I spent a lot of time here participating. It was busier then but I still check in frequently. Majoong, journaling, jigsaw puzzle app, and adult coloring like mandalas are my main tools. I just got a new dragonfly adult coloring book. I am a reader as well. It won't be long before you can say you let go of a human brain and a car tire! You can do this!

I am pretty happy I started the diet a few weeks ahead of my surgery because I figured out what protein, see through and creamy, I preferred to others brands. I was able to get used to 2 oz portions. I realized how little water I actually drink and how many calories I was intaking. If you start the diet the day after the surgery I think you would go into mental shock. But still the first stage, week one, was the most difficult. Clear diet, oof.

I changed out all my eating dishes and cooking dishes to single serving size and my lunch containers for work I got baby /toddler size containers to pack my lunch in .,and baby fork and spoons....looks strange when my grandkids
Ask who they are for .......I have to drink only liquids for 2 weeks before my surgery.... This is my last week as I know it...I gave up sugar years ago so it won't be hard giving up the carbs......everyone please add me if you wish so I have virtual friends to give and get support from......Have a great day everyone. Catherine

Mostly I try to stay away from the TV. If I sit and mindlessly watch TV I start thinking about food. I meet up with friends even if it's just for a cup of coffee (non caffeinated of course.) I walk the dogs extra times. I go in my bedroom and read or meditate. The living room is a danger zone for me right now (9 weeks post op). Good luck to you. I'm glad you found this group. They are the best!

I used a lot of broth and SF pop cycles and SF jello all free foods you can have as much as you need.

I guess I find if I'm trying to distract myself, it backfires because I end up thinking about what I'm trying to distract myself from..... LOL However, when I started to pick up new, healthy habits, I found myself paying attention to them: walking, meditation, drawing..... Funny, but sitting down with a pad and pencil or paintbrush makes you really look at something, truly seeing it. It's a great way to leave your mind alone for a while and just be with whatever you're looking at.
As for when I start thinking about food outside of meal times, I head for my water bottle. If I can get a large glass of water down (LARGE changed from medicine cup, to Dixie cup, to juice glass and all the way up to 16 oz. now, 5+ years later!), I usually find I'm no longer hungry.
Although I still think the pre and post surgery, liquid diet was the hardest part of the whole thing, keep in mind that it's short term in the scope of things, and the pre surgery benefits give you the best opportunity for a safe operation, and the post surgery plan will get you healed and on your way as fast as possible. Good luck and keep on checking in. Some of us, at least, are still trying to make this messed up site work to help each other.

Before I had my GBS, I read Geneen Roth's book, Breaking Free from Emotional Eating, and followed her principals. So, I focused on eating 3 mindful meals with no snacking in between. I found it much easier to make the decision not to eat between meals one time, rather than trying to make the decision every time I wanted to reach for something. Making decisions is exhausting - much easier to choose once and move on.

JJ

JJ, OMG! What you said was so very helpful. I really needed to hear that. I've been watching my calories climb from what I thought of as healthy snacks. This gives me an option and puts things in perspective. Thank you.

GASkirt, I'm so glad!! ((hugs))

JJ

WOW,thanks all...this site is the one for me..you guys are great,so many ideas..and food ideas...thanks....

Wishing you lots of luck on your journey. My granddaughter, who lives with us, just had surgery Friday. August 25th I'll be one year out.