I'm nearly 6 months post-op. I started noticing hair loss about three months ago. It might have been happening sooner, but I didn't notice it until a small chunk of hair came out in my hand. Mine was really only noticeable to my har stylist and me. At this point, I'm finding less hair in the sink. I've been told that the hair does grow back.

One thing I didn't find out until after surgery is that we can't take pain medicine other than Tylenol unless it's in liquid form. While my arthritis pain has diminished, there are still days when I wish I could pop in a few ibuprofens!

I have to admit, the first six post-op weeks were the most difficult for me, but as I said before, I would do it all again in a heartbeat!
Can't wait to hear how your surgery goes!

I think a wig is a great idea! Anything that helps build your confidence is worth it! My hair began thinning after about 4 months. It did grow back after about 10 months. The funniest thing is that although I have always had a natural wave to my hair, it grew back really curly! Thank goodness for flat irons!

I haven't had any hair loss. I am 13 months post op.

I haven't had any hair loss problems myself. I may just be lucky, or it may be partly because I usually get about 120 grams of protein a day.

I did just this past week start taking biotin, since it can't hurt. Most of the biotin I found was in capsules, which my doctor told me may not dissolve fast enough in my new stomach to help. I had RNY. I finally found one brand that is a chewable. If anyone is interested, it's made by Solaray, and is a 5,000 mcg lozenge. And quite yummy.

Biotin does not help your hair grow.

It helps to STRENGTHEN the hair shaft and nourish the follicles on your scalp.

I started losing hair about 3 months out and it stopped around the 8 month mark. I started biotin and it really helped with the appearance of my thinning hair and it has become a lot healthier, shinier and thicker. Did it grow? Nope. Has it started growing back? Yes, baby hairs, healthier than ever.

My best friend is a colourist and she advised me that calcium, vitamin D and biotin (which is also found in most shampoos, even store bought brands) will all help strengthen. Nothing will make your hair grow. Nothing at all. Ever. If you want your hair to grow back healthy and appear healthy, she also has me do olive oil and raw egg hair masks once a week, to stimulate the follicle as well.

3 months out it started coming out. I have unusually thick hair. (My pony tail would fit between my middle and thumb finger when I made a circle, and that would be tight.) I have lost about half of my hair. It took four months (till 7 months post-op) to stop falling out. I cut my hair about two months ago into a longer bob (asymmetrical?) to help with the new growth. It's all coming back, and now I look like a troll doll, but I feel so much better about it.

Fear not, it will pass!

Something to be careful about: There is a chance your hair may react differently to colors and chemicals post surgery. My hairdresser of 12 years (and maid of honor in my wedding next month) basically dissolved off the majority of my shoulder length hair about 2 weeks ago with a treatment that would have probably been fine before. I had to cut it to a length and style similar to Pink (the singer). I'm trying my best to rock the new style but it was one of the most shocking things that has ever happened to me, compounded by the fact I'm about to get married. Wouldn't change my surgery for the world, just trying my best to accept all that has come with it. Edit: I'm 4 months out from Lap-Band with Plication.

I started taking biotin pre-op. There is no way to prevent some hair loss. Its gonna happen. I was really concerned about it too. The biotin wont prevent it from shedding, but it will help encourage new growth. I was convinced I was going to go bald! Guess what? I didnt :happy: It thinned...but it is now growing back in. I would say the heaviest shedding was between months 3-7. Now I have tons of new growth. Lots of little short hairs sticking up everywhere! I am not complaining though...its hair! The hair you will lose is *so* worth the benefits you will gain from better health. Make sure you pay attention to your protein intake and get in as much as you can. You will be fine!

I started reall worrying about it neer 3 months out. Although others didn't see it, my DR but me on 1 biotin daily and it stopped it within 2 weeks. My dietician also stressed how important getting in all the protein is to avoid hair loss. Since then, I try my best to get in at least 60-65 grams every day if not more.

also, do coconut oil hair masks!
massage (liquified) coconut oil into your scalp before you go to sleep and leave it in overnight.... it will keep hair strong and super healthy and will decrease thinning, breaking and split ends!