In reflecting on 2013, getting the sleeve was, without a doubt, the best decision I had made in quite some time. Of all the counsel that I have received from my Dr and nutritionist, there are a few things that have really had an impact on me that I thought I would share.

• SLOW DOWN! Mealtime /= Race time.
• Chew, chew, chew, chew, chew. Then chew some more.
• Drink no liquids of any kind with meals.
• Protein is king.
• No courtesy eating. Just because someone gives you a heaping spoonful of their (insert homemade dish here) does not mean you have to eat it all.
• It is okay to leave food on the plate. If those around you are offended by that, get new dinner companions.

Best of luck to all who are reading this... especially those who are contemplating getting the sleeve. Whatever you decide is right for you, know this: there are people here who know what you are going through and are here to support and encourage you.

Edited January 4, 201412 yr by skinnyginny

Great advice! Thanks for sharing!! The courtesy eating and the timing of eating are still big ones for me. At one month out, I'm still only on soft foods, but already, I can see these are things I haven't overcome in my weeks of pre-op dieting and liquids. I still have a long, long way to go re: my learned behaviors.

Congrats to you on getting to goal so quickly! Enjoy your success!!!

Thanks for posting! Good information. Initially I had the most problem with not drinking at meals. I was a huge drinker. I'm sure it has been part of the reason I weigh what I do. I have worked on this during my pre op period with relatively good results. I am currently on a liquid diet so I have not put into play since surgery.