What You Should Know About Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a life-changing path toward better health and happiness. While it has many advantages, some people report hair loss as a negative effect. The good news is that this is usually a temporary and controllable problem. We’ll look at the causes of post-bariatric surgery hair loss and provide some helpful tips on how to boost regrowth and retain your newfound vigor.

Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery

Hair loss after bariatric surgery can be caused by a variety of circumstances. One of the most common causes is severe weight loss, which can result in a temporary disturbance in the hair development cycle. The body’s reaction to the fast loss of fat storage may result in a lack of key nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and protein, which are required for healthy hair development.

These factors are just some reasons for the hair loss and can be Telogen Effluvium which is a disorder associated with hair loss following bariatric surgery during weight reduction. This is a natural cycle of hair loss. Telogen Effluvium is also reported to arise as a result of stress on the body and hormonal changes. On average, there is 5%-15% hair loss up to 6 months after surgery for 3 months. The hair growth cycle is divided into two stages. Anogen is the growth phase, while Telogen is the dormant period. And 5%-15% of our hairs are always in the latent phase, which may fall out after surgery owing to changes in the body.

Hair loss: permanent or temporary ?

It is critical to recognize that hair loss following bariatric surgery is typically temporary. Most patients discover this problem between 3-6 months following their treatment, with a peak between 12-18 months. The body ultimately adjusts to its new situation, and hair loss normally decreases as your weight stabilizes.

How Can One Cope With Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery?

There are a few things you may do to deal with hair loss following bariatric surgery. First and foremost, keep your scalp clean and clear of dirt. This will assist to prevent additional hair loss and encourage recovery. You may also untangle your hair with a gentle brush or comb. Tugging on the hair too hard might promote further shedding. Finally, there are a variety of products that can help to thicken and strengthen the hair shaft, reducing the appearance of thinning hair.

Adopt gentle hair care techniques to safeguard and nourish your hair throughout this transition phase. Excessive heat styling, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles may all add to the stress on your hair. Using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner can help keep your hair healthy.

Nutritional Factors

A healthy diet is essential for avoiding and treating hair loss following bariatric surgery. Consume enough protein, biotin, iron, and other minerals to encourage hair development. Consult with a trained dietitian to create a customized nutrition plan suited to your individual requirements.

Protein, protein, and more protein! Protein is the most crucial nutrition after bariatric surgery. Protein serves as the foundation for all cells, including the cells that make up your hair. Failure to achieve our advice of 60g/day minimum every day may result in thinning hair and decreased satiety. Make lean protein items a part of each and every meal. Skinless chicken, lean red meat, grilled/baked fish, cottage cheese, yogurt, beans, protein bars, chia seeds, and flax are all examples. If you are a vegetarian, it is critical to match various vegetarian protein alternatives at each meal to ensure that you obtain all of the essential amino acids. Beans, peas, quinoa, chia seeds, and soy are a few examples.

Supplements and medications:

Your bariatric doctor may suggest nutrients or drugs to help with hair restoration. Biotin, zinc, and iron supplements can be useful, but it is critical to contact a medical expert before adding any additional supplements to your program. Additionally, following bariatric surgery Your bariatric surgeon and dietician will advise you to take multivitamin supplements.

Bariatric surgery is a significant step in living a healthier and happier life. While temporary hair loss may be a part of the journey, keep in mind that it is just that. You may reduce the burden of hair loss and optimize the advantages of your change by concentrating on diet, self-care, and obtaining expert counsel as required. Maintain an optimistic attitude, be patient, and accept the great improvements that bariatric surgery will bring to your life. Your gleaming, healthy hair will return as a mark of your victorious voyage.

Aastha Bariatric is a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center. At Aastha Bariatric, we give our patients detailed information regarding bariatric surgery, including its dangers and advantages, as well as the healing process and what to expect after surgery. Throughout their bariatric surgery journey, we pledge to be compassionate, patient, accessible, educated, and helpful advocates for our patients.