Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 9/2/2009

Question
I had lapband surgery on April 20 and in the last several weeks I have experienced hair loss, dry skin and even lost a fingernail.  I seem to remember some of these symptoms when I had my gall bladder removed 4 years ago.  Could this be symptoms of the anesthesia, and if so how long will it last?    I know that weight loss can result in hair loss, but I have been taking my vitamins and eating lots of protein.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Veronica
That's an interesting one. You are correct to consider your vitamin intake but as you say you are taking these. I assume you are also taking trace element supplements though the reality is that deficiencies are less common after lapbanding than the other types of surgery for obesity. One more fundamental element that could link all your symptoms is iron deficiency.
It is of interest that you recall similar issues following your previous operation. I have no knowledge of links between anaesthesia and what you describe. However if we work on basis that the areas you are describing all involve similar rapidly dividing cells then perhaps something you were given had an effect on these cells. Anaesthetic agents are generally felt to be OK in this context e.g. we don't worry overly much about providing anaesthesia to women who have just become pregnant i.e. at a time the foetus is a mass of dividing cells.
It would be necessary to know all the drugs you received over the perioperative period for both your operations and then consider if any of these may have had the effect you describe.
Sorry can't give you the definitive answer.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson