What helped?

I am getting really close now to getting my VSG approved and scheduled. Which got to me to thinking and well, preparing. I read somewhere that someone uses a kitchen timer to help with when to eat and drink.

What other products have you purchased or used to help you to manage the new eating routine and exercise?

I am so determined to make sure this works for me, I can use all the help I can get.

A puppy..he gets the left overs when I'm full so I'm not tempted to eat more and clear my plate. I know.. a little extreme, I know but if it works who am I to judge? LOL!....

Seriously I did get a puppy but not for that reason. I have my husband to help me with times and eating. He eats so fast that when he's done...so am I. But that timer thing is a good idea too. I might have to try that. I also went out and bought a small plate, fork, knife and spoon and a really small sippy cup that helps with portions too. If I can think of anything else I'll let you know but I'm 4 mos PO and I still use the little plate..

I actually have 3 "puppies" at home now so that won't be an issue. Actually with them it is trying to keep them away from my food.

I am glad you mentioned the sippy cup. I was wondering if that would have been useful. I know you shouldn't use straws, but I like the cup idea. Thanks.

Then by all means....keep them close by to finish the table scraps on your plate when you can eat regular foods again..they will love you all the more for it!!! LOL!
 

digital scale for weighing yourself and a counter top scale for weighing your food, measuring cups and spoons, small bowls, saucers for small amounts of food, sippy cups, small forks and spoons ( I found some appetizer size ones at Bed, Bath, and Beyond). Shaker cups for mixing protein shakes. A blender will add too much air and make the shake too thick, which can be a problem in the beginning.

also, a shot glass or medicine cups for small amounts of fluids required in the beginning.

recording when you drink and eat is very important. In the beginning, pen and paper will work, but eventually, an online tracking tool is invaluable for keeping track of protein, carbs, and calories.

I'm sure others will chime in with other ideas.

Some people love Magic Bullets, Immersion blenders, etc.

I still use small plates, bowls, and utensils for eating.

gail

What kind of online tracking is out there? I haven't even thought about that yet. I did find plates that were divided into 3 sections which I thought would be a good idea (kid size).

There are so many online tracking tools available. If you have a Smartphone, there are apps for food tracking. IPhone has Loseit.

other ones that people use:

Myfitnesspal.com

Sparkpeople.com (I've used this one for 2 years and like it)

The daily plate (I believe this one might be on Livestrong)

Fitday (There is a free version and a paid version)

The first ones that I mentioned are free.

Try googling it, and see what else it comes up with. There are other ones, but these are the ones that come to mind.

gail

I love Livestrong.com for tracking. You can sign up for free and I found it easier and faster to use than MyFitnessPal, but I am in the minority. Many, many people love MyFitnessPal.

Go to My Plate to log your food on Livestrong.com. Like I said, it's super easy. You can also build your own recipes and it does all the counts for you - calories, carbs, protein, fat, etc...

For gadgets, tools, that sort of thing...... I could not live without my digital counter top kitchen scale. I use it every day, several times each day. You will also need measuring cups for liquid stuff like yogurt, and a couple of Tablespoons. I use Tablespoons all the time and it's nice not to have to continually wash just one.

I use a salad fork and a salad plate for all meals. So, if you don't have those, I'd get them. The divided plate wouldn't work for me, but it might for you. I'd say give it a try.

 Here's what I use:

myfitnesspal.com for tracking
a kitchen scale for measuring all my food
measuring conversion lists that sticks on my fridge
a bathroom scale that has a memory and then keeps track of last few weigh ins. 

Yesterday I bought a magic bullet - it works great for my blended ice coffee recipes.  I killed my regular blender making them.  hehe

 I have dogs and toddlers who tend to steal my food as it is :0)

I also switched to using my toddler's plates and utensils and bought a set of pretty little bowls that are just for me.  I call them my 'Happy bowls' because they are pretty colored and when I'm eating my small amounts of food out of them it makes me happy to remember why I'm eating such a small amount of food and what a great thing its doing for me!