Lap Band Side Effects: Hair Loss

During Lap-Band surgery, the doctor fits an adjustable silicone prosthetic device around the stomach to restrict its size, in order to help the patient achieve weight loss. The Lap-Band procedure is safer than gastric bypass surgery and also is reversible.

Common Side Effect

• Hair loss and hair thinning happens to nearly everyone who undergoes gastric bypass surgery, and can also occur with Lap-Band surgery during the first 6 months after the procedure. Patients should stay calm and realize their hair will grow back.

Protein Deficiency

• Even non-surgical weight loss, when occurring rapidly, can cause hair loss. The effect results mainly from lack of protein as the individual learns to eat smaller amounts of food and avoid eating large amounts, which causes vomiting.

Consume More Protein

• Lap-Band surgery patients should make sure they consume enough protein. The ability to metabolize nutrients is not affected by Lap-Band, as it is with most other types of bariatric surgery, so eating sufficient amounts will eliminate the negative side effects.

Protein Sources

• Lap-Band patients can obtain protein by eating lean meats such as chicken and fish, and low-fat dairy products. Protein shakes are also an option, as are protein supplements.

Hair Considerations

• For best hair results, patients should avoid hair treatments such as coloring and permanents until their normal amount of hair grows back.