Hair Loss after Bariatric Surgery
Hair loss after bariatric surgery is an expected side effect due to the sudden change in your nutrition and calorie intake. The bariatric surgical procedure alters your digestive system so you can lose weight. As a result, however, your hair may start to fall out after this surgery.
Why Does Bariatric Surgery Cause Hair Loss?
- Vitamin and mineral deficiency
- Hormone fluctuations
- Caloric restriction
- The trauma of the surgical procedure
- Medications, such as beta-blockers, anticoagulants and excess vitamin A
Svetlana Pyatigorskaya, a nurse practitioner and board-certified anti-aging specialist at Vitality NP NYC in New York City offers a range of solutions if you’re struggling with bariatric surgery hair loss. After your weight-loss procedure, this hair-loss specialist becomes your care provider for post-bariatric recovery.
When Will I Experience Bariatric Hair Loss?
Hair loss after losing weight from a bariatric surgical procedure usually occurs between three and six months after the surgery. This side effect affects about a third of all patients. Your bariatric surgeon explains the post-bariatric changes so you know what to expect before you undergo the procedure.
Make plans to visit Vitality in Lower Manhattan before your procedure so you can receive all the pertinent advice to help you prevent or minimize hair loss. Svetlana may recommend the use of potent bariatric vitamins.Factors that may influence bariatric surgery hair loss include:
- Type of surgery. People who undergo gastric bypass have a higher chance of bariatric hair loss than those who instead choose another weight loss surgery, such as gastric banding or gastric sleeve insertion, because the weight loss is more rapid.
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Medical history.
Some medical and psychological conditions, such as stress and high blood pressure, may make you more vulnerable to weight loss surgery hair loss.
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Use of medications.
If you’re already on some medications that accelerate hair loss, the surgery may accelerate your hair loss.
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Poor diet.
A lack of the proper nutrition can exacerbate the condition because your body is already pulling nutrients away from hair growth to vital organs that need it more.
How Can I Stop Hair Loss after Weight Loss Surgery?
- Eat nutrient-rich foods each day.
- Take vitamin and mineral supplements, such as iron and zinc. Take bariatric surgery hair loss vitamins with adequate B vitamins, folate, zinc and biotin, which you can get through Vitality. Supplements of B12 and calcium citrate with vitamin D also help with hair regeneration.
- Increase your protein intake to at least 60 grams a day.
- Avoid stress. Bariatric surgery and hair loss are closely related, and the stress of surgery is enough to cause hair loss. Reduce other sources of stress where you can.
- Visit Svetlana before your surgery for pre-bariatric advice and services to better prepare you for the procedure and its after-effects.
When these tips for preventing hair loss after bariatric surgery fail, talk to a post-bariatric hair loss specialist. At Vitality NP NYC, you get alternative hair loss treatment options that include PRP for hair loss, among other therapies.
