I had my surgery March 2009 and as you are I was scared to death. I was 257 lbs and got to 139lbs within 9 months, believe it or not the worst part of the surgery was the IV, only because I hate them. Yes, in the beginning it's tough adjusting to the new way of eating. I wish I would've done the surgery years sooner so I could've enjoyed life to its fullest. Life after surgery has been incredible the only complication up to this point is low iron I had to have iron infusions to get back to a safe level.
Other advice I'd like to pass on is the surgery is not a permanent fix you will always have to watch your food intake. In saying that I still have no regrets. It's easier losing 10 lbs than 100+ lbs.
