I'm just beginning this process and im trying go to follow my surgeons pre-op instructions

[cat268 26]

I've replaced one meal a day with a Protein shake, I'm monitoring and pacing my fluids, I don't drink with my meals or for 30 minutes before and after, I'm trying to make better food choices, and I'm trying to work on the physical activity level. What else can I do to make it go better, faster, get better results?

I guess you can tell that I'm kind of excited about this, especially as I'm 67 and haven't been thin in over 20 years!

[JamieLogical 8,684]

You could work on eating more slowly as well. Chew your food very thoroughly and set your fork down between bites.

[Bufflehead 6,358]

If you haven't, start a myfitnesspal.com account and get in the habit of logging your food intake every day (after you weigh/measure your portions of course!).

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I agree eat super slow. Each meal should take at least 30 minutes. Try it. It's a lot harder than it sounds.

[James Marusek 5,244]

Walking each day will help you in your recovery process.

Before surgery, I was addicted to diet cokes. I drank around 6 a day. When I started the process, my doctor told me that I would have to give up caffeine and carbonated beverages. I decided to go cold turkey and suffered with withdrawal syndrome (severe headaches and other aches) for about a week. But because I gave up diet cokes, I lost 20 pounds pre-op on that change alone.

After surgery I found that I could no longer swallow large pills. I had RNY whereas you are going for the sleeve. I bought a pill splitter and pill crusher after surgery. A few months after the operation, I found that I was able to swallow large pills again.

[Miss Mac 6,261]

The pre-op phase is a tortuous rite of passage, but will get a lot of adjustments out of the way. Then, all you have to worry about post-op is your recovery. Your new good habits will already be in place. I was 62 when I had my sleeve. There are a lot of us old birds on here, so you are in good company. I wish you good luck and good health.

[Djmohr 6,965]

The only other thing I would add to the above comments is that you should practice mindful eating. That is when you really pay attention to what your stomach is telling you.

Start by focusing on eating slower and truly listening when your body is full. To do this you should be eating your meals at the table instead of in front of the tv.Try to get rid of any distractions that might keep you from paying attention.

These are all great habits to begin to build now while waiting for your surgery to be completed.

[Rogofulm 2,440]

If you want to lose quickly, don't open the door to starches and sweets. Once it's open, it's hard to get it closed again. Follow all of your doctor's rules and you'll get to goal weight sooner, rather than later (or not at all). Good luck!

[JamieLogical 8,684]

I just want to throw in that you shouldn't judge your "success" by how quickly you lose post-op. Some people just lose faster than others. Some people stick to the plan strictly and keep up their exercise and lose really slowly. Some people don't track their food and don't work out and lose quickly. The key is that if you lay the right foundation for your long-term success, you WILL lose the weight eventually. This isn't a race. What does it matter if it takes you 6 months or 16 months to get to your goal as long as you get there? A decade from now, will a few months make any difference compared to the YEARS you've spent living a healthy lifestyle?

[Babbs 14,680]

You could work on eating more slowly as well. Chew your food very thoroughly and set your fork down between bites.

Oh so much THIS. For me, it's still one of the hardest parts of this whole thing. Not inhaling my food. I have to always be aware of how fast I'm eating.

[cat268 26]

Thank you to all of you. I really NEED to practice eating slowly and chewing thoroughly. I already know that's going to be a hard one for me, and I needed that reminder.

[Rogofulm 2,440]

Bingo again, @JamieLogical. I guess you're a Bariatric Master for a reason!

[Rogofulm 2,440]

You could work on eating more slowly as well. Chew your food very thoroughly and set your fork down between bites.

Another excellent point, @JamieLogical. I find that when I eat a sit down meal with my family, it's easy to put down the knife and fork and chew, but when I eat at my desk, I just keep chomping away until I'm either finished or overstuffed - or both!

[kimberlylindsey 0]

I'm just starting this process...my consult is on June 25th...my daughter has her gastoric bypass Monday....watching her is helping me...I am now learning to sip water...wait 30 mins before eating...all water...sigh...I am now on day 2 of no carbonation...just water...hard! I'm also practicing chewing my food 20 plus times before swallowing. Taking it day by day. Good luck!!!

[ssflbelle 829]

I also am just starting the 6 months supervised diet. I meet with my Nutritionist on Monday for the first time. I have no idea what to expect but hope some weight will come off during the next 6 months.

I tried to get the lapband in 2008 but was denied. Now I am back on the site again. This time trying for the sleeve I don't remember much about the site but am trying to learn my away around here again as I am hoping this will be a good resource for help and support. Being new to the site is there a way for invites to be sent to become friends.