Dr. Myers, how can I minimize my hair loss after bariatric surgery?

We normally lose about 200 hairs a day. After significant rapid weight loss, whether by surgical, dietary or medical intervention, a person is likely to experience more hair loss between the 4th month and 6th month. The hair loss is not likely to continue much past the 6ht month mark after surgery and the hair follicles will regenerate after that time.

At Fresh Start Bariatrics we suggest the following to minimize hair loss:

1). Make sure you get in the necessary dietary protein every day. That is 60 grams daily for women and 80 grams for men.
2). Take at least 3 mg (3000 mcg) of Biotin each day and start it long before your operation. In fact I recommend you start it as soon as you start thinking you want to have bariatric surgery. This was recommended to our patients by a dermatologist that is a friend of mine. Biotin is an over the counter vitamin that strengthens your nails and hair. You may know people that take biotin just to make their hair thicker.
3). Finally, if your hair loss is bothersome to you consider a naloxone scalp treatment at your hair dressers or a local spa. This is supposed to rejuvenate the scalp. I know the spa at the Macy's department store at Easton here in Columbus, Ohio has this available and does a great job for our patients.

If you are doing these things you are doing the best you can for your hair. Probably all weight loss surgery patients experience some hair loss but most of our patients do not seemed to be bothered by it if they have stayed on this plan. Hope this helps.