Bariatric surgery is a permanent and safe treatment for obesity. bariatric surgery provides weight loss by reducing the amount of consumption and reducing nutrient absorption. In the period after bariatric surgery, you may notice that you are losing more hair than usual. This is one of the side effects of obesity surgeries. Hair loss, which is more common until the 6th month after bariatric surgery, is usually a temporary condition. Rapid weight loss and an unbalanced diet are conditions that can cause hair loss. According to a study, it was determined that 15 of 42 women lost their hair more than normal after bariatric surgery. In this study, it was determined that patients with hair loss had B12, iron and zinc deficiencies. Hair loss after bariatric surgery is called “Telogen Effluvium”. It is a condition related to the normal phases of the hair.

Hair Growth Phases

Human hair has two main growth phases. The first phase is called “anagen”. Most of our hair is in this phase at any given time, and it’s a growth phase. The second stage is called “telogen”. 10% of our hair is in this phase. This phase can also be called the resting phase of hair follicles. It normally takes no more than 6 months. After bariatric surgery, the number of hair follicles in the telogen phase increases. Hair in the anagen period passes into the resting period (telogen) before it should. During this period, hair loss is less than 50%. In addition to hair reduction on the scalp, there is also thinning of the hair shaft and after a while, the hair density returns to its original version. It is usually more evident in the temple area of the head than in other areas of the head.

Causes of Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery

Sudden weight loss and the effect of surgery on the body, deficiencies in food intake are just a few reasons why people lose their hair. Especially the nutritional values in the body affect the hair very much.

What to Do Against Hair Loss

It can be difficult to completely prevent hair loss after bariatric surgery, but hair loss can be reduced slowly over time. A healthy diet is always the most important factor for healthy hair. You should consume a lot of protein, during this period. Protein is the main structure of all cells and also shortens the healing process. However, you should not forget that protein intake should not be more than necessary. Because getting too much protein can negatively affect your weight loss goals. To have healthy hair, you must follow the diet lists recommended by your doctor after bariatric surgery.

If you want to achieve a good result, you should take nutritional supplements. You can take zinc, iron, and vitamin C as supplements. However, you should take these supplements in the amount recommended by your doctor, otherwise excessive use of these vitamins may cause more hair loss. To put it briefly, hair loss after bariatric surgery is normal. You shouldn’t panic. With the diet recommended by your doctor, your hair loss will stop after a while.