jane H.
hair loss.... very long
Jan 25, 2007
Hi,
Most hair loss happens going into the fourth or fifth month after
weight loss surgery. It is typically caused by the rapid weight loss.
The body is very efficienty at survival and when it's calories are
dramatically lowered into near starvation level something has to go.
The least necessary part of the body is the hair so it goes first.
This is a temporary condition that usually rights itself in time.
After the first year or 18 months the body begins to adjust to the
damaged digestive system and it becomes more efficient at sucking up
what it needs to continue on.
Your hair loss has begun at 5 years out which is not typical. Your
body should have by now adjusted to the surgery and the weight loss
phase should be over by now and you should be stable. Your hair loss
is signaling that something is not right in your system. It needs
careful evaluation. Here are some snips from a couple different
sources that may give you a clue as to what area to explore. If I
were to guess......and it would just be a guess.......
might have something to do with your thyroid. You should see an
endocrinologist for specific testing. Regular labs don't always show
if there is a problem.
Good luck!
Brenda
SNIP
All forms of undereating, skipping meals, or eating only limited
foods will lead to poor nutrition and eventually, to problems from
protein, calorie, vitamin, or mineral deficiencies. Other symptoms
include lack of energy and subsequent weakness, malnourishment of
internal organs, skin problems, and hair loss. Severe weight loss in
spite of regular eating may indicate an underlying medical condition
and warrants an evaluation by a doctor. Lack of protein, although not
generally a problem for well-fed Americans, can force hair into a
resting phase, leading to hair loss.
For women, thinning hair or hair loss can be a sign of a problem in
the gastrointestinal tract, says Michael A. Klaper, M.D., a
nutritional medicine specialist in Pompano Beach, Florida, and
director of the Institute of Nutritional Education and Research, an
organization based in Manhattan Beach, California, that teaches
doctors about nutrition and its relationship to
disease. "Occasionally, it's a sign of insufficient stomach acids or
that she's not absorbing protein, zinc and other nutrients," he
says. "If she takes acidophilus after meals for a month or so, that
often helps." Dr. Klaper recommends nondairy powdered acidophilus,
available in most health food stores. He says to take two tablets
between meals (four to six tablets per day) for at least two months.
Rapid weight loss, severe dandruff, iron deficiency and a low protein
intake can also speed up the normal rate of hair loss by forcing
hairs into a rooting stage. A serious illness or a physical stress,
such as childbirth, can trigger dramatic (but temporary) hair loss of
up to 50 percent, but this only occurs in extreme circumstances, says
Dr. Caserio.
Natural ways to help you counter your hair loss
Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in starch. This may
help to slow down the process of hair loss. Fruits and vegetables
contain flavonoids, many of which are antioxidants that may provide
protection for the hair follicles and encourage hair growth.
Vitamin E has a wide range of positive effects in cancer particularly
vitamin E succinate. It enhances the effects of selenium, and
enhances some chemotherapies, radiotherapy, and hyperthermia. It also
may help prevent hair loss, and it protects the heart (in animal
studies) from cardiac toxicity from doxorubicin.
http://www.newstarg
March 31, 2006
Telogen Effluvium kicking in! (WLS Hair Loss)
I am more than 4 1/2 months Post-op, and I am experiencing one of the
most annoying "side effects" of Gastric Bypass... Hair Loss ! I wrote
about this a few months ago, but now I am experiencing it on my own
head!
I have done an extensive research on this issue, and I ready to share
all the tips and tricks I can give you. The pictures you see are my
shots from my actual head. I wanted to post them so you can see how
it is affecting me.
Now, Hair Loss during WLS is common and you have to expect it, like
it or not. You will have this issue. The good news is that it is
temporary until your body adapts to the pseudo starvation mode your
body is on. So, don't worry so much.
What is Telogen Effluvium (Hair Loss related to WLS, for the rest of
us) ?
