Hair loss after bariatric surgery can happen because of its stress on the body and a lack of nutrients. Bariatric patients are on a restrictive diet following surgery. This abrupt change in the patient’s diet affects how their hair grows. They sometimes don’t receive enough of the proper vitamins and protein to sufficiently support hair growth. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, hair loss takes place between three and six months following a weight loss procedure. This is whether it’s gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or duodenal surgery. The term for hair loss associated with weight loss surgery is telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium occurs in people who’ve experienced significant weight loss or gastric surgery. It also affects people who have:
Given birth.
Experienced high stress levels.
Experienced a high fever.
Gone off birth control pills.
Overall, women most commonly experience hair loss after bariatric surgery. However, men can also lose their hair following the procedure.