Hair Loss after Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Following your gastric sleeve surgery, you may notice that your waistline is not the only thing getting thinner. Your hair may also begin to thin, weaken, and shorten leading to a temporary loss. Many patients fear this side effect, but if you have done your research, then you know this is expected and should not last very long.

Does hair loss happen to every patient?

Hair loss can affect some weight loss patients. It is primarily due to the changes in your nutritional intake. However, it does tend to be less common among gastric sleeve patients because, with this procedure, your nutrient absorption is not affected, only the amount you actually consume at one time.

How long does this period last?

Hair loss is usually temporary and often occurs within the first six months following surgery. The patients can sometimes experience hair loss after 3-4 months. Once this period passes, you should see a return to your normal condition if you are following your surgeon’s nutritional guidelines.

Because bariatric surgery reduces the amount of calories consumed, your body often responds with hormonal changes that affect hair loss as well. As long as your recovery is progressing normally and you are monitoring your nutrition with your doctor’s guidance, this should reverse quickly. Keep in mind that emotional stress can also trigger hair loss, so you will want to reduce stress as much as possible.

What can be done to prevent hair loss?

Since hair loss is primarily due to deficiencies in your nutrition, especially protein, it is important that you follow your doctor’s guidelines for consumption following your surgery. It is vitally important that you maintain the amounts recommended by your surgeon.

Some tips for preventing hair loss after surgery:

• Eat a high-protein diet. This includes supplements that can be added to your liquid diet in the immediate recovery period.
• Take an approved bariatric multivitamin.
• Other vitamins that are helpful: B12, biotin, zinc, folates, calcium citrate, and Vitamin D.
• Try and reduce emotional stress with activities such as walking, hiking, swimming.

As always, you should direct your questions and concerns to your weight loss center and the doctor in charge of your care. They are here to help and work with you to achieve your goals – with weight being the only loss they hope to see.