Hi everyone!!

My name is Kendra and I am new to this forum. This is my first thread so bare with me.

I am 35 years, happily married and a mother of 4. I am going to have my sleeve done at Kaiser in so cal. My hubby and everyone else I have talked to about the sleeve are very supportive.

Back in 2011, I took the 12 week required class, and thought to myself "ok, I'm going to do this!" Then of all things, at all times, my HOBBY of baking became a business and I actually opened up my own small bakery. So at that time I knew I would just set myself up for failure by going through with the surgery 1) because I'm around sugar all day and have to taste test everything and 2) because baking is such a demanding job, plus I still worked full time, that I would have no time for myself or exercise for that matter.

Needless to say, the business fell through and now I'm filled with regret and wish I would have done the surgery back in 2011! To think of where I could be right now is disheartening.

So, here I am again...going through the classes again. Paying more attention definitely and am getting super excited. I am 5'4 and weigh 270, 274 when I started the classes 4 weeks ago. My goal weight would be 175. I have never been a small girl, in fact the first weight I can ever remember being was on the 6th grade at 188 lbs.

I am DREADING surgery. I am terrified of being put under, and worried about the pain afterwards. I had a c section with my youngest son and I am hoping it isn't any worst than that because that was HORRIBLE!!!

Another thing I'm concerned about is losing my hair ( I know it is terribly vain). I am afraid of going through with the surgery, being a my goal weight, but have a bunch of flabby skin, wrinkles and am balding! Does anyone have any thoughts??

I am so excited to hear back from all of you! Your support seems to have helped each and everyone of you get to where you are now.

Kendra xoxo

I too am concerned about my hair (yes I too am vain but I love my hair) I have spoken with my surgeon, nutritionist and pcp they all tell me the key is getting your protein in and you can take biotin as a supplement. So you know I can cut my hair short and it can grow back I can handle that but I want this surgery, I need this tool. Hopefully you can find what works and you too will be as excited as me.

Thanks Deb! Glad I'm not the only one, yes we can definitively cut our hair, and who knows?? After surgery we may want a major makeover anyway. Plus they make great extensions now a days! I am taking my biotin and protein now, and plan on staying on track after surgery! Thanks for your inspiration!

I am a firm believer there was a reason (that you will never know) as to why you did not have surgery in 2011. Now is your time for success. As far as the hair thing, my hair thinned at month 5, I had slacked off on daily vitamins, it might have happened anyhow. Yes, I flipped out, yes I hated it. By month 8 I was & am back to normal as far as hair. Is my body normal? Hell no, it is far from normal, it is fabulously improved. If I could have imagined the freedom & happiness I received from losing this weight, I would have agreed to a year of baldness to obtain this!!

Thank you Rosehips! You are clearly very happy with your decision! That is awesome! Thank you for your encouraging words. If nothing else, I will have my health and longevity in my life for my children. I hope to feel as fabulous as you! Thanks!