Hair loss after bariatric surgery is a common concern that can cause fear for those considering surgery and panic for those already experiencing it. Fortunately, this issue is usually temporary and can be managed before and after bariatric surgery. In this blog post, we will explore why hair loss after bariatric surgery occurs, when it typically resolves, how to prevent it, and how to treat it when it begins to occur.

Can Bariatric Surgery Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, hair loss after bariatric surgery is a frequent issue. Patients often notice hair thinning and loss due to several reasons: the trauma of surgery, the effects of anesthesia, and the significant hormonal and nutrient changes that occur before and after surgery.

High-stress situations, such as rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery, can trigger hair shedding, typically noticeable around 3-4 months post-surgery. Additionally, the body is still recovering from a caloric deficit due to the liver shrink diet preceding surgery and the gradual progression of bariatric diet stages post-surgery.

Hair growth works on a three-month cycle. Therefore, around the 3-4 month mark after bariatric surgery, some patients begin noticing more significant thinning and shedding of their hair.

When Does Hair Loss Stop After Bariatric Surgery?

For most patients, hair loss after bariatric surgery typically subsides around 6-9 months after the surgery. This usually aligns with when patients can consume enough calories, protein, and nutrients to support the fresh growth of hair follicles.

However, if you have undergone bariatric surgery and are also experiencing significant stress (e.g., divorce, grieving a loss, job loss, financial instability), it may take longer for your hair growth to return to normal.

Is Hair Loss Permanent?

While hair thinning and loss after weight loss surgery can be unpleasant and intimidating, it is not usually permanent. There are measures you can take before and after surgery to prevent hair thinning and loss or reduce its severity.

How to Prevent Hair Loss

Hair is composed of protein, making it essential to ensure you are consuming more than 60 grams of protein daily. Ideally, aim for 80+ grams of protein from nutrient-dense whole foods. If you are taking protein supplements, make sure they are complete sources of protein. Consult your certified bariatric dietitian for specific guidance.

Consistently taking your bariatric vitamins is also crucial. Multiple vitamins and minerals involved in hair growth are included in your bariatric vitamin regimen in the appropriate amounts.

If you have had bariatric surgery and are not taking vitamins, we recommend starting here for extra support and guidance on how to get back on track with your bariatric vitamin regimen.

Other tips to prevent hair loss after bariatric surgery include:

• Using unflavored collagen peptides (from brands like Vital Proteins or Orgain). Of note- collagen peptides are not technically a complete source of protein. However, you practice utilizing 1 serving size alongside a diet full of whole food sources of protein.
• Switching to a biotin-based shampoo and conditioner.
• Avoiding hair extensions, as they can exacerbate hair loss. Instead, consider getting a cute haircut until your hair growth returns.

Importance of Nutrition in Hair Loss

To minimize hair loss, ensure you are meeting all your nutrient needs, including the right amounts of protein, unsaturated fats, carbohydrates, and multivitamins. Without a nutrient-dense and healthy diet, your body won’t get the proper nutrition it needs to create healthy hair.

From a food standpoint, essential fatty acids found in walnuts, flaxseed, and some plant oils can help mitigate hair loss (2 teaspoons per day).

If your zinc levels are severely low, you may experience hair loss after bariatric surgery. If zinc supplementation is needed, it is important to simultaneously supplement with copper since zinc intake can cause a copper deficiency. Be sure to speak with your surgical team about prior to starting any additional supplementation and make sure you are collecting a full panel of labs every 6-12 months after surgery according to your surgical practice protocols.

Herbal treatments and vitamins should be used with caution, as their effectiveness or purity is not always tested. Side effects of herbal treatments may not be well-documented and could interact with other medications you take. Always consult your dietitian and/or bariatric provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medical or vitamin therapy to help with hair loss after bariatric surgery.

In Summary

When preparing for bariatric surgery, ensure you are in the habit of including vitamins and 80 grams of protein in your diet each day. After surgery, consistency in taking your bariatric vitamin regimen, consuming more than 80 grams of protein daily (ideally from nutrient-dense foods), and finding ways to mitigate daily stress are the best ways to encourage the return of hair growth and minimize hair loss after bariatric surgery.

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