Hi, I've been stalking these boards for a few weeks and I'm cautiously nervous about having the gastric sleeve....I was adamant for so long that I would do the lapband. After doing my own research I realized that the lapband was going to set me up for failure so I'm 90% sure the sleeve is the way to go.

I'm not looking to go down 100 lbs would be very happy if I could go down 75 lbs.... I'm Hispanic and I've always been heavyset I'm afraid to lose who I am just want to be a healthier version.

Here are some questions for you expert sleevers do you ever feel like you can't stop losing weight? This concerns me alot...very thin hair is the amount on hair you lose after weight lost surgery the same as after giving birth? Or is it way more? I have a 9 month old how soon after surgery will I be able to attend to her? If I get sleeved lets say 5/23 will I be ok to host my bday bash 7/7 or am I playing it too close?

All pre-op testing is done going to meet with surgeon this week to set up surgery date should be in May hopefully! Reality is setting in...nervous

Any help is greatly appreciated thanks in advance

A lot of my experiences are documented in my blog. What you are going through is very normal. I had those some questions. I am 2 months out and I feel great. The only issue you will have with your birthday bash is not inviting me! You will ENJOY your party. You will not focus on the food...you will focus on the friends and family gathered to celebrate with you...and THAT is what life is about. Life is about the people we love, not the food we love. In terms of your baby, I'd check with the doctor, but I felt great after the first month. I was also afraid of losing who I am, and had cold feet and second thoughts the week before surgery. All these emotional issues I write about in my blog. I encourage you to read it. You may also want to find a therapist that specializes in bariatric surgery. I was fortunate to find one and I have been dealing with these issues as well as my food addiction in therapy. Good luck. Drop me a note if you ever want to talk.

Re: hair loss- I am 5 mos out and still having problems. BUT I also didnt loos much with my lap band- I just keep taking my Biotin and it helps.

RE: child care- I think you will be fine to take care of her but in the beginning you won't be able to lift her- Normally for 4-6 weeks you cannot lift anything over a certain amount of pounds to prevent a hernia- Ask your doctor.

RE: your party- I would say you should be fine- My surgery was Nov 19 and I hosted xmas dinner 1 month later with no major problems- I was tired sooner than normal but that was to be expected. I would say you should be fine.

Having said this- being hispanic just to let you know- Your way of eating is going to completely change and things you eat now you won't be able to eat and won't want to eat post op- mainly- rice, possibly pork etc... I miss rice and when I do eat it can only eat about 3 tsp and then i'm done- it is very filling and it expands it isnt even worth it... but aside from that- Good luck!!