How to Avoid Hair Loss After Weight-Loss Surgery

October 19, 2023 | All Articles |

After bariatric surgery, patients need to adjust their lifestyls to promote healthy weight loss and improve their overall quality of life. This includes things like getting regular exercise, conmtrolling portions, and eating nutrian-rich food. Swapping unhealthy habits for positive routines can also help mitigate or avoid the negative side effects of weight loss surgery, such as hair loss.

Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery

Hair loss is a relatively common side effect for bariatric patients and typically occurs around 3-5 months after the procedure. One study determined that 57% of participants dealt with hair loss of some kind following bariatric surgery. Some patients are at an increased risk of developing hair loss post-op, including younger women and those who experience deficiencies in folic acid, ferritin, and zinc.

Some bariatric procedures are more likely to cause hair loss than others. This descrepency is related to how quickly patients lose weight after surgery. Certain procedures cause rapid weight loss post-op, resulting in nutriant deficiencies that lead to temporary hair loss. Patients undergoing gastric bypass or gastric cleeve procedures are more likely to experience hair loss than those who undergo more gradual weight-loss procedures.

Tips for Avoiding Post-Weight-Loss Surgery Hair Loss

If you do experience post-bariatric surgery hair loss, don’t panic. Hair loss as a result of bariatric surgery is temporary, with patients usually experiencing the worst of their hair loss in the months immediately following their procedure. As time goes on, patients typically experience less and less hair loss until their hair growth returns to normal.

While hair loss is a common issue, it can be a significant source of post-surgery stress. For patients who are concerned, there are several strategies that can be used to lessen or even eliminate hair loss after bariatric surgery.

Increase Protein Intake

Protein is a key part of any healthy diet and is instrumental in preventing hair loss because it provides your body with the necessary building blocks for hair regrowth. Patients adhering to a post-procedure liquid diet can easily blend high protein foods, such as chicken, fish, beans, and lean red meat to get the protein they need—or they can substitute protein shakes instead.

Try Supplements

One of the leading causes of post-bariatric hair loss is nutritional deficiency. Certain bariatric procedures, known as malabsorptive bariatric procedures, change the way the body absorbs and processes nutriants, often to nagative effect. Post-op, your doctor will recommend you take certain vitamins and supplements, like iron or zinc supplements, to ensure proper nutrition and combat deficiency-related hair loss. If post-op hair loss is a major concern for you, talk to your doctor to determine which supplements work best for your situation.

Stay Hydrated

Just as a healthy diet is an important part of recovering from bariatric surgery, it’s also important to prioritize hydration. Dehydration can lead to dry scalp, which exacerbates post-op hair loss. Patients should drink around 80 ounces of water per day following weight loss surgery. Drink plain water and avoid caffeinated, sugary beverages.

Consult Your Bariatric Team

If you experience hair loss or other side effects after a bariatric procedure, reach out to your bariatric team. The team at Tri State Bariatrics can help you navigate the complex world of bariatric surgery and provide recommendations for a speedy and safe recovery.