins) & they are stumped. I have decided to take a closer look at my vitamin regimen & make some changes & lots of additions. I do not know what else to do.

I was hoping that my post would lead me to someone who has had a similar experience. I want to add that I do not want my dilemma to in any way discourage anyone or give anyone any undue concern about their surgery experience. I am an anomaly and not the norm.

I?ll get past this hurdle, and no one should think this might happen to them. If anyone out there has any suggestions, please respond. BTW: The obvious culprits: Thyroid & Hormones have been ruled out by blood work results.

Hair Growth from my-weight-loss-surgery.com
by: Brenda Seelbach

Hi Kathie! I had DS about 1.5 years ago now and had major hair loss following the surgery. It did come back and looks fine/normal now. I am rather puzzled by your loss now at 10 years. Sounds like you are doing everything right...I hope I am not in for this issue in the coming years.

I would be interested to know what your doctor says about it since it is happening this far out. May not even be related to the WLS.

I do know that what helped me was Moroccan Oil and Coconut oil for the styling and moisture to protect from being brittle and dry and also Silica and Boitin supplements for the nourishment of the hair internally. I can't really say that they "helped" but I think they did.

Keep me posted on how you proceed with this. I am happy to help. Congrats on your big accomplishments and all the best,
Brenda

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