I used to be a Coke-a-holic. I could drink a liter bottle of Coke like people drink the small bottles of the stuff. I gave it up pre-surgery with great difficulty and now don't even desire pop. Once you have the surgery your taste changes. I know mine did. Once you give it up and if you taste some later on, you won't even like it. My doctor tole me that after the surgery, I couldn't drink carbonated beverages, so I had no choice but to break the soda habit; and that's all it is , a habit and almost an addiction. Once you do it you'll be thankful. Good luck with your surgery and breaking your soda habit.

If you like seafood, peel and eat shrimp is great as long as you have an ice pack. Also since you don't like to cook, it helps there too :-) plus super high in protein.

Instead of trying to quit soda cold turkey, transition. If you are not already doing diet soda, switch to that. Then to flavored carbonated water, then off the carbonation. I have much better success this way.

As far as the cooking thing goes, maybe try preparing things once a week so you don't have to worry about cooking every day? There are many things we hate to do that we just have to buck up and do. Its not easy but you get used to it

I had to wait longer than I expected for my operation (gastric sleeve) but now I have had it done, I think the extra time has been hugely beneficial. I made so many changes pre-surgery that post surgery has been a breeze. You have to reframe it as not a delay but a longer opportunity to prepare for a life-changing experience. You will have time now to reduce that cola habit and get yourself really emotionally and as physically ready as you can be. I recommend getting into soup making - it's a great way of filling up pre-surgery and essential afterwards. Making soup is so quick and easy - I genuinely believe anyone can do it - and a nice cup of soup really helps fill you up when you are having chicken salad etc. Perhaps people could share their favourite recipes with you? One of my favourites at the minute is Spicy Parsnip. Begin by roasting a packet of peeled and chopped parsnips with spray oil and a dusting of curry powder in the oven on medium heat for about half hour until just browning at the edges. Then fry half a large red onion in spray oil in large pan, add the parsnips and move around with the onion and a teaspoon of curry powder to mix the flavours. Add chicken or veg stock until it covers the parsnips and simmer for 15 minutes. Let cool, then blitz the mixture with a blender. Return to the pan, add more stock or skimmed milk to you get the consistency you like and then reheat, season and serve. Yummy!