Is hair loss after gastric sleeve surgery normal? If you are concerned about the possibility of your hair health being negatively affected, read on, because in this post we tell you how high the risk of hair loss is after a gastric sleeve and what you can do to decrease the chances of it happening to you.

Is hair loss common in gastric sleeve patients?

Hair loss is a common occurrence after a gastric sleeve and may affect more than 57% of those who undergo the procedure, as demonstrated by a study published in the medical journal Obesity Surgery.. Therefore, it is normal to expect some hair loss after undergoing this bariatric procedure.

However, almost all of the bariatric surgeriesThe gastric sleeve, to a greater or lesser extent, produces this hair loss after the procedure. In comparison, the gastric sleeve may produce a less accentuated loss than other procedures such as the gastric bypass.

How long does hair loss last after gastric sleeve surgery?

Hair loss can last for several months after you have a gastric sleeve. Over the course of those months, you will see the loss subside until you are completely back to normal. Generally, hair loss will not last more than 6 months, at the most.

What are the main reasons for hair loss after gastric sleeve surgery?

The main reasons for hair loss after gastric sleeve surgery are as follows:

1. Low levels of zinc and iron in the organism.

Low levels of zinc and iron can lead to hair loss after gastric sleeve surgery, as highlighted by a study published in 2014.

This is why it is so important that you follow a healthy diet and that you supplement your diet adequately, especially if you are having a malabsorptive procedure such as the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, which can significantly reduce the nutrients your body receives.

2. Low levels of protein and folic acid

As with zinc and iron, a sudden loss of protein and folic acid intake can increase the risk of hair loss.

Logically, if you have a gastric sleeve and stick to a diet, it is very likely that you will decrease your protein intake, so you will have to consume supplements prescribed by your doctor. bariatric to avoid problems such as hair loss.

3. Sudden and drastic caloric deficit

Sudden caloric deficit is another major culprit for hair loss after gastric sleeve.

Naturally, you will perceive less calories after this procedure, so logically you will be more exposed to hair loss because of it.

However, with proper supplementation and a strict diet, this problem can be mitigated and recovery can be accelerated.

4. Abrupt weight loss

Abrupt weight loss, experienced with operations such as gastric sleeve or bypass, can also produce certain incidences in the body that lead to hair loss. This is a natural process, to which the body will gradually adapt.

Will you restore the health of your hair?

Yes, it is normal that within 6 months you will have recovered the health of your hair. and the hair has resumed its natural rhythm of growth and loss. So the problem with hair loss is merely temporary.

When should you see a doctor?

You should see your doctor to assess your case if:

Hair loss is maintained for more than 6 months.
You start losing hair 6 months after the procedure.

In any of these cases, it is in your best interest to have the expertise of a physician to examine you and provide you with a course of treatment.

In general, the risks of gastric sleeve are quite low, and considering the benefits it offers you, it is not hard to guess why it is such a popular weight loss procedure.

Hair loss is a relatively common phenomenon after a gastric sleeve, but it is only temporary and not usually serious, so if you continue with your treatment you should recover the health of your hair without any problem.

As always, the key here is to get information from your bariatric surgeon about what is best for you and to evaluate if the gastric sleeve is really the ideal procedure in your case.

To do this, make sure you are clear on what you need to know. requirements to be a candidate for gastric sleeve and the pros and cons of the gastric sleeveso you'll know if it's the treatment you're looking for.

Hair loss after gastric sleeve: how frequent is it and how long does it last?