At any given time, about 85% to 90% of the hairs on the average
person's head are actively growing (the anagen phase) and the others
are resting (the telogen phase). Typically, a hair is in the anagen
phase for two to four years, then enters the telogen phase, rests for
about two to four months, and then falls out and is replaced by a
new, growing hair. The average person naturally loses about 100 hairs
a day.
In a person with telogen effluvium, some body change or shock pushes
more hairs into the telogen phase. Typically in this condition, about
30% of the hairs stop growing and go into the resting phase before
falling out. So if you have telogen effluvium, you may lose an
average of 300 hairs a day instead of 100.
Telogen effluvium can be triggered by a number of different events,
including:
Surgery
Major physical trauma
Major psychological stress
High fever or severe infection
Extreme weight loss
Extreme change in diet
Abrupt hormonal changes, including those associated with childbirth
and menopause
Iron deficiency
Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
A new medication
Because hairs that enter the telogen phase rest in place for two to
four months before falling out, you may not notice any hair loss
until two to four months after the event that caused the problem.
Telogen effluvium rarely lasts longer than six months, although some
cases last longer.
Although losing a great number of hairs within a short time can be
frightening, the condition is usually temporary. Each hair that is
pushed prematurely into the telogen phase is replaced by a new,
growing hair, so there is no danger of complete baldness. Because
hair on the scalp grows slowly, your hair may feel or look thinner
than usual for a time, but fullness will return as the new hairs grow
in.
Symptoms
If you have telogen effluvium, you'll notice more hair than usual
accumulating on your pillowcase, on the shower or bathroom floor and
in your hairbrush. Your scalp hair may feel or look less dense than
usual. Often, though, the hair loss is subtle, and other people may
not notice anything different about your hair.
Expected Duration
Typically, hair loss begins two to four months after the event that
triggered the problem, and lasts approximately six months. New hairs
begin growing immediately after the hair falls out, but significant
growth may not be noticed for several months.
Prevention
Nothing can be done to prevent most of the types of physical shock
that can start telogen effluvium. Some cases may be caused by a poor
diet, and these might be prevented by eating a balanced diet that
provides enough protein, iron and other nutrients.
Treatment
No treatment for active telogen effluvium has been proven effective.
Some causes of the disorder can be corrected. For example, if you
have a poor diet, consult a dietitian to help you balance it. Many
times, however, the cause is a specific event in the past, and you
can expect that the hair will grow back. In cases where hair growth
has not returned to a satisfactory level, your doctor may prescribe
minoxidil (Rogaine), a lotion applied to the scalp that stimulates
hair growth in some people.
Prognosis
The outlook for telogen effluvium is very good. Most cases run their
course within six to nine months, and the hair usually grows back. In
some cases, the disorder may last longer. In other cases, not all
hairs grow back.
March 31, 2006 at 04:20 PM | Permalink
Comments
I am currently going through this and it's very frustrating and
embarrassing because it is getting to the point that it is becoming
noticeable. Mine was due to dieting. I became a vegetarian and wasn't
paying attention to protein etc. It was all fine and great. My hair
was fine January 2006, Feb, March. Then in April I got a fever of
101.6. I haven't been sick for like 2 years so I'm guessing it may be
because of not getting enough protein, nutrition etc. Also I lost
like 20 pounds in a month. The morning after the fever when I started
feeling better I noticed hair all over my pillow. Which has led me
here and of course every where else on the internet searching about
Telogen Effluvium. It's been 6 months almost. I can't say I notice
any hair growing back yet. I do notice very little short hairs that
have grown in but I can't really say. I've gone back to meat and
making sure I've been getting enough protein and nutrition since
April 2006. It's depressing. I'm only 20 years old. Both sides of my
family have there hair so I know it's not genetic. It says when hair
falls out; it is a sign of re-growth. But I don't see any new hairs
really. It's coming up to the 6 month mark this month. So hopefully
in the next 3 or so months I will see some changes because it's
getting very irritating and no lie, it sucks. If anyone knows any
more info about this, I would appreciate talking to someone.
