Hair Loss After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Question Below Submitted By:  

Mary Ann (a patient from Delaware)

My gastric bypass surgery was March 25, and I’ve been noticing when I comb or brush my hair, it comes out. While my hair does not come out “in clumps”, more comes out than usual.

I’m drinking my required protein shakes per day, preferring that over eating hot food, having to buy so many different things, and just plain not liking to cook.

As for food, when I cook my husbands meals, sometimes I’ll eat a small amount of meat (fish, poultry, beef), maybe a very small amount of mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, and lately have been craving vegetables, so I’ve been eating non-starchy veggies.

I’m taking the Vitamins as prescribed. The only thing I haven’t taken is my Thyroid Med, so need to check with my PCP about that.

I’ve read that Vinegar is good for thinning hair. It doesn’t look noticeable and there are no bald spots.

Could it even possibly be just that time (every certain number of years) that hair is shed?

I am 60 years old. Also, could pre-natal vitamins help (or hurt)?

Thanks for any and all responses.

Mary Ann

Advertisement
01.

Expert Responses to the Question Above

Bariatric surgeon at CBGSA, Arcadia, California

by: Dr. Troy LaMar

Hi Mary Ann,

Congrats on starting your weight loss journey this year! Losing some hair after bariatric surgery occurs in about 50% of patients. Losing weight rapidly even without bariatric surgery can lead to some hair loss.

So, no worries, it should come back with time...usually, after your weight loss slows or stops.

In the meantime, just make sure you are getting the optimum amount of protein in per day, usually 80 grams.

Taking hair and nail vitamins, or using Biotin shampoo helps for some patients.

Good Luck,
Troy LaMar MD

02.

Patient Responses to the Question Above

What hair I have is terrible

by: Marcy

I don't even get my hair cut anymore. I had a gastric bypass in 2012. I used to have very long thick curly hair but now it is thin, fine and very short. I take all the recommended supplements but I still look like a cancer patient.

Bariatric Beauty & Finishing School - Help for Hair Loss

by: Kelsey Payumo

Hi Everyone!

My name is Kelsey, I'm 10 years out from RNY, and have lost over 256 pounds.

I've created a YouTube channel dedicated to helping those with this journey as far as beauty, lifestyle, and fashion.

A few of my recent videos are:

The Truth about Hair Loss after WLS

How to Talk to People about your WLS

The Top 5 Clothing Items you need AFTER WLS

and more to come...

If this is something that interests you -- please check it out, leave me a comment on videos you'd like to see. My aim is to help everyone feel fantastic about the NEW YOU!

- Bariatric Beauty and Finishing School

xoxoxo
K

Click here to add your own response

Share Your Comments

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertisement

[ Last editorial review/modification of this page : 05/24/2021 ]

* Disclaimers: Content: The information contained in this website is provided for general information purposes and your specific results may vary depending on a variety of circumstances. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical, dietary, fitness or other appropriate professional. Advertising: Bariatric Surgery Source, LLC has entered into referral and advertising arrangements with certain medical practices, original equipment manufacturers, and financial companies under which we receive compensation (in the form of flat fees per qualifying action) when you click on links to our partners and/or submit information. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Read More

Request a Free Insurance Check

Fill out the below form for a free insurance check performed in partnership with your local bariatric surgeon.

Advertisement

Los Angeles/Orange County

logo
mark