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Many people fear hair-loss after surgery. The good news is although some hair loss should be expected after weight-loss surgery, it’s not permanent!

Because there are so many hormonal changes that occur during the fast weight-loss results immediately after surgery, there is a chance you may experience hair loss, but only temporarily.

It’s important that you strive to keep an emotional balance, as stress can become an additional factor in poor hair growth.

A very interesting and surprising thing to learn is that our hair is always growing and that at the same time we are always losing it. There are two stages in the hair growth cycle: the growth phase is called anagen and most of our hair follicles are in this phase constantly. The other phase is called the telogen phase. This is when the hair follicles rest and don’t grow. It can last around 1 to 6 months. The average telogen phase lasts 3 months.

Hair-loss after surgery usually occurs between the third and fourth month after surgery, and the hair you shed is most likely the hair that during the surgery was in the resting phase. This is why this type of hair loss is called Telogen effluvium.

Early in the 60s, research revealed that an iron deficiency is the most common cause of hair loss. Research has also shown that low levels of the amino acid l-lysine may be the reason for hair-loss, yet not as the main cause.

In bariatric surgery patients, the weight-loss resulting from surgery is also a factor; weight-loss will trigger hormonal changes that may include those that promote hair growth. However, after the weight-loss period, you will reach a stable weight, which will stabilize hair growth hormones. So, as you can see, there are a few reasons you should not miss a day of supplements. Your surgeon will ask you to take specific supplements based on your unique condition. Don’t forget your nutrition is enhanced by supplements, but remember that, more importantly, eating right is what your body needs to function properly. Following these recommendations on a regular basis will ensure you experience the least trouble possible.

The reasons you just read above are the most common for hair-loss after bariatric surgery; however, don’t forget there are reasons that are not related to surgery. These include stress and genetic baldness, which can occur at any age in adulthood.

The shift towards a new healthy you includes being patient with your body and it’s a lifetime commitment, so try to understand your body changes and make patience also be a life commitment towards the recovery of your overall health.

At Mexicali Bariatric Center, we want to help our patients in every possible aspect, and we understand that physical appearance is important, so it’s a good idea to try not to treat your hair during the post-op period as it may also contribute to hair breakage or a poor condition, such as, perms, dyes or pulling too hard for hairstyles.

And remember! Although your physical appearance is important, your physical and mental health are yet more important, and the good news is hair-loss after surgery is temporary!

So, after surgery, make it a goal to keep stress levels down. Instead, try to keep up enthusiasm, take your supplements, and you will find a better, happier, healthier you every day.