Tips for Minimizing Hair Loss Post Bariatric Surgery

You may notice many positive changes after bariatric surgery, such as having more energy, being healthier, and fitting into clothes better, but there are some common side effects of surgery. Along with feeling colder, many patients notice that they begin to shed hair within three to five months after surgery.

You may not be able to prevent hair loss entirely, but you can take steps to reduce the amount you lose. These are some tips for minimizing hair loss post bariatric surgery. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any changes in your body, as well as before taking any dietary or nutritional supplements. 

Causes of Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery

Losing hair can result from a few different factors.

• Surgery is stressful for your body, even when everything goes as planned. Hair loss can be a response to that intense stress.
• Deficiency of protein and certain vitamins and minerals can hasten the loss of hair.
• Rapid weight loss, which is the goal after weight loss surgery, is another stressor for your body, and it can cause the loss of hair.

You may notice hair falling out and thinning for months after your procedure. 

Tips for Minimizing Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery

You probably cannot prevent all loss of hair after bariatric surgery, but you can try to limit the amount you lose. These are some tips.

• Achieve your daily goals for protein consumption. For many patients, the goal is to get at least 60 to 80 grams daily. Chicken, tuna, ground turkey, cottage cheese, and yogurt are good sources. It is best to include protein at every meal and snack so your intake is spread throughout the day. 
• Use protein supplements if needed. If you are having trouble getting enough protein, or if you want a change of pace or something more convenient, try supplements such as Protein Shakes, Protein Soups, Protein Snacks, and Protein Entrees, such as instant Protein Oatmeal, Protein Pasta, Protein Chili, and Protein Stew.
• Choose a variety of nutritious foods. Healthy, thick hair depends on a variety of nutrients. The more varied and nutrient-rich your diet, the more nutrients you can get. Vegetables and fruits are especially rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Healthy fats, such as peanut butter and avocados, are also good in small amounts. 
• Take your bariatric vitamins. Bariatric surgery patients can be deficient in many vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin A, thiamin, and biotin. Taking your bariatric vitamins as suggested by your surgeon or a nutritionist can help prevent severe deficiencies.

Hair loss can be inevitable after bariatric surgery, but staying on top of your diet and healthy habits can help minimize shedding and thinning. The BariatricPal Store has Protein Shakes and Protein Foods that can help you meet your daily protein goals without a hassle, as well as Bariatric Vitamins to provide nutrients that are known to be at risk among bariatric surgery patients. 

*The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. BariatricPal products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Anyone with a medical condition should seek the advice of a licensed medical practitioner. Individual results may vary.