I just got approved for surgery, and because of school I have to have surgery a November 15, since thanksgiving is the next week. I was wondering if anyone had tips on mentally preparing your surgery and things I could do to start dieting beforehand.

Don't diet before hand too much or you may fall into those old practices of eating too much at the "end" of your diet. Most typically want you on liquid for a number of days or weeks before the surgery and that is tough enough. What you can do is praactice..chewing...a lot. I am 1 year post op - tomorrow and I still have to remind myself to slow down and chew more. Good luck on your surgery. Practice practice practice...small bites.. and chew at least twice if not three times longer than you are used to doing...

Don't do what I did and have a month of "last meals" before you have to start your pre-op diet. I gorged myself on everything that was bad for me because I wouldn't be able to have it later so when it came time to start liquids, I had become so addicted to the bad stuff I was having really bad withdrawals. You can do it a few times, just not 3 times a day for a month.

If you drink coffee, it would be a good idea to gradually wean yourself off it. You don't want to suffer caffeine withdrawal in the hospital and you may not be able to drink it until your stomach has healed some.