If you are considering bariatric surgery to help you reach a healthy weight, you may have done some research about the recovery or common side effects. One question many people often ask is, “Is it normal to experience hair loss after bariatric surgery?”
Yes, thinning and shedding hair is a common side effect after bariatric surgery, and many patients report hair loss after gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery.
Seeing a lot of hair strands in your brush or at the bottom of the shower can cause understandable anxiety, but the good news is that hair loss after weight loss surgery is usually temporary. Today, we are going to go into why hair loss occurs after bariatric surgery, if there are steps you can take to prevent it, and some tips you can use to help your hair fill back in stronger and healthier.
Why Does Hair Loss Happen After Bariatric Surgery?
Hair thinning and shedding after bariatric surgery are most commonly linked to a condition called telogen effluvium, which happens when your body goes through emotional or physical stress. It can be triggered by things like surgery, sudden diet changes, low vitamin or mineral levels, illness, and fast weight loss because of the amount of stress these conditions put on your body.
When your body feels stressed, it will shift the majority of its energy toward your vital organs, like your heart and brain, and hair growth will not be given top priority.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
The strands of hair on your head do not all grow at the same time, because each one of the hair follicles on your scalp rotates through different phases. These phases include:
- Anagen phase: This is the active growth stage, and your hair can grow for several years during this phase;
- Catagen phase: This is a short resting stage that usually lasts a few weeks;
- Telogen phase: This is the shedding stage where hair falls out, and new hair begins to grow underneath. Losing up to 100 hairs per day can be normal during this phase.
When your body is put under stress, like undergoing bariatric surgery, more hairs than usual may enter the telogen phase at the same time. This can cause noticeable hair shedding that can start anytime between three and six months after your surgery.
Common Reasons for Hair Loss After Gastric Sleeve and Other Bariatric Surgeries
Rapid Weight Loss
When you lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time, your body can react as if it is under stress. It will shift into its survival response and only use energy for the most vital functions, like keeping your heart beating and delivering oxygen where it is needed in your body. Other less critical functions like hair growth are put on hold until your body feels like conditions are stable again.
Nutrient Deficiency
Bariatric surgery makes changes to your digestive system that make it harder for your body to get all the vitamins and nutrients it needs to function properly. You are eating significantly smaller portions and getting full faster, which makes it especially difficult to get enough protein. When your body is unable to get the volume of protein, zinc, iron, biotin, etc., your hair may become thinner or shed more than usual.
Hormonal Changes
Losing a significant amount of weight can alter the balance of your hormone levels. These changes in balance can trigger more hair shedding than usual.
How Long Does Hair Loss Last After Weight Loss Surgery?
Hair shedding after bariatric surgery can last for several months, but often improves six to twelve months after your surgery, as your body adjusts and your nutrition stabilizes. It is normal for new growth to start once your body comes out of the natural protection cycle.
If your hair shedding continues longer than a year, it is important to speak with your doctor and get it checked out. Ongoing thinning may be a sign of a nutritional deficiency or another medical concern that requires treatment.
Is There a Way to Prevent Hair Loss During Weight Loss?
You may not be able to stop all the hair shedding after weight loss, but there are ways to help keep your hair healthy and avoid as much hair loss as possible after bariatric surgery.
Make Sure to Get Enough Protein
Most bariatric patients need at least 60 to 80 grams of protein each day, but your goal may be different. Good sources of protein are lean meats, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, beans, protein shakes, etc.
Take All of Your Recommended Supplements
This is essential in order for you to get the vitamins and minerals you need. Some of these supplements may include:
- A complete bariatric multivitamin
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
- Vitamin B12
Dr. Portocarrero will monitor your lab work closely to ensure you are maintaining healthy levels and will adjust your personal supplementation program if necessary.
Stay Adequately Hydrated
Drinking enough water helps keep your circulation working properly to stimulate your hair follicles and deliver the oxygen and nutrients they need to help promote healthy hair growth.
Lose Weight Gradually and at a Steady Pace
Experts agree that losing one to three pounds per week is easier on your body and gives it time to adjust to the changes that are being made. Losing weight at a slower rate may reduce your risk of experiencing prolonged telogen effluvium.
Treat Your Hair With Extra Care
Avoid tight hairstyles, strong chemical treatments, and frequent use of heat tools. Choose a gentle shampoo and conditioner that do not contain sulfates or parabens and are made for thinning or delicate hair to provide extra protection.
Find Proactive Ways to Manage Your Stress Levels
Emotional stress can make hair shedding worse by releasing cortisol into your system. Activities like getting some exercise, doing some deep breathing, taking a walk, or participating in activities or hobbies you enjoy can help relieve built-up tension and stress.
When to Call Your Doctor About Hair Thinning After Gastric Sleeve or Other Bariatric Surgery
It is important to stay in close communication with your doctor after bariatric surgery and report any chronic or severe side effects. You should schedule a follow-up with your doctor if your:
- Hair loss is severe or patchy.
- Shedding lasts longer than twelve months.
- You feel extremely fatigued or weak.
- You are not able to meet your protein or supplement goals.
Your doctor can order lab tests that can check for things like low iron, vitamin deficiencies, or thyroid problems to identify the underlying cause and implement treatment to prevent further thinning.
Experiencing hair loss or thinning after bariatric surgery can be upsetting, but it is usually temporary, and watching your rate of weight loss, your protein intake, and your vitamin supplements may help you mitigate the severity.
A Minimally Invasive Alternative That May Lower the Risk of Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery
Losing weight at a slower pace can give your body time to gradually adjust to the changes without stressing out your hair follicles. Dr. Portocarrero and his team at Gastrointestinal & Endoscopic Weight Loss Solutions can create a plan that is tailored just for you to help you lose weight at a slower and safer rate so you can improve your health without experiencing serious side effects.
Dr. Portocarrero offers endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) in Los Angeles, CA, which is a procedure that reduces the size of your stomach using strategically placed sutures that reshape your stomach and make it smaller without the use of surgery. A special flexible tool called an endoscope with an attached camera is inserted through your mouth and lowered down your throat to gain access to your stomach. None of your stomach tissue is removed, and no other portion of your digestive system is altered.
Because weight loss with ESG is often more gradual, your body often has more time to adjust, and there is less stress on your body, which can reduce the risk of hair shedding and thinning compared to after bariatric surgery.
Where Can I Find Out More About ESG Non-Surgical Weight Loss?
If you are weighing your options for weight loss and would prefer a non-surgical procedure that can offer similar results to gastric sleeve surgery, ESG may be just what you are looking for.
Dr. Portocarrero at Gastrointestinal & Non-Surgical Weight Loss Solutions offers procedures to help you lose weight, including ESG and gastric balloons. These less invasive options offer safe and gradual weight loss and come with far fewer risks and a shorter recovery time compared with surgery.
Set up your personal consultation today and learn about the different options available to you to lose weight safely, effectively, and at a healthy rate.
