Tijuana Bariatric Center Blog

Bariatric surgery has helped countless people achieve a healthier weight and experience the benefits of improved wellness. After surgery, patients may face a few challenges when it comes to adjusting to their new dietary habits and lifestyle. One of these challenges is temporary hair loss and thinning. It’s estimated that around 30 to 40 percent of patients experience hair loss after bariatric surgery within the first six months.

The team at our Tijuana, MX bariatric surgery center would like to consider the basics of why this happens. We’ll then suggest some nutritional/dietary supplements that can help prevent or reduce the hair loss after surgery.

Why Hair Loss Happens After Bariatric Surgery

Undergoing bariatric surgery changes your diet in a drastic way. Patients will be consuming fewer calories and may be getting fewer vitamins and minerals as well. Hormonal changes after surgery are also common. Both of these issues can alter the natural hair growth cycle, causing some hair loss in the first months following surgery.

As your body begins to adjust to the changes in your eating habits, hormones should even out and the hair loss should stop. Dietary supplements can help manage and minimize your hair loss.

Iron Supplements

Iron is essential in forming hemoglobin in healthy blood cells. Iron is also important in keratin production and proper hair growth cycles. A lack of iron can potentially lead to hair loss, as well as anemia and other health problems. Taking an iron supplement can help address a number of issues and nutritional deficiencies.

Zinc Supplements

A lack of zinc in your system can lead to thinning, brittle hair. Zinc deficiencies have also been linked to a weakened immune system and poor wound healing. Take zinc supplements as you are losing weight, and eat foods rich in zinc as well (e.g., chickpeas, lamb, spinach).

Biotin Supplements

Also known as B7 and vitamin H, biotin is a B-complex vitamin that’s essential for health skin, nails, and hair. While biotin deficiencies are somewhat rare, there has been some anecdotal evidence that taking biotin supplements can help reduce the amount of hair loss following bariatric surgery.

Copper Supplements

An essential trace element, copper deficiencies tend to be very rare. However, such deficiencies are possible in people who have undergone bariatric surgery. In addition to causing neurological problems, copper deficiencies are often linked to hair loss.

Proper Protein Intake

Protein typically makes up the bulk of your diet after undergoing bariatric surgery. Sometimes patients may not be getting enough protein in their diet, however. Among other things, protein is crucial for proper hair growth and production. Lack of protein combined with other nutritional deficiencies could be what’s causing more pronounced hair loss.

Proper Fatty Acid Intake

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for proper human health and wellness. The body usually receives these fatty acids from foods such as fish, green vegetables, and flaxseeds. Lack of fatty acids has been linked to hair loss, as well as depression and skin lesions.

Learn More About Surgical Weight Loss

To learn more about weight loss surgery and adjusting to the changes associated with the procedure, be sure to contact the team at Tijuana Bariatric Center. We will offer you an honest assessment about the potential challenges ahead and the benefits once those hurdles are crossed.

Tagged In: Bariatric Surgery, Hair Loss