RE: Hair Loss

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/22/2003 9:39:18 PM Central Standard Time,

glssblwrlady@... writes:

Hi Everyone,

I had my surgery on 4/29/03 and have lost 91 pounds so far.

Things are doing great, except recently I have started to lose my

hair. I read a long time ago about a product for that, besides

rogaine. Can anyone tell me what they use? Thanks!!

Beth

Beth I use the Nioxin but there is also another product I found out about at

my support meeting called " Thera-Pro " that they are raving about. I was told

you can find it at CVS pharmacies, and Rite-Aid Pharmacies, and possibly at

WalMart. I also heard about Biotin Tablets you can buy at WalMart that help in

the hair loss.

Wolfie

" Keep Em Laughing "

Leeds, Alabama

Lap RNY /And choly

August 27,2003

Dr. Lee A. Schmitt, M.D.

Medical Center East

Beginning Weight: 336

[Guest guest]

My doctor's said the key to prevent hair loss was to get enough protein,

they recommended 75 gms a day. Other doctor's vary. So tomorrow when I

begin to eat solid foods, protein is going to be #1.

Joan C, Calif.

LAP RNY 11/18/03

Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA

282/275/260/???

Hair Loss

Can anybody tell me what they did to prevent hair loss? Thanks

[Guest guest]

HI Shirley,

I had a lot of hair loss just about the time that you are stating. Unfortunately it is one of the after affects of surgery. Mine lasted about 2 months and then it started to grow back. Now my hair seems to be thicker than before and I have a lot of wave to it. I did just like you and cut my hair very short. Whenever I had surgery in the past I did the same it made it seem less traumatic when it happened. Don't worry too much it will grow back.

Ramona

[Guest guest]

Shirley,

The hair loss is common. Seems like 90% of us have had some degree of

hair loss. It usually begins 3-4 months post-op. In most cases the hair

loss is evenly distributed throughout the head, resulting in thinning.

Most people can't tell by looking at you, but it's very distressing.

Occasionally someone gets patchy hair loss. One woman had a family

history of complete hair loss and she did experience that post-op. I know

of no one who has had hair that has not grown back. In fact, the only

thing I know of that can cause permanent hair loss is radiation to the

scalp, and certain rare rare conditions (e.g., alopecia universalis).

The hair starts to grow back as soon as it falls out. But you can't see

or feel it for a few months. Hair usually grows at a rate of 1/2 inch a

month; some folks are faster, some slower. So the thickening isn't

apparent until about 4-6 months after the fall. That puts us around 10-12

months post-op.

I've taken care of chemo patients for most of my nursing career.

Suggestions I've heard of for preserving hair are: Careful handling; use

gentle shampoos and conditioners; wash as little as possible and keep the

hair and scalp moisturized. No braiding, teasing, perms, tight curling,

coloring... layered and shorter cuts can mask the hair loss. Nioxx has

products that ostensibly prevent hair loss, but the Nioxx products dried

my hair out so badly I had to have special conditioning treatments. My

hairdresser said Nioxx is really bad stuff. Go figure.

You can take biotin and of course, protein to help replace the hair

cells. There's another dietary supplement that's supposed to help with

hair growth but I can't think of the name of it. Anybody?

Martha

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Yes, it should slow down now that you are 8 months out. My problem is now that it grew back with a vengeance if you can call it that. I have to cut it about every 2 months. My hair gets such funny curls that stick out in every direction but the one that I want it to go in. Then on top of that it is too thick so it is just something I have to live with. What is funny though is that the last time I went to get it cut I told the hairdresser to cut about 3/4 of an inch. Well, I wear glasses and I had to take them off. I really am very helpless without them. Well, she started cutting and kept cutting and cutting. I think she forgot how much she was to cut and I was left with hair about one inch long in some areas. Well, I guess I am set for the summer. My husband said that I should have complained. But I said to him what am I going to tell her to glue it back on. Oh well.

Ramona

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the reply Ramona. I sure wish my hair would come back in curly, it's straight as a stick.

-- Re: Hair Loss

Hi ,

Yes, it should slow down now that you are 8 months out. My problem is now that it grew back with a vengeance if you can call it that. I have to cut it about every 2 months. My hair gets such funny curls that stick out in every direction but the one that I want it to go in. Then on top of that it is too thick so it is just something I have to live with. What is funny though is that the last time I went to get it cut I told the hairdresser to cut about 3/4 of an inch. Well, I wear glasses and I had to take them off. I really am very helpless without them. Well, she started cutting and kept cutting and cutting. I think she forgot how much she was to cut and I was left with hair about one inch long in some areas. Well, I guess I am set for the summer. My husband said that I should have complained. But I said to him what am I going to tell her to glue it back on. Oh well.

Ramona

[Guest guest]

Hi

I too lost a lot of hair at about 4 months out. They said it would

happen but when it actually does it kinda freaks you out. I took

Biotin(sold at GNC) and it helped somewhat. It stopped coming out

around 6 months or so post op and my hair dresser can see the new

growth coming in. So I know how you are feeling, the only thing I can

say is that everyone who responded has the right advice.

PS: I see that there is another now....welcome.....hope we

dont get mixed up LOL just kidding

[Guest guest]

Hi Shirley,

Your mention of getting measured made me remember that I haven't taken

my measurements in the last month. So I took them. I've lost another

inch from my bust, another inch from my waist and another two inches

from my hips - so some progress is being made even if my scale seems to

be stuck.

Also went and had my hair cut. I've never had my hair this short

before, but the hair loss isn't as obvious now.

How'd things go at Curves?

All the best,

Kay

open RNY 12/1/03

Sunbrae@... wrote:

> Kay....thank you for the words of encouragement. I think about the

> plateau it just makes me want to eat more protein and drink more

> water. Sure all those fatty foods come to mind, but it is just a

> thought. I know that if I had a taste of them I would just think it

> was okay and I don't want to do that. Today is my weigh and measure

> date at Curves. Hopefully if I am not down in weight, perhaps the

> inches are gone. I know that I am not alone with the hair thing and

> wonderful to have people here to listen.

> Thank you all for all your help.

>

> Shirley

> Dr.

> 12-30-03

> 281.5/211/150

[Guest guest]

Kay....Curves went okay yesterday. Since April 12th I have lost:

Bust = 2 in.

Waist = 1.25 in.

Abdomen = 1.5 in.

Hips = .25 in.

Thighs - stayed the same

Arms = 1.50 in.

Weight = 8.60 lbs

Body Fat % = .70%

So since 1-12-04 when I started with Curves (surgery was 12-30-03) here is a

total of inches and weight from 1-12-04 to 5-12-04

Bust = 7.75 in.

Waist = 8.25 in.

Abdomen = 7 in.

Hips = 4.75 in.

Thighs - 3 in.

Arms = 4 in.

Weight = 57.6 lbs

Body Fat % = 2.8%

Last night I went to a football meeting and saw a few ladies I have not seen in

a couple of months. One commented to me that she didn't recognize me when she

first walked up. She kept telling me how good I look. The hair cut she thought

looked good. That made my depression feel a little better.

I have finally run out of my older clothes, time for me to start looking through

maybe thrift stores to find some shorts and pants. Oh well....have a great rest

of today.

Shirley

12-30-03

281.5/211.40/150