Gastric Bypass Hair Loss: A Side Effect of Surgery

Gastric bypass hair loss is one of the more upsetting side effects of
obesity surgery for many people. A number of patients who have obesity
surgery experience severe hair loss, in many cases so severe that
clumps of hair fall out at one time. It is not unusual for patients who
have had gastric bypass surgery to find that their hair volume is
dramatically reduced, and what remains of their tresses is lifeless and dull.

The reason behind this hair loss is that the body takes in so few
nutrients in the period right after obesity surgery. Right after gastric
bypass surgery, patients take in far less nutrition during recovery and
eat reduced portions from the time of surgery, since gastric bypass
ensures a smaller stomach and smaller appetite. The body reacts to this by
going into starvation mode, channeling all nutrition to essential
systems, and conducting less nutrition to the hair follicle. This results
in the increased rate of loss of hair, especially four to eight months
after surgery, which is the peak time of hair loss after gastric bypass
surgery. As patients eat more in the months following surgery and as
the body becomes used to the new eating pattern, follicle loss usually
stops and hair grows back.

Hair loss is unpleasant but the higher rate of follicle loss should not
keep patients from surgery. Patients who want obesity surgery but
don’t want to experience unreasonable hair loss should speak to their
doctor before surgery. Often, hair loss can be slowed down through
nutrition supplements before and after surgery. Eating as many nutrient-rich
foods - including plenty of protein - after surgery can also be a way to
ensure that follicles grow as well as possible.

 

 

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