Causes and solutions for hair loss after bariatric surgery

Written by: Laura Arantegui / Date: 28-02-24 / Reading of 4 Minutes

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One of the side effects that some people experience after bariatric surgery is hair loss. This phenomenon can be concerning, but it is important to understand that it is a temporary and addressable effect. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of hair loss after bariatric surgery and provide solutions and tips for managing this side effect.

In this blog post, we will provide you with effective tips and care to ensure a good recovery.

Table of Contents

1. Causes of hair loss after bariatric surgery.
2. Solutions and tips for hair loss after bariatric surgery.
3. Frequently Asked Questions.

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Causes of hair loss after bariatric surgery

Hair loss after bariatric surgery can be related to several causes, and is often a combination of factors:

Dietary changes: After bariatric surgery, it is common for patients to experience changes in their diet. Dietary restrictions and decreased caloric intake can lead to a lack of essential hair nutrients such as protein, iron and zinc. These nutrients are essential for hair growth and health.
Rapid weight loss: Bariatric surgery results in significant weight loss in a short period of time. This rapid weight loss can be a trigger for hair loss, as the body can react to sudden changes in body composition.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes after bariatric surgery can influence hair health. Weight loss and changes in hormonal balance can affect the hair growth cycle.
Physical and emotional stress: Surgery and subsequent recovery can be stressful both physically and emotionally. Stress is a known factor in hair loss.

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Solutions and tips for hair loss after bariatric surgery

Although hair loss can be worrisome, there are actions you can take to manage and minimize this situation:

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Adapted diet: Make sure you follow an adapted diet rich in essential nutrients for hair, such as protein, iron, zinc and vitamins. Consult with a dietitian-nutritionist specializing in bariatric surgery for personalized recommendations.
Nutritional supplements: In some cases, vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary to ensure that you are getting the necessary nutrients. There are nutritional supplements formulated to improve hair health and stimulate hair growth, such as BariCAPIL; this is a food supplement based on aloe vera, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, which combined with your BariMIX will help you combat hair loss. Consult your medical team before taking any supplement.
Manage stress: Physical and emotional stress can aggravate hair loss. Practice stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga or therapy, to reduce anxiety.
Consult a healthcare professional: If hair loss is a concern or persistent, it is important to talk to a dermatologist, who can perform an analysis and provide specific guidance for your situation.

Hair loss after surgery is usually temporary. Hair tends to grow back once the body adapts to the changes. Patience is key in this process.

In summary, hair loss after bariatric surgery is a common and usually temporary side effect . Maintaining an adapted diet, managing stress and seeking professional advice can help you manage and overcome this challenge. The benefits gained after bariatric surgery in improving your health far outweigh the temporary effects of hair loss.

Bibliographic references

1. Cohen-Kurzrock RA, Cohen PR. Bariatric Surgery-Induced Telogen Effluvium (Bar SITE): Case Report and a Review of Hair Loss Following Weight Loss Surgery. Cureus. 2021 Apr 21;13(4):e14617. doi: 10.7759/cureus.14617. PMID: 34055500; PMCID: PMC8144077.Hair Loss After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta analysis. Zhang W, et al. s.l. : Obes Surg, 2021, Vols. 31(6):2649-2659. doi: 10.1007/s11695-021-05311.

2. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019 Mar;9(1):51-70. doi: 10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6. Epub 2018 Dec 13. PMID: 30547302; PMCID: PMC6380979.

3. Ruiz-Tovar J, Oller I, Llavero C, Zubiaga L, Diez M, Arroyo A, Calero A, Calpena R. Hair loss in females after sleeve gastrectomy: predictive value of serum zinc and iron levels. Am Surg. 2014 May;80(5):466-71. PMID: 24887725.