Posted by: Sean | October 20, 2006 at 10:35 PM
has anyone experienced full regrowth?
Posted by: | October 31, 2006 at 04:06 PM
I found this information to be very helpful! I am 3 months post-op
from Gastric Bypass surgery and my hair has started to thin out A
LOT! I was very worried that this would not correct itself but now I
realize that it should be okay. I guess I'll just have to live with
it for now :(.
Posted by: M. W. | November 15, 2006 at 11:10 AM
I really just wanted to thank for writing such a concise and
digestible piece on Telogen Effluvium. I am 7 months post-op for a
Roux-en-Y and I have been experiencing hair loss for the last 5
months. I had been duly warned before surgery that this was going to
happen, however, I was not prepared for the duration of hair loss.
This article helped clarify a point that I had read elsewhere and
seriously doubted: taking supplements could halt the hair loss
process. While biologically it could potentially help, it seemed
counterintuitive to me that it would be effective. Your summary of
this syndrome reified why supplements would be less than palliative,
for me. Thank you.
For the time being, I will just continue to pick the hairs off of my
clothes and keep blaming it on some enormous, long-haired animal that
I don't actually own.
Posted by: Tabi | November 26, 2006 at 01:32 PM
http://www.themorbi
/SNIP
Marie C's post re safe of VSG
Jan 19, 2007
1.) Risk vs Benefit
To start, I would say that with just about everything in life, you have to balance risk and benefit. You get into your car to go to work. Benefit = you make money. Risk = you get killed in an intersection by a drunk driver. In the US, 1 out of 6,800 drivers dies in an auto accident. This means that it is about 1,000 times more likely you'll die in your car than win the lottery. But the benefits of driving outweigh the risks.
In considering VSG surgery, I throughly analyzed the risks. We have many, many posts on the risks, which I consider to be very minimal. The benefits were obvious: longer life, free from knee pain, better quality of life, etc, etc.
2.) Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is an archaic term: the word "pernicious" means "deadly", "damaging", destructive". It is a term left over from the days before vitamin B-12 was available. If you do develop it, it is easy to treat: you take vitamin B-12. The End.
We have a test we can do to diagnose pernicious anemia: the Shilling Test (you can Google it). It's been years since I've done one of these, because no one cares... you just give the patient B-12!
"....Would the remaining part of the stomach be able to absorb the PO supplement?" B12 isn't absorbed in the stomach!! It's absorbed in the small intestine!
3.) Honest Opinion
As for you question " ..... I also never did see a reply from Marie, a doctor on this website. I would like to hear her honest opinion and how has this surgery truly affected her." .... I've said this many times: this is one of the best decisions I've ever made. How has it truely effected me?
Let me see:
1.) more energy
2.) less knee pain
3.) having more fun skiing, hiking, etc
4.) smoother interactions at work - let's admit it: people react to you differently when you're thinner
5.) happier
6.) MS symptoms dramatically reduced
The biggest problem I'm facing right now: my wedding ring is too big and I'm worried it's going to fall off.
4.) Fatigue
As far as people being tired after surgery.... this will vary. I too have had many surgeries: TAH/BSO, bilateral rotator cuff tears, three knee surgeries, etc, etc. This was a snap - back to work in ten days, sleepy for about two weeks, now six months out, I have lots more energy than I did pre-surg.
5.) Posting on the Board
This surgery is so straightforward, it is 100 percent incorporated into my life. I don't have any issues (except my wedding ring!)..... so I try to keep up with this site because I want to give back a little. So many people (most of whom are no longer here) helped me, I try to pay it forward a bit. But it is harder to do.... and I don't always check in every day.
Hope this answered your questions.......
what to take to PV add on....
Jan 07, 2007
I had good response from the pain medication that I was given post op, but others did not. Read Hill's profile. She gives a very good account of her experience. You can just ask Dr.Joya to give the nurses a back up pain medication order, if the first medication does not work well for you. You can start using the heating pad on your abdomen as soon as you like. It really does help the gas dissapate and is very soothing. I didnt' think to get out the heating pad for Tracy until the first day post op. For Heidi we had the heating pad started as soon as she came back from recovery.
