Used2b575lbs

In the beginning you have to measure that is pretty much the only way, not to mention you don't really want to feel full... You shouldn't really be hungry so it's something you have to train your mind on after years of eating whatever whenever and getting stuffed it took a while for me to figure it out.
I eat to live now but don't live to eat so i'll take in my portion of Protein and then maybe a few bites of something else.
Eating slow is also important because with the sleeve you can go from feeling fine to being in pain or getting sick in one mouthful of food. I have actually spit out mouthfuls of food mid chew because I got that feeling and new the next bite would make me sick.

wow how comprehensive and inspirational....
I needed this and especially like the don't just do it because you can attitude I think this has gotten me in trouble.
My 3 rules that have worked are Protein first and foremost, Water, and exercise
Obviously support, Vitamins and many other things are important but if you're getting in your protein and water there won't be room for anything else... Exercise will help break through a stall keep the weight loss moving, help with your excess skin, and make you feel better.

You can definitely fail it, you have to mentally be ready for it
I was 306 lbs at 13, I dieted and by 16 was 245, then ran all the way up to 485 dieted down to 395 , then 526 down to 435, then 568 down to 452 and finally 575 till now
and that's all the big weightlosses over the past 20 years there were quite a bit of other 30, 40, 50 lb losses that I don't remember. I started the process at 575 with the sleeve in place I don't think I will ever get anywhere close to that again. I would really have to mess up.
What is considered successful for the sleeve patient? Everyone is different and has a different definition of success... Of course i'd like to keep losing and have a BMI of 25 or below but what if I spend the rest of my life around 225-250 is that successful?
Of course we all have to have goals to strive for and most of us should be able to hit those goals but for someone like myself "success" has a different meaning.
Maybe for some it's to be off medications, to fit in a size 14, to play with their children or grandchildren, or to have children of their own.
If you spend your days eating every hour or two and eating junk that will slide through you sleeve you probably won't do as well but I think the point everyone is making is you have to work hard to fail at this.
True story: I used to love love love taco bell, my head still does and I still go occasionally but here's my meals
Before surgery: 2 chicken chalupas supremes, 3 soft taco supremes, a 1/2 lb cheesy rice and bean burrito and 2 32 oz cups of dr. pepper (lava sauce on everything)
After surgery: 1 bean burrito, a few bites to 1/2 of a second bean burrito and I am absolutely done
before surgery I could leave there and eat Cookies or something else my appetite was outrageous but after surgery I eat that meal and I don't even want to look at food for 90 minutes.
Am I saying go have taco bell no and I know it's not the best choice because of all that carbs but I still do indulge myself from time to time

I too was a big guy, still kind of am but i'm working on it daily... If you ever need help or support on a personal level feel free to message me. I have been through most of the 500's, 400's and 300's i'm working on the 200's now. Good luck to you and keep up the good work!!!

Good work, I myself dieted for a year before surgery and took off 200 lbs knowing it was the last "diet" I would ever have to truly be on... Every bit you lose before the surgery helps. It makes it easier for them to operate. It makes your recovery easier and it makes it easier for you to walk as most doctors want you to start walking right after surgery.
It also helps you get used to your new lifestyle, yes you won't be hungry or shouldn't be stomach hungry but dieting ahead of time helps you get used to the head hunger that will still occur.