Is/are there any rules that you simply cannot follow, no matter what?

i.e. some people have found it virtually impossible to not have even a little tiny bit of liquid w/meals, others drink carbonated drinks, etc.

Also, how soon after wls did you have your first alcoholic beverage?

TIA, everyone!

Regarding moving towards a more balanced lifestyle,I strongly encourage an 80/20 rule. What I mean by this is that 80% of your time implement the ideal strategies to help you achieve your goals. However 20% of the time do not be too hard on yourself.

Perfectionism breads failure. If you try and do anything surrounding your weight 100% correct all the time you will be setting yourself up to possibly fail.

Its almost 5 years, and my biggest problem is still eating slowly and chewing throroughly. I have slowed down a lot, but its still a struggle. When I'meating at home alone I use a 30 second eggtimer between bites. That has helped a lot. Fortunately, drinking with meals has never been an issue for me.