live and learn.  You will be fine. Just don't do that no more. 

Even now, I may try to eat mindlessly..  but I know better.  If I notice I start snacking on things I am not suppose to - I either put them somewhere out of my reach ..or dump stuff on them (i.e. like lots of salt) to make them inedible for me..  Dumping stuff on my BF plate also works.. He on the other hand only eats what he wants... and not single bite more (most of the time). 

now I can have water by my meal when I eat and not drink it... but first yearpost op - I would ty to drink water while eating...if it was there... ..   

So I had to make a very conscious decision to tell waiter no water or other drinks... (they still insisted) Live and learn.

Now - I tell them no fries or other grains, pasta or any other starches..  due to low carb diet and more of us ordering that way - it is getting easier... 

Last night I had grilled chicken with grilled veggies...sauce on a side. I was able to eat almost half of my meal... over 7 years out...

I would try diet soda - the one with no calories or caffeine.. Even Though I don't like aspartame or splenda- the soda with splenda (diet pepsis - no caffeine) gives me less carvings than the other one..

then try to use 50-50 mixed with water... until you just  use a bit of soda to add some flavor to the water... 

sometimes stopping cold turkey is hard- but slowly decreasing - mixing with water may work...

Good luck..

I didn't mean to do it. I am on my pre-op diet. I can have one sensible meal a day. I was out with my family and forgot my protein powder so I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich minus the bun. They served me fries, but of course I wasn't going to eat them. But, then I got to talking and laughing....and I ate the fries! I honestly never thought I was one of those mindless eaters, but there I was, halfway through the French fries before I even realized what I was doing! I am so upset and worried that just wrecked everything. 

I only am supposed to do the clear liquid diet for 2 days prior but maybe, due to my mistake, I should do it for the next 3 days to be safe? Should I let my doctor know?  I am just beside myself. I cannot believe that I just did that without even thinking about it! 

I have gotten away from soda in the past for years so I know I can do it!! But it's getting the cravings for it out of my system that is so difficult. It's a true test of my will power!

Most of the time I use liquid stevia, organic, from Whole Foods - 365 brand. Even for cooking/baking..

You may also try Erythritol- type of SA that most people tolerate very well ..(not me) that SA -sugar alcohol, is suppose to have 0 calories.