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Tips to Minimize Hair Loss after Weight-loss Surgery

It is quite common to lose hair after weight loss surgery. This can be due to a rapid weight loss, insufficient protein intake, or the stress that your body experiences from surgery. A lack of vital nutrients like zinc, biotin and potassium, as well as phosphorous, could also cause hair loss after surgery.

These nutrients may cause hair roots to become damaged and render them unsalvageable. Hair that lacks protein will eventually fall off the scalp.

You can reduce the risk of hair loss by making sure your diet post-surgery is high in protein and rich in the right vitamins and minerals. These are some ways to ensure you get the right nutrients to protect your hair.



Tips to minimize hair loss following weight-loss surgery

  • Aim to eat between 60 and 80 grams of protein every day.

  • Every meal and snack should contain a protein.

  • To meet your daily protein intake goals, you can use liquid or powdered protein supplementation.

  • As directed by your doctor, take vitamin and mineral supplements

  • Every day, enjoy a variety of nutritious and healthy foods.

Don't be alarmed if you do experience hair loss after bariatric surgery.


Bariatric Surgery: Why does hair fall after surgery?

Hair loss is most common after bariatric surgery. It usually occurs between 3 and 6 months. This is thought to be due in part to a higher than usual amount of hair follicles becoming dormant. This medical term is "telogen effluvium". This condition can also be observed in childbirth and severe emotional distress. Even if someone loses significant weight, they can still experience hair loss.


Hair loss following weight loss surgery is usually temporary and lasts only 6 to 12 months. Other causes may be suspected, but this is a good thing. Normal hair growth will eventually return. This type of hair loss doesn't cause baldness. Unfortunately, there is no way to stop hair loss from happening in the first place. To know more details check gastric sleeve hair loss


What are the Signs of Hair Loss?

Hair loss after bariatric surgery can also occur, although it is less common. This possibility should not be overlooked if:

  • After the first year, hair loss continues

  • After surgery, hair loss usually begins six months later.

  • Due to severe difficulty swallowing, nausea, or vomiting, there are ongoing problems maintaining adequate food intake.

  • A blood test reveals persistently low levels of iron, zinc, or protein

  • There are other symptoms that indicate vitamin/or mineral deficiency.

What can you do about hair loss?

The main cause of hair loss after Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is just waiting for the process to complete. Patients must ensure they consume 60-80g of protein daily and follow a proper vitamin regimen.


A patient should be checked for any signs of nutritional deficiencies, including zinc, iron, and B12 levels, if there's a concern. Also, it is important to ensure that multivitamins are containing zinc (8-22mg) or copper (1-2mg).


Some research suggests that daily supplementation with biotin (2.5mg) or flaxseed oil (15ml), may help hair regrowth. These supplements are loved by many people, but there has been very little research.

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