Hair loss after bariatric surgery is extremely common but it is still very stressful. We all want to achieve awesome weight loss results and still have gorgeous hair.
The hair loss associated with weight loss surgery is called telogen effluvium and has to do with the normal hair growth cycle. It usually starts suddenly and typically does not last longer than 6 months. Our hair has two stages of growth cycle. The growth phase is called anagen and 90% of our hair follicles are in this phase at any given time. The resting phase is called telogen, which lasts about 1 to 6 months, with an approximate average of 3 months. About 5-15% of our hair is in the resting phase at any given time. It is also known that telogen effluvium has to do with stress on the body and hormonal changes that can occur. Because of stress, more hair follicles can enter into the resting phase. This is important because the hair in the resting phase at the time of surgery is most likely the hair you will shed. This is why your hair sheds between 1 to 6 months after surgery (typically starting about 3 to 4 months). When the hair starts to grow again the old hair follicle is released and you lose hair. Sometimes the hair comes out before new hair grows, which is a nerve wracking feeling!
It starts with surgery, a very low-calorie intake and possibly low protein intake. Then you add any illness along the way, an underactive thyroid, iron deficiency, or genetics and you get hair loss of about 5-15% of your hair follicles. Other nutrients associated with hair loss include zinc, biotin, folate, vitamin B-6 and essential fatty acids. Note* If no deficiency of these nutrients exists, then they will likely be of little use for hair growth.
THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT YOU CAN DEPEND ON THE HAIR RETURNING UNLESS YOU HAVE A CHRONIC ILLNESS OR GENETIC REASON FOR HAIR THINNING.