Author Topic: A Long Journey Finally Completed  (Read 11766 times)

Offline Lew

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A Long Journey Finally Completed
« on: May 19, 2016, 07:25:47 PM »
My name is Lew.  My hair started thinning when I was 20.  I quickly went into deep denial about it.  No one in my family suffered from any type of hair loss, so I couldn't imagine it happening to me.  I was swimming, well, more like drowning, in the sea of denial ... and losing.  My hair continued to thin in my 20s but it was still hanging on by a thread (pun completely intended).  Between the ages of 33 and 34 I lost 115 pounds.  I looked great but my hair fell out in clumps as a result of my semi-rapid weight loss.  The grim reality of my hair loss was brutally thrust upon me.  I was mortified.

My weight loss resulted in a number of epiphanies for me.  I got out of a horrible marriage, moved to a new town, and began leading a healthier lifestyle.  All I needed was a good head of hair to complete the package.  A couple of years later at the age of 36 I went to Hair Club for Men.  This was the answer to my hair loss issues.  I was a faithful member for 15 years; however, when I turned 50 a year and a half ago I started reflecting and reevaluating a lot of things in my life.  I made a career change last year that has worked out wonderfully.  There was just that one nagging issue I kept neglecting to address: embracing my baldness.

Two weeks ago I walked into Hair Club for the last time.  I cancelled my membership, had my system removed, and my head shaven clean.  It was a scary decision at the time but in hindsight I realize it was the right one.

For the past two weeks I've worn beanies and fedoras.  Well, today for the first time I bravely went out into the world as a bald man.  And let me tell you, after being held a prisoner to my hair loss for 31 years, today was one of the most empowering days of my life.  I am literally blown away by the overwhelming support I've received from my family, friends, and co-workers.

So my new journey as a bald man begins.  I look forward to it and the interactions with others I have at Sly Bald Guys!



Offline Sir Harry

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2016, 07:31:24 PM »
Welcome, Lew! Yes, it was a long journey for you, but in the end it will all be worth it. Great story to share for those that may be on the fence. Glad that it's working out for you and your supporters. Participate often.
Even when the d is removed, the devil is still evil.

Offline mrzed

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2016, 08:08:15 PM »
Sounds like you don't even need the 30 day rule! 

Thanks for sharing your story.  Being a bald guy is great.  There is a lot of guys who can relate. Around here, I see BBC guys many times every day. Sporting a bald head is really common.  And it feels so cool and refreshing.

Welcome, and keep sharing your story. There are other guys who need to hear it. And you can tell it first person.



Offline nuts

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2016, 08:10:30 PM »
Fantastic story and very much like lots of men go tnrough.  As you say the final step is totally empowering.
Roger

Offline Cave Dweller

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #4 on: May 19, 2016, 08:45:25 PM »
Congratulations, Lew! That is a great story. It is great to hear that you are happy with your decision.

Glad you joined us here.
"A man who has lost his hair and is bald is clean."
Leviticus 13:40
(Do not argue with Moses!)

Offline Dragon

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #5 on: May 19, 2016, 11:00:05 PM »
Great to hear your story Lew, and welcome.

Offline Idontreallyknow

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #6 on: May 19, 2016, 11:04:13 PM »
Glad to hear you've had support, and it's funny how easy it seems when you just do it, do you wish you did it sooner? Also, wow 115 lbs is a ridiculous amount to lose so fast! I hope it was all planned though and not due to medical reasons. Congrats on the new look, it looks great!  O0

Offline Johannes

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #7 on: May 20, 2016, 12:10:29 AM »
Welcome Lew, it looks very nice
Nothing better than one sharp blade

Offline tobler1

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #8 on: May 20, 2016, 09:04:31 AM »
Lew, you look great bald.  And I would never think you're over 50.  Congrats on embracing you.



Offline wpruitt

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #9 on: May 21, 2016, 12:11:49 PM »
Congratulations on taking the plunge!
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt

Offline 4fit

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #10 on: May 21, 2016, 12:42:20 PM »
Welcome sir!!

Offline Lew

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #11 on: May 21, 2016, 01:40:09 PM »
Thanks for the warm welcome, guys.  I purchased the ATX razor and shaved my head completely this morning.  I'm very happy with the results and look forward to my new look.



Offline Razor X

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #12 on: May 21, 2016, 03:20:18 PM »
Congratulations!

Offline Hingatao

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #13 on: May 21, 2016, 09:14:19 PM »
Welcome to the club and congratulations on embracing the sly look.
Hair is over rated.

Offline reddog

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Re: A Long Journey Finally Completed
« Reply #14 on: May 22, 2016, 08:24:38 AM »
Looks darn good Lew, I hope you enjoy the bald head, you have a good shaped dome!
Bald by choice, and loving it!