need some encouragement

If you like vegtables that is half the battle. I generally have some type of protein and a vegtable or small salad. Yes, that does get a little boring but every now and then I throw in some pasta or potato. Those carbs are what got me to this weight and I know that I have to restrict them from my daily diet. For some adding them in even in small amounts makes them crave carbs, in that case you shouldn't add them back in. I would try cutting them out a little at a time before your surgery so you will not miss them so much after. Retrain your thinking as part of your prep for surgery.  Good luck and know that we are always here for support!

Not just the carbs, but getting away from the processed foods altogether will help you get healthier.  That Hamburger Helper, regardless of if it's whole grain or regular, is loaded with sodium and preservatives that will help you hold on to water weight.

An idea to try to get away from your breads--try putting your lunchmeats or meat salads (like egg salad or chicken salad) on cucumbers or celery sticks.  They give a great satisfying crunch, and because you have to load each one individually, you'll feel like you're eating more than you really are.  For lunchmeats, try just spreading some chive and onion cream cheese directly on the lunchmeat, rolling it up, and eating it like that--no bread, but still a tasty roll-up!

Breaking the habits now will make the transition much easier on you in the long run.  You are going to go through carb withdrawals, and it's going to be rough.  Food is just like any other drug, and in order to get healthy, you have to kick the addiction, which means you have to get through the rough "I really want it" time period in order to get to the other side--much easier to do pre than post-op.