Welcome! I'm pre-op, having surgery on Thursday. I've been in "the process" of getting this surgery approved since July of last year, so I've also had a lot of time to think about what it will be like on the other side...
The best I can tell you is that when you choose the sleeve, you're choosing an "as normal as possible" life post-op. Yes, you'll be tender and have a hard time bending over for a few weeks, and the stages of diet post-op are probably going to be a challenge, but ultimately, we will be able to eat the things we want, just much, much less of it. Some people do develop food sensitivities after surgery, but it's not as common as it is with gastric bypass.
I've been dieting since July and honestly, my tastes have already changed. I went through major carb withdrawal, but now a giant bowl of pasta doesn't even sound good to me - and I used to eat pasta nearly everyday! But even if my taste for pasta was still there, post-op I simply wouldn't not be capable of eating as much, so even if I do "indulge" in it, it won't be in the amount I was doing before! I'm looking forward to being able to have a small portion of anything and being satisfied. I've lived too long as the person who can EAT THE WHOLE THING (whatever 'thing' that may be).
The combo of being excited and scared is interesting, isn't it?? From what I've seen around this forum, it's totally natural!
Welcome to the board, I hope you get a response from Medicaid soon so you can schedule your surgery!!! Good luck!