Looking for lots of advice from those who have taken this journey

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!

Dear Cathy, All good questions. Although this IS a life style change it is one that is made willingly and with joy to be rid of habits that for some put them in chains of despair and desperation. Yes, the surgery has a tendancy to make food less important, however that being said eventually your hunger returns and most people not only enjoy food again, but some also battle the old demons again. I LOVE good food. Now I won't settle for junk. What is junk? Well, if I'm going to eat chocolate (yes I can have 1 or two pieces without dumping) I want Fantastic chocolate. Hersheys won't do. Before I could eat a lot of so so food and because it wouldn't fill me up...I'd eat more. Now IF I want to eat something that may not be the best choice I make darn sure it is something great and (here is the kicker) I only have a couple of bites and I am satified. Your dental issues won't be a problem. 6 mo after I had surgery I got braces and had a bit of a problem eating some foods....no problem really as we must chew slowly and completely and you can always make substitutions. The surgery it's self was a piece of cake for me. I was in and out having RNY lap in 33 hours with minimal pain and walking 1/2 mile within a couple days of being released. Because I didn't have pain issues I could have gone back to work in about 10 days, however I did notice that I didn't have as much endurance for about 6 weeks after surgery. I could have lifted an infant easily at 2 weeks, but I think it smarter to wait at least a month. Check with your surgeon on that. OK, so the worst.....about 2 months after surgery I had a bowel blockage from NOT drinking enough water and ended up in the hospital for a night. Very painful. Made the surgery look like a walk in the park. I've had the "foamies" from either eating too fast or now chewing well enough. That isn't much fun either, but believe it or not, one DOES live to tell the tale afterward and you learn quite quickly to chew SLOWLY. So I'm now 19 months out from surgery. Life is grand. I have freedom of movement, compliments up the kazoo and....lots of loose skin. It's a fact of life and at 61 you will not be immune from it. Still all in all I won't complain because I now have NO health issues related to obesity and life is GOOD!!! Please feel free to visit my profile and those of many others here. Good luck to you in whatever you decide. We are here for all, pre op, post op AND non op!! Trisha

I too am getting ready for surgery. I have had to wait the 6 months too. I am waiting for the Dr. to call and set up my date. Thanks Trisha for all the wonderful info! Odetta