You're so vain, I bet you think this post is about you, don't you........

Let's face it......none of us like the idea of losing hair.  It happens, it is a fact of life, everyone looses hair (some of us, more than others).

Through my research about WLS, I have learned, that hair loss is going to occur.

Did you know that your air has a growth phase called anagen and that 90% of our follicles are in that phase at any given time?  There is also a resting phase called telogen and that lasts 1-6 months.  And the average period is 3 months.  That is the hair you are most likely to shed.

So, for bariatric surgery patients, the hair loss occurs happens between months 3-4 after surgery.  Of course, this occurs more for women than mine.

There are some common reasons as to why it occurs to WLS patients.

• We put our bodies through trauma (surgery and acute illness)
• Many of us have a chronic disease that is debilitating
• Many of us also have hypothyroidism which causes a hormonal imbalance
• Low protein intake, chronic deficiency or rapid weight loss
• Heavy metal toxicity
• Some medications such as beta-blockers, excess vitamin A and anticoagulants.

Depressed yet??

Research and anecdotal comments show that the hair will come back unless you have a chronic illness or genetic reason for the hair thinning.

If you are still losing hair after 6 months, you should probably talk with your primary care doctor, see a dermatologist or seek other advice as to why you are still losing hair.  Make sure you are getting in enough protein and take your vitamins (preferably specific to bariatric patients).  They recommend adding B12 and Biotin as well.

Sooo........Thinning hair is another side affect of WLS that I have come to terms with and decided it is better to have thinning hair than to be morbidly obese!  I guess I will have to talk with Laurie (my hair stylist) about some cute short hair options!

Here are some links to articles that I read and where I pulled information to write this post.

http://www.obesityaction.org/educational-resources/resource-articles-2/weight-loss-surgery/weight-loss-surgery-nutrition-and-hair-loss

https://www.drdkim.net/ask-the-dietitian/understanding-hair-loss-after-bariatric-surgery/