Looking for lots of advice and opinions

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!

Hi Cathy, I'm only 7 weeks post op and there are much more experience people around here but as far as dental issues I have full upper and lower dentures and hate eating with them in (just a bad habit) so I'm use to eating soft food but I have to chew everything well. Some Doctors won't operate unless you can chew or least have you back teeth. What I'm learning is except for sugar (now I use SPLENDA) I can eat pretty much what I did before just not as much. Now some days certain foods don't sit well but a week later the same food is not a problem. To be a little scared is normal if you weren't I would really be worried about you. As far a babysitting the first 2 weeks after surgery I was limted to lifting 5 LBS then from week 2-4 10 LBS so doing that period I would recommend focusing on yourself. I hope this helps. Lamont