Understanding Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery

Understanding Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery

Alex Brecher

Hair loss after bariatric surgery is a common side effect. The condition is called telogen effluvium, and it results from a shift in the regular balance of the hair cycle. Your best bet in the face of post-op hair loss is to keep up with your nutrition. The BariatricPal Store has the protein and other nutrients for post-op patients. 

How Hair Loss Occurs

The hair growth cycle has these phases.

  • Anagen (growth). Hair grows.
  • Telogen (resting). Hair stops growing. It falls out after a few months.

In telogen effluvium, the percent of hair that is in the telogen stage increases. You may shed more hair. Hair may thin.

Protein for Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery

Your surgeon may suggest adding more protein to reduce hair loss after bariatric surgery. Liquid protein may come as soon as a day or two after your procedure. Eventually, you can add pureed, semi-soft, and solid foods. 

The BariatricPal Store has these (and more) high-protein items.

You can be sure that they are designed for post-op bariatric surgery patients. They are low in carbs and sugar, convenient, and delicious.

More Nutrients for Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery

Nutrient deficiencies are rampant after weight loss surgery, and that can’t be good for hair loss! You’ll want to check with your surgeon or nutritionist about which bariatric vitamins to take. A multivitamin is typical, and the BariatricPal Store has them in Capsules, Vitamin Patches, and Liquids. Biotin is another common nutrient for hair loss. It’s best to ask your doctor about which supplements are best for you.

Other Strategies for Coping with Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery

  • Understanding. Understanding why hair loss can happen can make it easier to handle. It can also be easier to deal with hair loss if you realize that some people are more susceptible to it than others. 
  • Stress management. Hair loss can be worse with too much stress due to changes in hormones. Weight loss surgery is already a big stressor, both physically and mentally. Managing stress can help prevent unnecessary negative effects. Deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and listening to music are examples of stress management techniques.
  • Patience. It can take months to restore your normal balance in the hair growth cycle. It won’t help to get anxious about it. Just do what you can to support hair health in the meantime.
  • Keep in mind that the condition is temporary. And it probably isn’t as noticeable to others as it is to you.

    At the BariatricPal Store, we’ve been there, done that. We understand what you are going through after bariatric surgery, and there’s a good chance we can help you get through it. With hair loss, we have a full range of protein supplements, including liquid proteins that you can take within days of surgery as soon as your surgeon gives the go-ahead. There are also vitamins and other supplements that can support overall nutrition, including for healthy hair. We’re here for you!

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