Google burst training. It's based on 20-30 sec of pushing your self to your max then a short 20-30 rest these workouts generally last 20-30 min at a time. Tons of new research shows this is the best way to burn calories and fat while speeding up your metabolism with out triggering the huge dumps of cortisol stalling or halting weight loss.
My tastes have not changed either. I still crave salt sweets and carbs. I can't eat them as my diet has not advanced past pureed. It is something I am very concerned about too!!!
I am a huge cruiser, 3 in the last 12 month. From what I can gather post op dehydration is a big challenge for many newly sleeved. That soon after surgery I would be afraid of not knowing how to live and drink with your sleeve. I would schedule my surgery either months before or right after getting back. No point in taking a great vacation and getting stuck in the medical center the whole time.
I put the unflavored unjury in everything I can. Broth, sauces, crystal light, pudding, applesauce even jello. It does not always dissolve the best but I have not had any trouble getting my protein in and my hair and nails look great.