1.  Physical Stress

Different types of stresses on the body can cause hair loss.  Stressors can include:  high fever, severe infection, major surgery, acute physical trauma, chronic debilitating hair loss, acute weight loss, crash dieting, anorexia, low protein intake, medications (beta-blockers, anti-coagulants, retinoids, immunizations), hormonal disruption, iron or zinc deficiency.  Surgery-related hair loss should not last for more than six months and hair should re-grow after that period of loss.  If the hair loss is diet-related, it may last for longer.

2.  Nutrient Deficiency

Here are some common signs that your hair loss may be nutrient-related:

• Your hair loss started more than six months after surgery.
• Your hair loss lasts more than 1 year.
• You have low energy levels or other physical signs of fatigue and malnourishment.

If you have these diet-related symptoms, you may need to change something about your diet.  Ask yourself if you are getting at least 60 grams of protein if you’re a female or 80 grams of protein if you’re a male.  If you are not, you should start increasing your protein intake immediately.  Be sure to go with food first.  Getting a majority of your protein from supplements may enable you to reach your protein goal, but you may be missing out on nutrients from real foods that your body needs.

3.  Vitamins/Minerals Deficiency

Are you following your vitamin regimen closely?  If not, start immediately.  Iron is the single most important nutrient when it comes to preventable hair loss.  Zinc deficiency has also been seen in correlation with hair loss.  Biotin is commonly believed to help prevent hair loss but has not been confirmed through research involving humans.  Other possibilities for deficiency include Vitamin A, Folate and B6.  Taking your multivitamin daily is key.  If you have a history of anemia or are a female of menstruating age, you may have to take an additional Iron supplement.  Omega-3 Fatty acids are also good for hair health and are found in walnuts, avocado and flax seed.

4.  Emotional Stress

Are you stressed for any reason?  Stress can cause hair loss.  Try to incorporate even as little as 10 minutes of quiet time into your day.  Sit in silence for some deep breathing, go for a walk or do some reading to decrease your stress levels.  If you have recently stopped smoking, this may also cause you to feel stressed.  If so, hang in there!  You will feel better and be glad you quit soon.

If you don’t think any of the above reasons are causing your hair loss, make an appointment to see your doctor.  There may be an underlying metabolic issue that could be the cause.

Bariatric surgery offers patients a new beginning, an opportunity to enjoy renewed health and vitality. Patients who stick to their new diet and lifestyle after surgery enjoy the greatest benefits. Not only do they lose more weight and maintain healthy weight, but they can also avoid many of the side effects associated with bariatric surgery.

Side Effects of Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is just that: a surgical procedure. That means that there are some side effects common to all surgical procedures, elective or otherwise. As with any surgery, bariatric surgery involves a risk of infection at the surgical site. Be sure to listen to the doctor about cleaning the incision site, and watch for fever, which can be a sign of infection.

Certain patients may also be at greater risk for pulmonary embolism, which is when a blood clot forms in the legs and travels to the lungs. Since being overweight increases the risk of pulmonary embolism, it’s important for weight loss patients to follow the doctor’s directions for lowering this risk. Using leg wraps and walking frequently can reduce risk of blood clots.

Other surgical complications are specific to weight loss surgery. There may be leaking around staples, and patients may get hernias at the surgical site. Bariatric surgery patients are also at elevated risk for gallstones, bleeding stomach ulcers, and kidney stones. Your doctor will carefully monitor your health in the months following surgery, to detect any of these conditions.

Common Side Effects of Bariatric Procedures

Bariatric surgery dramatically changes the way your body processes food. After the procedure, patients follow a very specific dietary plan that begins with an all-liquid diet and gradually incorporates regular food after two to three months. Patients may experience the following side effects during those first few months after the procedure:

• Nausea or vomiting: Patients may find that eating or drinking causes them to feel physically ill.
• Dumping syndrome: This complication occurs when the patient empties into the small intestine too quickly. It’s usually linked to eating sugary or fatty foods.
• Food intolerance: Patients may find that they can no longer digest certain foods, especially when they first reintroduce solid foods.
• Dehydration: It may be difficult to consume enough fluids directly after surgery, but dehydration can cause nausea or vomiting, and interfere with nutrient absorption.
• Cold intolerance: Changes in metabolism and loss of body fat can make weight loss patients feel more sensitive to cooler temperatures.
• Temporary hair loss: Around 50% of women report thinning hair within 2 to 10 months of bariatric surgery. The hair usually grows in normally once the patient returns to a more normal diet.

Overcoming the Side Effects

Most side effects after surgery can be prevented by carefully adhering to instructions regarding portion size, dietary restrictions, chewing, and other aspects of food intake. Patients should take small bites, chew food thoroughly, and avoid foods that may be harder to digest or cause gas. For instance, foods that are tough, stringy, sticky, or dry are more difficult for the stomach to digest after surgery. So are starchy foods. Meanwhile, foods like broccoli can cause gas and bloating, which can be extremely uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, it’s important to listen to your body’s signals. Learn what it’s like to feel full, and recognize that one extra bite could cause nausea and discomfort. Add only one new food at a time, to see whether your body will tolerate each one. Finally, avoid fatty and sugary foods, which are the most difficult for your body to digest.

If you have questions about weight loss surgery, please contact us at North Florida Regional Medical Center. Visit us online or call (800) 342-6057 for answers to your weight loss questions.