The bed at the hospital is sooooo comfortable. I was really impressed. The beds at the Krystal are hard, which I liked, but if you like a soft bed, ask for a foam pad to be added to your bed and for extra pillows. You'll sort of miss the hospital bed at the Krystal.
If you happen to have a pill cutter, that would be good to have along too, as the antibiotic you will be taking after surgery is large and you won't be able to take it whole. I tried that and it came right back up about 10 minutes later and it tastes horrible. After that I had to break it up by cracking it with a glass. You might also take about 6 or 8 sugar free jellos with you as there is none in PV.
I can't think of anything else at the moment, I think Janine did a good job with the list. Please feel free to call. I'm very excited for you. You have made an excellent decision.
Labs post op from Barabar N.
Oct 18, 2006
|
My journey
Oct 17, 2006
I had been following the Dr Kuri lapband board and asked if he did the VSG, as I had been in touch with several nurses that had used him for the lapbands. His pt coordinator said that he did not and that he would recommend Dr.Joya in Puerto Vallarta. MX
I read Dr. Joya's credentials and felt that I would be in good hands. I was impressed by a small detail of his preop instructions. All patients were required to stop smoking and everyone was to blow up 30 party balloons a day, 40 if you were a smoker, to get ones lungs in good shape for the anesthesia and post op course. This indicated to me that he was conservative and concerned about ones entire well being before surgery.
Here is my "testimonial" that I posted at www.drjoya.com ......I posted twice by accident, thinking the first one had not gone through. So, some things are reapeated.
Greetings everyone and especially those visiting as they begin their wt loss journey. My surgery was the VSG. I chose it as it didn't rearrange my bowel, and I don't need to worry about fills,unfills, erosion, productive burping, or malabsorption problems. I am thrilled with my experience in PV and with Dr Joya and his staff. I am one week out and feel great. My surgery date was 09/18/06. Now all I have to do is follow the post op diet and enjoy my new life. Some suggestions on coming to Puerto Vallarta. 1. travel light.... you are not going to need a lot of clothes unless you plan on arriving early or staying for an extended time. While in the hospital, you can get by without a robe by wearing another pt gown like a robe.That will save some wt in your suitcase. They will provide you with slippers. 2. There are no washcloths in PV... none at the hospital and none at the NH Krystal hotel, so if you are a washcloth person be sure to bring your own. 3. Bring lots of one dollor bills.... I took 20 and wish that I had had 40. They come in handy for tips, without having to exchange for pesos or get change. Check out what Mexican currency is like before going. We were always asking " what's this " 4. Bring a heating pad. It will really help the post op gas. There were no heating pads at the hospital or hot water bottles. My support person made a heating pad for me by pouring hot water over a towel then putting the towel in a plastic bag and then a dry towel over my tummy with the hot towel in plastic over that. A bit awkward, but it helped tremendously. 5. Bring an ice bag. There were none of those available either and I had a raging migraine that just wouldn't break and the only ice I could put on my head was in a surgical glove that would just roll off. 6. Bring an extra empty or nearly empty suitcase, because despite my intentions to NOT shop while there, I did and had nothing appropriate to carry the items back. 7. There is no way to heat hot water in your hotel room, so if you want to make your own broth, they only have chicken available ( and boy is it scruptious )you can make your own in the room. 8. Speaking of broth, the airline was very good at bringing me hot water so I could make my own on the flight home. I hope this will be helpful to anyone going down and feel free to email me. I'm sure that I have forgotten somethings. The entire experience was very good and I had and even more post op complete confidence in the ability of all the doctors and hospital staff and of course Natalie keeps it all together for us. She is awesome. Jane
Jane Hinderlie <[email protected]>
Keizer, OR - Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 01:55:29 (GMT)
