Key Takeaways
- Studies suggest that around 57% of people, especially younger women, experience hair shedding and thinning after surgery
- Hair loss after bariatric surgery is a common and often temporary condition that can be managed with proper nutrition, stress management, and gentle hair care.
- Nutritional deficiencies, like not eating enough protein, iron, or B vitamins often contribute to the cause of hair shedding.
- Seeking professional help is sometimes needed if hair loss continues more than six months or if other symptoms accompany it.
Losing some hair while losing weight after bariatric surgery is a common side effect. It may not be what you had in mind.
Rapid changes in your diet, weight, and hormones can harm your hair. They can cause distressing hair problems.
We know you didn’t plan to lose your hair from bariatric surgery. We’ve made this guide to help you. It explains why your brush is clumping with hair and how to prevent more hair loss.
Table of Contents
Understanding Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery
Experiencing hair loss after bariatric surgery can be surprising and a bit alarming, but it’s actually quite common. But before moving on, we want to clarify that this type of hair loss doesn’t typically cause bald spots. Rather, your hair may temporarily become thinner.
Studies suggest that around 57% of people, especially younger women, experience hair shedding and thinning after surgery, a condition health professionals call telogen effluvium.
This fancy term just means that more of your hair follicles enter a resting phase, leading to increased shedding.
You can expect to see the most hair loss within the first three months after bariatric surgery. After that, it may slow down some, but some people continue to experience hair loss one year after surgery.
One of the main culprits is rapid weight loss. The good news is that it’s usually temporary, and your hair should start to grow back once your body adjusts.
Hormonal changes also play a big role in post-surgery hair loss. Bariatric surgery changes your body’s hormonal balance, which can disrupt your hair growth cycle, causing more hairs to fall out than usual.
During this time of major changes, your body has to decide what’s most important. It’s busy focusing on vital organs like your heart, liver, and brain, and as a result, hair growth can get bumped down the priority list.
But don’t worry—once things settle down, your body will have more energy to spare for hair growth again.
Causes of Hair Loss Post-Surgery
Here are several reasons why your shower drain may be clogging up with hair after bariatric surgery.
- Nutrient deficiencies: After surgery, it can be tricky to get enough essential nutrients, like protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These nutrients are like the building blocks for healthy hair. Without them, your hair might become weaker and start to thin. Adding a bariatric vitamins like bariatric multivitamin with iron can be a helpful solution.
- Stress response: The physical stress from surgery and the recovery process can send your hair growth cycle into a bit of a tailspin. The stress hormone cortisol is not friendly to hair growth and can cause hair thinning.
- Changes in hormone levels: Weight loss, especially the rapid kind that follows bariatric surgery, can alter your hormone levels. These hormonal changes can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, making it harder for hair follicles to do their job.
How Do Nutritional Factors Impact Hair Health after Bariatric Surgery?
Nutrition plays a key role in the health of your hair. Hair is made of the protein keratin, which is also found in your skin and nails. So, it’s no surprise that a low-protein diet can weaken your hair. It can make it more prone to breakage and shedding. Including bariatric protein shakes and bariatric protein bars in your diet can help meet protein needs.
The minerals iron and zinc are also crucial for the health of your lovely locks. These minerals keep your hair follicles (the area in your skin where your hair grows) active and working properly. Not consuming enough iron and zinc can bring your hair growth cycle to a grinding halt.
Then there are the B vitamins, particularly B12 and biotin. These vitamins are crucial for cell growth and energy production. They help keep your hair strong and without their support, your hair might feel weak and lifeless.
What are Effective Prevention Strategies for Hair Loss Post-Surgery?
Here are some strategies that support healthy hair during your weight loss journey after bariatric surgery:
- Nutrient supplementation: Taking your recommended post-surgery vitamins and minerals isn’t just good advice—it’s essential. Protein, iron, zinc, and B12 are especially important for hair health.
- Balanced diet: Focus on nutrient-dense foods like lean meats, eggs, leafy greens, and beans. These foods are packed with the proteins, vitamins, and minerals your hair needs to stay healthy. Aim to get a mix of protein, healthy fats, and whole grains to give your hair the best chance at growth.
- Regular monitoring: Routine blood tests are a must. They help your healthcare provider catch any nutrient deficiencies early before they wreak havoc on your hair.
- Hydrate and stay hydrated: Your hair needs moisture from the inside out. Staying hydrated helps your scalp stay healthy and can reduce dryness and breakage.
- Gentle hair care: Be kind to your hair. Avoid tight hairstyles, harsh chemical treatments, and excessive heat styling. When your hair is already feeling stressed from the inside, the last thing it needs is a rough handling on the outside. Treat it gently with a soft brush and mild shampoo.
- Manage stress: It might sound easier said than done, but stress management can make a big difference. Find ways to relax—whether it’s through yoga, walking, meditation, or simply a good book.
Treatment Options for Hair Loss
If you’re noticing more hair on your pillow than you’d like, don’t panic—there are several ways to help encourage regrowth.
Topical Treatments
One option is using the topical treatment, minoxidil. While research on this is limited, it may help stimulate your hair follicles and slow down shedding. While it’s not an overnight fix, consistent use may make a noticeable difference over time.
Oral Supplements
Oral supplements are another helpful option. If you are having trouble getting the nutrition you need in your diet, adding a multivitamin with biotin, iron, and zinc can help fill in the gaps.
Bari Life’s Bariatric Glow is a bariatric vitamins for hair loss. It’s formulated by renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Stephen Boyce and delivers a powerful blend of biotin, zinc, vitamin E, and other essential nutrients to promote healthy growth.
Lifestyle and Product Changes
Lifestyle changes can also play a big role in your hair recovery journey.
Managing stress is key. Try activities that help you unwind, like walking, stretching, or listening to soft music.
Also, be gentle when doing your hair. Stay away from tight hairstyles, skip the heat styling, and avoid harsh chemical treatments.
Finally, consider trying scalp massages or specialized shampoos formulated to support hair growth. They might not be magic potions, but they can help create a healthier environment for your hair to grow back stronger.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your hair loss lasts over six months after surgery, seek expert advice.
It’s normal to shed more hair during rapid weight loss. But, persistent thinning could signal an underlying issue. If you see thinning hair or bald spots, book an appointment with a dermatologist or a trichologist. A trichologist is a specialist in hair and scalp conditions. They can help pinpoint what’s going on and offer treatments to get you back on track.
If your hair loss comes with fatigue, weakness, or pale skin, check with your healthcare provider. These signs might show nutrient deficiencies or health issues. They need attention.
Conclusion
Hair loss after bariatric surgery can be a startling and frustrating part of your weight loss journey. However, it’s a common experience for many people during the first few months after surgery.
Rapid weight loss, hormone changes, and not eating enough protein, vitamins, and minerals can all play a role in thinning hair.
Making changes to your diet, taking a supplement, and treating your hair gently can all help promote healthy hair.
However, if you still have concerns about persistent hair loss, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:
- Weight Gain after Bariatric Surgery
- Weight Stall after Bariatric Surgery
- How to keep from Looking Old after Bariatric Surgery?
- Blood Sugar Levels after Bariatric Surgery
- Why Am I Always Cold after Bariatric Surgery?
- Elevated AST and ALT after Bariatric Surgery
- Fatty Liver Bariatric Surgery
- Bad Breath after Bariatric Surgery
Resources
Hughes, E., et al. (2023). Telogen Effluvium. StatPearls.
What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?