Despite the health benefits of weight loss, studies say some issues will arise after trying to lose weight through surgery. Hair loss is one of the common issues. The chance of losing hair after bariatric surgery was 57%. Seemingly, the loss of hair is more prevalent in younger people. It’s like solving a problem only to discover another issue. But that’s not the end of the world. This short article will teach you everything about hair loss after weight loss surgery.
The Process of Weight Loss Surgery
Bariatric surgery is usually recommended for people with obesity after other strategies have proven effective for losing weight. The surgery works on the stomach and other parts of the digestive system, such as the small intestine. Often, this leads to lower food consumption because the brain stops notifying or stimulating the body’s need for food like it used to. Understanding how this works can help you comprehend the other part of this article.
Causes of Hair Loss After Weight Loss Surgery
People lose their hair for various reasons after surgery. Let’s examine some of the causes more thoroughly:
Lack of Hair-development Nutrient
A person who undergoes weight loss surgery usually has to eat less food. They will likely eat smaller portions and fewer nutrients in their diet. This action can reduce the quantity of needed nutrients the body gets. Therefore, fewer nutrients will go to the body parts related to hair development. Research says the common nutrients lacking in people who suffer hair loss are Zinc, folic acid, and iron. Protein and copper are also common nutritional deficiencies in this group of people.
Telogen Effluvium
This happens to a considerable number of people after their weight loss journey. When the body has undergone severe changes, it tries to balance its nutritional needs by taking from some parts to others. In this case, the body takes some of the nutrients meant for hair development and redirects them towards essential organs in the system. Therefore, the hair stays dormant, which we call the telogen effluvium. Lack of development for three to four months will eventually cause the hair to fall off.
Tips On How to Maintain Your Hair After Weight Loss Surgery
People become healthier after weight loss surgery, and their life expectancy improves. Though there are a few side effects, the benefits are too many to ignore. These are the ways to prevent too much hair loss later:
Follow Up
The health professional in charge of the operation often provides an effective program for you to follow. This will help them determine the progress of the body’s development. They will expect you to consult a dietician regularly for some time. A dietician can provide a report and recommendations to facilitate a smooth and quick recovery. Dieticians will also make meal plans and explain how to get the most out of your food.
Use Supplements
Your doctor will recommend supplements containing Zinc, copper, and folic acid. Depending on what the doctor observes or sees during their observation, they may recommend a hair loss supplement. The doctor will give you a few supplements orally, while others, like the copper supplement, will be given intravenously. Sometimes, you will also need collagen supplements to help with skin collagen because some people get excess loose skin after weight loss.
Obey Instructions
The doctors will provide the best professional advice or create a recovery schedule. Please follow them and report to the doctors if you notice any body changes during your recovery so they can provide further or better recommendations.
Hair Loss After Weight Loss Is Normal
Losing hair happens to most people after weight loss surgery. For those with substantial hair loss, consider talking to professionals like dieticians, using supplements, or improving your diet.
