I get a lot of questions about hair loss post bariatric surgery and there’s many reasons why hair loss can happen. Now “can” is the word to remember. It doesn’t always happen, but there are some things to take into consideration if you find that your hair is thinning or you do lose some hair after your weight loss surgery.
The first thing that can attribute to hair loss would be hormonal imbalances. Oftentimes, too little testosterone and too much estrogen, called estrogen dominance, can result in thinning hair or hair loss. Something else that you may want to consider is thyroid dysfunction or hypothyroidism. This is very important and is usually the key factor in hair loss, even in folks who have not had bariatric surgery. So hypothyroidism means low thyroid hormones and it’s very important to get those levels tested by a blood test. So please make sure that you have optimal levels of thyroid hormone production in your body.
Folks who experience hypothyroidism always feel a little bit chilly, have cold hands, cold feet all the time, and the corner of your eyebrows–either there’s thinning or they’re completely falling out. That’s a dead giveaway.
Low iron or iron deficiency or anemia can be tested from your primary care doctor with a simple lab test. Low iron can contribute to hair loss as well as low B12. So make sure to get tested for your B12 levels and your iron levels in your blood.
Folks struggling with H Pylori, that can lower your B12 levels and lower your iron levels too. So again, make sure you get tested for H Pylori.
Another contributing factor for hair loss would be bariatric weight loss surgery. Right after surgery, the shock of eating less food and possibly getting less nutrients can tell your body “Whoa, wait a minute. Stop hair growth. It’s not important to me. I need to make sure that every other vital organ gets the nutrients it needs.”
Also take into consideration that it depends on where you’re at in your normal hair growth cycle. If you have surgery within that little time frame it can actually slow the new hair growth until your body senses it’s getting the nutrients it needs again.
To prevent nutrient deficiency post weight loss surgery make sure you get your protein, your whey protein or your plant-based protein drinks. You never stop those if you’re concerned about hair loss.
Protein contains an amino acid called Proline. Proline has been shown to build collagen and collagen is one of the main components of hair growth and hairs. So make sure you’re getting all the protein you need to get it in every single day, at least 60-80 grams.
Also, take your supplements. Never, ever, ever, do not take your supplements. So for instance, your multivitamin will have adequate amounts of B vitamins, which are key for hair growth, particularly B12 and biotin. Hair growth supplements contain methylcobalamin B12, biotin, zinc. Zinc is important for hair growth as well and maybe some silica, which is a mineral that aids in tissue growth.
Thanks for watching. If you have any additional questions, check out our YouTube channel, or check out our website at www.blossombariatrics.com.
Have a healthy day!
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Blossom Bariatrics is a weight loss surgery center located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Award winning surgeon, Dr. Thomas Umbach, is dedicated to helping individuals improve their health, and live more fulfilling lives by losing their excess weight.
Over the years, Dr. Tom has helped hundreds of patients lose thousands of pounds through the gastric bypass, gastric lap band and gastric sleeve procedures. His patients have truly Blossomed as they have gone on to enjoy the simple pleasures of life again; such as playing with their children or grandchildren, riding a roller coaster for the first time, or starting to date and travel.
Dr. Tom Umbach is a nationally recognized, fellowship-trained Las Vegas bariatric surgery specialist. His gastric bypass practice specializes in both advanced and traditional laparoscopic (minimally invasive) procedures. The bariatric practice delivers outcomes that exceed national averages of weight-management success due to Dr. Umbach’s surgical expertise, compassionate care, and exemplary pre- and post-surgery services.
If you are looking for the premier weight loss surgery center located in Las Vegas, Nevada contact Blossom Bariatrics today at (702) 463-3300 or visit www.BlossomBariatrics.com
