Gastric Bypass and Hair Loss
There isn't any one, no-fail solution. We have to look at the causes that go along with gastric bypass and hair loss, and then try to prevent or fix the problems related to it. You can't do much about having general anesthesia, getting heparin shots, or having a hormonal upset around the time of surgery. You can, however, follow your doctor's recommendations for getting adequate amounts of proteins and vitamins. Because stress is thought to be a common cause of hair loss, you can also engage in some form of daily relaxation exercises, like deep breathing, yoga, and so forth. We can't promise that deep breathing will stop hair loss all together, but every bit helps.
Hair Loss and Diet
Hair is made of protein. Your body needs protein for all sorts of things, including hair production. Protein helps your body build, repair and maintain tissue, including muscles. If you aren't getting enough protein, do you think your body will consider your muscles or your hair the more important recipient of a limited quantity of protein?
When we have any type of obesity surgery, but most especially in surgeries that include a malabsorptive factor, we do not get enough protein absorbed into our bodies. This is most true in the first few months or so after surgery, when we may be getting very few calories of any kind. Don't think you're out of the woods if you're a long-timer though. It is all too common for long-timers to relax and eat lots of "easy" foods that sit well in the pouch but don't give you the nutrients you need.
So how do you make sure you get enough protein? One way is by drinking "protein shakes". Not all protein shakes are created equal though, and you should look for ones that are low in carbohydrates and sugars (to avoid dumping syndrome), and are made from whey protein. The Guru is nearly three years post-op and still drinks protein shakes every day. There are lots of places to get them, including your local health food store, but we usually buy from Vitalady, who has had gastric bypass - and hair loss from the surgery. She knows her stuff, and only sells products that she knows will be right for our bodies.
There are lots of potential complications of gastric bypass and hair loss may not be the most life-threatening, but it is certainly annoying, and can really do damage to your self-esteem.
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