Hair Loss After Weight Loss Surgery

Opting to go under the knife in order to lose weight is a serious decision. Being overweight can increase the complications in any operation, so procedures such as gastric bands should only be carried out as a last resort, where changes to diet and exercise have proved ineffective or not possible under the circumstances.

When opting for weight loss surgery, there are many possible side effects to consider, including sickness, bruising, swelling and infection. However, there are other, less obvious complications that can arise after the surgery. Not only can you expect to lose weight, but some people who undergo the procedures often find that they're faced with hair loss, too.

Hair Loss And Weight Loss Are They Linked?

Even when surgery is not involved, a new diet regime can often be responsible for lacklustre, thinning hair. There are several potential reasons for this, from the lack of vital vitamins due to calorie limitation, to the emotional toll of the new regimen, which can lead to stress related hair loss conditions such as Telogen Effluvium. However, because weight loss surgery takes food restriction to the extreme, the effect on the hairline and general hair thinning can be equally drastic.

When patients are fitted with a gastric band, sleeve or a similar device, their stomach capacity is reduced so that they can only take in minimal amounts of food and this reduction in food can lead to a deficiency in nutrients.

Lack of minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium can also have an adverse effect on the hairline. If you're concerned that your diet is affecting your hair, you can take the supplement Hair Vitalics as part of a clinically-proven hair loss treatment programme.

The Pros Of Protein

Protein is one of the most important components for a healthy head of hair hair follicles are composed of keratin, which is a specific type of protein, so a dramatic reduction in the intake of this type of food can make it harder for follicles to grow strong strands.

The minimal meals that men or women who have had a gastric device fitted are able to consume often do not provide enough of the above mentioned vitamins, minerals and proteins. If one of all of these deficiencies is present, hair can become brittle and prone to breakage, leading to thinning, receding, and in extreme cases, even balding around the crown.

What Can Be Done?

If you are considering a weight loss surgery procedure and are worried about potential hair loss, make sure that balanced nutrition is a high priority. It may help to speak to your doctor about your concerns they will be able to offer advice about the best kinds of food to retain in your diet, or recommend additional supplements to ensure that your nutrient levels are sufficient. However, if you take these precautions and find that you still experience symptoms of hair loss, it is advisable to consult with a hair loss specialist, to see if there is another hair loss condition, such as Alopecia Areata or genetic hair loss, affecting you.