I am pre-op... surgery is Nov. 2nd..and I know what you're talking about. I too have used the past 3 months to prepare for this permanant lifestyle change. What I found that worked for me is...I made my plate..or ordered as normal. Then I would only eat half...take home the other half or freeze it. Sharing with another person helps too! This helps you cut back on large protion sizes.

I am on the liquid part of the pre-op...and it is easy because I was already use to the small portions.

I drink 80-100 oz of water a day...so I never really feel hungry! Eating slow is still a hurdle for me. I have 4 girls living at home and 4 other grown children outside of the home..we are never still. So...that will be my greatest challenge!

I hope this helps!

I agree with you completely. Ironically, I find I do my best with eating and chewing food to mush when I am driving. It gives me something to do and I pay close attention to bite size and length of chew vs. when at dinner table in conversation. I am sure I am not going to be happy about my liquid diet, but I think I may do better than many. I already drink a ridiculous amount of fluids and have stopped eating midway numerous times so that 30 minutes can pass and I can have a drink. I already prefer drinking over eating because I am so busy I can take it with me anywhere. I have also found a severely decreased satisfaction in eating food when I have to concentrate on every single bite. We do family dinners every single night and I have always been a slow eater. However, now I feel like everyone is done and hoping I will finish soon so we can all get up. It takes a lot of enjoyment out of food.