Hi LucyCat. First, I want to compliment you because you have obviously done your homework regarding this procedure. I am a newbie; sleeved 12-16-10. I am also fortunate to have a family member who had it done oct of 09 and a friend in june 10. I am down 25 pounds in just a month. Yay!!
1. I was fortunate that my hubby was supportive from the beginning. I was totally expecting an "absolutely not" decision when I first started "dancing" around the subject. I think it took a while for my dh to realize that I was being serious. I would hope that the person you love would be supportive of you making a decision toward better health. Maybe present him with what you would like to do and explain the why and how of the procedure. Also it's important to point out the differences between the different procedures. sometimes people don't realize that there are major differences between the surgeries.
2. I am only 4 weeks out, so I have not begun the hair loss stage. My MIL and my friend have stated that they have lost hair, but I must say it isn't overly obvious and they both had very thin hair to begin with.
5. I too am a VERY private person. My immediate family and two best friends are the only one's I've told. It's not that I am in any way ashamed of my decision; I am actually quite proud of it. BUT I don't want everyone monitoring every bite that goes into my mouth or examining me at every visit. Just like my friend who got "new boobs" if you know what I mean. As someone mentioned earlier, I just state that I am on a diet and trying to make better choices. I have been a yo-yo all of my life. I will say that do be careful who you tell if you don't want everyone to know. Once you tell, you can't change your mind and take it back. I am currently in nursing school and know all too well about the things ppl say behind other's backs. it's really very sad. I'm sure in the right situation I will be more than happy to share but it will be on my terms, not someone else's.
6. I absolutely do NOT regret it. I have had a few pity parties for myself and will be happy to share my decorations LOL! I was not prepared for the "head hunger" that followed the first week or so. also I cried over Jello, or more specifically lack of having jello when I wanted some! Also because of school I had to schedule my operation over Christmas break. I did not want to wait another five months to make this life changing step. A liquid Christmas was kinda rough; however this was more a timing issue than anything else.
I have been fighting with weight all of my life. Obviously 34 years of this diet or that pill was not working. I did not make the decision to have this surgery lightly, and I did my research. I am proud of my strength to admit that I needed help. It isn't easy and it's a big change to the way of life; But I am on my way to a new smaller, healthier me!
Good luck to you. This site is wonderful; full of info and support.