Common causes of hair loss include dramatic weight loss, surgery, hormonal imbalance, high stress, extreme diet change, protein-calorie malnutrition, medications, iron or zinc deficiency, or thyroid issues. After weight loss surgery, you are causing caloric restriction or even malabsorption of really important nutrients that the body needs.
Bariatric hair loss after surgery can be common in men and women. Hair follicles are present in three stages including the Anagen phase, Catagen phase, and Telogen phase.
Anagen is the growth phase.
Catagen is the transition phase.
Teleogen is the dormant or hair loss phase.
Bariatric hair loss is usually diagnosed as Telogen Effluvium, which is a temporary hair loss. The issue is not fully understood, but the hair follicles tend to be forced into the dormant phase which lasts 3-6 months and then falls out. This is usually why many people see hair loss after bariatric surgery.
Bariatric hair loss after surgery can be quite scary and may defer people away from choosing bariatric surgery. But, hair loss is not permanent, and the hair grows back with proper nutrition. Those who undergo bariatric surgery are more likely to experience hair loss than those who have undergone a Lap-Band procedure. It is because in bariatric surgery, the weight loss is quick, and there is a higher chance of nutrient deficiency in the body once the surgery is completed. But, in the Lap-Band procedure, the weight loss is gradual, so people experience less amount of hair fall.
Our Las Vegas Bariatrics, Dietitian is dedicated to providing accurate guidance to our bariatric patients during the weight loss journey.
