Hi other newbie here!
Pre op was difficult during those periods for me too. As I'm sure nuts/surgeons and everyone here repeats a billion times (lol) protein helps you stay fuller longer, so up your protein even pre op to help keep sated and if you haven't already- avoid caffeine and sugar *now*, they can worsen hunger cravings. I cut both cold turkey and would reach for a protein bar if I had a snack attack.
But I think the most helpful was people distracting me from hunger. Get out more, get busy with a task that requires your focus, socialize more, do anything to keep your mind off it. If you're stationary and doing something like playing video games or reading, that hunger sneaks up on you real quick!
I also recommend this post surgery (but don't do anything your bariatric team says not to!), as being active and busy distracted me during the healing process and some phase struggles.
Hope this helps!