So I had my first meeting with the nutritionist and exercise specialist. This is the first of three. I have Aetna insurance and have to do an intensive 3 month doctor supervised program before I am eligible for the surgery. I am excited that the office has been able to schedule me so quickly. I mean if things go exceedingly well I could be having my surgery as early as April.
Anywho...The first meeting was to discuss general nutrition and exercise basics. The nutritionist talked about the 30 rule. 30 chews per bite, 30 minutes to consume the food and no drinking 30 minutes before and after. Now that sounds easy enough except I am having serious issues slowing down. I feel like I am on some race to eat as much as possible as quickly as possible.
I have been trying to make sure that I am as healthy as possible before the surgery so I have been cutting my calories and making healthy choices (most of the time). As a result I've lost 2 lbs and I feel pretty good. The problem with the calorie restriction is that when I do eat it is like "FEED ME!" I manage to scarf everything down without thinking. I'm lucky I haven't choked from not chewing. Jeez...I guess this is why we have the nutritionist to help with issues.
As for the exercise part they recommend strength training and cardio. I am hoping that I can really kick it into gear on the exercise. I have started doing some weight lifting. From what I've heard it can really help with the excess skin. Also making sure your problem areas have a healthy sweat during your cardio workout can help the skin "shrink" in those areas.
Well wish me luck!

WEIRD ALERT: I have read some stuff that says wrapping your problem areas in cling wrap before working out helps increase the blood flow and decrease the fat in those areas. I'm gonna try it and let you all know how it goes. I'll start with my arms and do a little experiment.