Clinical Questions and Answers
December 2010
in “
Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care
”
TLDR Hair loss after bariatric surgery can be reduced by staying hydrated, eating enough protein, taking vitamins, managing stress, and possibly using biotin.
The document from December 2010 discusses telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss that can affect up to 70% of scalp hair around 2 months after bariatric surgery due to the stress of the surgery and significant weight loss. Other causes include high fevers, severe infections, chronic illness, psychological stress, thyroid issues, crash diets, inadequate protein, and zinc deficiency. Hair regrowth typically occurs in 3-6 month cycles. To prevent further hair loss, patients should maintain proper hydration and protein intake, take multivitamins and minerals, monitor thyroid function, manage stress, and possibly use biotin supplements, although their effectiveness is questionable. High doses of zinc supplements should be balanced with copper to prevent deficiency. The document also advises bariatric practices to use Facebook for patient engagement and emphasizes the importance of the first post-operative year for establishing healthy habits and long-term success.
