Looking for opinions from those who have gone before

Hello all, I am not from your state, but I have decided to do even more asking around while I am on the road to having surgery. My insurance requires 6 months of monitored tests, counseling, etc, and that will be completed in October. I need to lose just about 100 pounds. I am 61 years old, and like so many others, have fought the weight wars for most of my life. On two occasions I was more or less the correct size, but regained it all over a few years, and now I seem to add a few more every winter. So considering my age, I think it is "now or never". I am mostly positive about this decision, and it really helps to read all the profiles. I know that it is lots easier for some than for others, and all experiences are different. I have yet to actually talk to anyone who says they would not do it, if they had it all to do over again, but it is hard for me to understand how this cannot be depressing sometimes, in many ways. Most people say that food never has as much importance in their lives as it used to. Basically, I would just like to ask a few things: First of all, I have a few dental issues, and have limited chewing ability. I was wondering if anyone had this problem, and how they handled it. And, of course, I am wanting to know if it ever seems like a life sentence of never enjoying food again. I am fairly scared of the surgery itself, because I have never had any other procedure of any kind. Also, my day "job" is babysitting my 6 month old granddaughter. I was wondering how long it was before you could care for an infant or younger children, as far as lifting, etc. And any other comments, tips, or whatever would be greatly appreciated. Please do not hesitate to tell me the worst, as well as the best. Thanks in advance!

Hey I can give advise on some parts.. i had a very bad "breakdown" the week or so after surgery because i couldnt have my comfort foods, and i didnt realize what a huge role they played in my life. it was a very defining moment for me.. now, i hate the thought of pizza, where as before i was crying for it.. and im only 2 mths out.. so it doesnt take long to not "want" the food.. or as bad. but i can still have some of my fav's .. just SMALL portion of them lol.. and on taking care of the infant.. my daughter was about to turn 1 when i had the surgery, and weighed around 20 lbs.. the dr told me i couldnt lift anything over 25 lbs for 6 weeks, so i could lift her, thank God or she would of had a fit But i would say you could take care of her alone in 2 1/2 to 3 weeks after surgery.. but that was just my opinion not a doctors! Good luck Jen

I am not sure about the dental issue. But you are on a soft food diet for a period of time after surgery, depending on what your doctor says. I am one of the ones who has had a very easy road. THANK YOU GOD! I had no depression or buyer's regret. I do miss my comfort foods but I made the decision to have this surgery and what ever came with it. I still have the cravings and want the food but some I just can not have. I am sugar intolerant, which has definetly helped. I also can not handle alot of carbs, less than 20 grams per meal. If I have too many carbs it feels like an elephant is sitting on my chest. I was under a lifting restriction of no more than 10 lbs for 4 weeks. Which was not that bad until I had to pull some fighting bulldogs apart. That did not feel to get. I ended up pulling some abdominal muscles. This was the 2nd best decision I have ever made. The first was starting my own company. Good luck on your journey. Julie