Looking for advice from those who have already gone down this road

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! I'm still very new considering I'm almost 6 weeks out. To answer a few of your questions in my opinion, I don't think I'm as limited with foods as before. I still eat a lot of the same things, just in smaller quantities. You have to eat within reason, but I don't feel neglected and its only going to get better as time goes by. I eat what I'm supposed to eat, but if I'm just craving more sometimes I just chew on it and then spit it out, its gross I know, but it helps. Otherwise I eat a lot of sugar free popsicles, gives you the sensation of being full, your sweets fix, and you get more liquid in you. As far as your chewing, in the beginning its ALOT of soft foods, so you'll be okay there. You can continue that way forever, but you'll want to take a lot of supplements (like protein) when you don't think you can chew meat anymore. Thankfully we have a lot of supps available to us. I know that I was told not to lift anything over 10 pounds for at least a month out, I still don't lift more than that, I do NOT want a hernia. If we are going to go through all this, I'm selfishly going to take care of me FIRST. Its hard because you want to more, but you've got to do whats best for you. I would recommend not babysitting for a while. Thats about all I have for you now, but I'm sure many more people will write back with lots of different opinions and suggestions. They are wonderful here. You picked the right place! Good luck! Amber