Hi Everyone, My surgery was last monday and today I am 6 days into recovery and feeling great. I had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy and am looking forward to a new life where food is not the major concern or interest. Just a few things for people to consider when going to MX from the USA. The medications that are used for pain and nausea have different names than what I am used to here in the states. Because of the language barrier, I was not able to ever exactly figure out just what I was getting, but the bottom line is that they all worked. One medication they used was Ketalor also known as Toradol and that was given to me IV for pain. It is not a narcotic but very effective. I'm an RN and we use Toradol for our C/section patients. I was also given a pill version of this for my pain medication on leaving the hospital. We don't have Toradol in pill form in the states and the closest to it would be Ibuprophen. If you have problems with migraines I would strongly suggest that you bring what works best for you with you and then clear with Dr.Joya or his staff Dr.Espinoza an ok to go ahead and use it. I did have a terrible migraine the 3rd day into my stay and wished that I had had my own ice bag with me as the nurses were only able to use a glove filled with ice and it wasn't very effective for a ice bag on my throbbing head. I also wish that I had brought along an electric heating pad as there were no hot water bottles either. My friend made me a heating pad by boiling water in the electric tea pot, I'd brought with me, and poured hot water over a towel and put the towel in a plastic bag and another towel between my tummy and the hot towel in the plastic bag. It worked very well for relieving some of the gas pain, but having a heating pad would have been better. I also brought along plenty of Gas X which helped when the walking did not. There are no clocks on the walls in the rooms at the hospital, so if you want to know the time, bring an alarm clock. I was able to keep my cell phone charged on their plug ins, but didn't get a plan that would let me call out of Mexico prior to leaving the USA, so was only able to communicate with my mother when she called me. Something to check out. Also, be sure to let your credit card company know that you will be putting a major about of money on your card in Mexico and give them the dates that you will be there. Some credit card companies will be reluctant to approve the charge when you are getting admitted and that can really delay things. Fortunately I was told about that before leaving. Things are on "Mexico" time there so if they say they will be there to see you at 9:30am... it might not be until 11 or 12. Just be relaxed about time schedules as you have no power over when things happen. I'm sure that this would be the case no matter where in Mexico one had surgery and Dr Joya and Dr. Espinoza are very very busy. There are no wash cloths either at the hospital or the Krytal, so if you are a wash rag person, bring your own. I was also told that the beds at the Krystal were very hard. I like a hard bed, so for me it was perfect, but if you like a soft bed, you can request a topper pad for your bed at the Krystal. Also be sure to ask for extra pillows as you will want more than just two to give support while lying on your back. It was a grand experience and I would choose the Vertical sleeve gastrectomy over the others anytime and would choose Dr Joya without a doubt. I hope those of you that read this find it helpful and anyone is free to email me if you have any questions. Blessings everyone on your wt loss journey. Jane
Jane H. <[email protected]>
Salem, OR - Monday, September 25, 2006 at 05:06:33 (GMT)
Tuesday Oct. 17... I'm 4 weeks post op now and feeling wonderful. I'm getting along well with my new stomach, which I call my banana, and it is teaching me how to eat. Gratefully, I've always been a slow eater and that has helped. I've always been the last one to finish a meal. Last night I had my first experience with head hunger. I wasn't at all hungry, but just wanted something. Even though I am still on a soft/pureed diet, there were some mixed nuts here that I had gotten for my mom, while she was here. I chewed them extremely well before I swallowed them, but after eating about 10, I was very uncomfortable in my "banana" . It wasn't pain, just very uncomfortable and I had to go to bed with a heating pad on my tummy. That really helped. The nuts seemed to give me a lot of gas. After getting rid of the gas, I was once again comfortable and able to sleep. It was a good learning experience. I love this surgery. I know that if I had had the R-NY or the lapband, my little dallying with the nuts would have produced vomiting. I'm also sure that in due time, I'll be able to eat nuts without a problem. Another thing that I love about this surgery, is that it does not limit what I can eat. .... for instance, lapbanders can't eat rice or potatos or grapes with skin on them... etc etc etc. With this surgery, I can be a "normie".
