Losing hair after bariatric surgery — whether you have had a sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or gastric banding — is a common and expected side effect. In fact, most obesity surgery patients have experienced hair loss.

While knowing it is common to experience hair loss can be somewhat reassuring, it doesn’t take away the worry when you notice your hair thinning. Hair often feels tied to our identity and confidence, so any changes can feel distressing, impacting your mental health.

However, rest assured that if you are experiencing hair loss, you are not alone, and there are steps you can take to manage it.

In this article, we will guide you through why this happens, and although it is difficult to prevent hair loss we will explain what you can do to minimise it, and how to take back a sense of control during this phase of your journey.

WHAT IS TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM?

The hair loss experienced after bariatric surgery is called telogen effluvium. This type of temporary hair loss happens when more hair than usual enters the dormant (or telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle. Dormant hairs stop growing and eventually shed.

Typically, this starts about three to six months after significant body changes, like rapid weight loss or surgery. While it can continue for up to a year post-surgery, it is temporary, and your hair should start to thicken again as your body adjusts.

WHY IS HAIR LOSS COMMON AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY?

There are several reasons hair loss may occur after surgery, including:

• The surgery itself: Major surgery is a stressor on the body, which can trigger hair shedding.

• Rapid weight loss: Losing weight quickly is perceived by the body as a stressor, which may lead to telogen effluvium.

• Nutrient deficiencies: Reduced intake and absorption of key nutrients post-surgery can affect hair health.

• Low protein intake: Protein is vital for hair growth, but when protein intake is insufficient, your body prioritises essential functions over hair health.

• Trauma: Surgery, even when planned, is still a form of physical trauma for the body.

• Hormonal disruptions: Changes in hormone levels post-surgery may also contribute to hair shedding.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MINIMISE HAIR LOSS?

While hair loss can feel overwhelming, there are practical steps you can take to support your body and minimise the impact:

1. Meet Your Protein Needs

Aim for at least 60 grams of protein daily, spread across your meals and snacks to ensure steady absorption. If you are struggling to meet (or even know) your protein needs our Protein Planner eBook can step you through the what, why and how of post weight loss surgery protein.

2. Use Protein Powders Wisely

In the early stages after surgery, when eating enough is a challenge, protein powders can help you meet your targets. They can also be helpful longer term if you struggle to meet your needs with food. As a rule of thumb, aim to keep supplemental protein to a maximum of 30 grams per day and focus on whole foods wherever possible.

3. Take High Quality Weight Loss Surgery–Specific Multivitamins

Tailored multivitamins are designed to meet your unique needs after bariatric surgery and help prevent nutritional deficiencies that could contribute to weight loss surgery hair loss.

4. Monitor with Regular Blood Tests

Regular blood tests are essential to catch and correct any deficiencies early. Work closely with your bariatric team to stay on top of your levels.

5. Address Any Deficiencies

If you have any vitamin or mineral deficiencies such as an iron deficiency or zinc deficiency this can increase hair thinning, so it is essential you correct these under the guidance of your team.

6. Avoid Taking Additional Supplements

Avoid taking additional vitamins or minerals outside of the regime your team set up for you (yes even those touted as 'hair, skin, and nail formulations). Combined with your weight loss surgery specific regime, you can exceed the upper limit for some nutrients and this can worsen hair loss (as well as have other impacts on your health).

WHAT NUTRIENTS ARE KEY FOR HAIR HEALTH

The nutrients most closely linked to hair health include:

• Iron

• Zinc

• Vitamin B12

• Niacin (Vitamin B3)

• Selenium

• Biotin

Weight loss surgery–specific vitamins and mineral supplements are designed to cover these needs. Additional supplements for calcium, vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B12 are also routinely recommended.

Remember, taking extra supplements beyond what is recommended won’t speed up hair regrowth and can be harmful. Always follow the guidance of your team.

HOW TO MANAGE HAIR LOSS EMOTIONALLY

It’s normal to feel frustrated or upset when dealing with hair loss. Here are some tips to help you cope:

Remind yourself it is temporary. Hair shedding is a phase, not a permanent change.

Focus on what you can control. Meeting your nutritional needs and caring for your body will support regrowth.

Avoid “quick fixes.” Skip over-the-counter hair, skin, and nail supplements as they can do more harm than good.

NEED EXTRA SUPPORT?

Navigating hair loss and other challenges after bariatric surgery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Elevate program offers:

• Direct access to expert dietitians

• Live group calls and masterclasses

• A supportive online community

Want to learn more? Register your interest here to stay in the loop for our next enrolment.

By focusing on good nutrition and working with your team, you can navigate this phase with confidence, knowing your hair will return in time.