I'm having a hard time being motivated to loose weight pre-op. It's not required by either my surgeon or insurance, but figured I'd like to go ahead and start the process while I'm waiting for my (hopeful) approval and surgery date.

But I'm having a hard time knowing what to do or eat. I've typically joined Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig and then joined a gym. But I just lost my job and I have absolutely no money to spare, so I have to do it on my own. Without having someone or a program tell me what to eat I fell so lost and unmotivated.

Any ideas? How do I get the motivation I need and how do I know what to eat. I know this sounds like a silly question, but I've obviously not been very skilled in this area. :redface:

Thanks!

Take it one step at a time as to not be overwhelmed.

Make sure you eat Breakfast every day.

Always drink at least 64 ounces of Water a day.

Start by cutting down your portions. Take your normal portion, then either put away or throw away 10-20% of it before you sit down to eat.

Cut everything to about the size of a die.

Chew every bite at least 25 times.

When you've got that down, start substituting the foods you are eating with healthier foods.

There is plenty more to it but like I said, do one thing at a time.

Good luck.

On pre-op (before the pre-op liquid diet) I've been eating fairly normally. I do start the day with a Protein shake, then a handfull of almonds or a light cheese stick late morning. Something easy for lunch- either a Zone bar (SOOO GOOD- chocolate Peanut Butter is like a candy bar!) or a turkey sandwich on light bread and a salad. Then dinner was just a smaller portion of what I made for the family. No other snacking (sugar free popsicles at times yes). I've lost 25 lbs since May this way, not a ton of effort. I've also stopped drinking with meals and for half an hour after... and I will say that has been the hardest thing. So I would suggest starting that asap because it takes serious effort to not drink!

Now I'm a week from surgery and the liquid diet is as much ... fun... as they say. So i'm living on these forums to get me through to surgery day!