My speech was somewhat changed after the 1st surgery, HUGELY changed after the 2nd. A couple of things:

1) Speech pathologist is a MUST - practice, practice, practice. That tongue is a lazy beast
2) There will be some words that you will never master and eventually you will learn to replace them - almost pre-thinking your speech - words like paddle are forever lost to me - they are now boat oars. You learn.
3) What I say to people is "I have had some oral surgeries, but it is important to me that you understand me. Please feel free to ask to me rephrase something...I don't mind at all (emphasis). I have found that this works very well, and people never ask what the oral surgeries were, I think because I am putting the emphasis on them understanding me.
4) I have a prosthesis which is part of my upper denture. It allows what bit of tongue I have to touch the roof of my mouth and make some sounds I could not before. You aren't there yet - but keep this in mind.
5) Yes, your life is forever changed.
6) The best practice for your lazy butt tongue is talking and eating - so enjoy!

Hugs

Donna