I am (finally) scheduled for surgery on August 17th. I'm very excited and not nervous for the surgery day at all. I am, however, terrified about after surgery. Specifically, what I can eat, how much, eating slow enough so that I don't get "stuck", etc.

I tend to take large bites and I've realized that I don't crew very much. I've been trying to practice, but I'm not good at it at all.

Any suggestions or recommendations? Does this come, or do you find it's a hard habit to break?

Thanks everyone!

Christy

I was the same way pre-band. But now, I am so worried about getting stuck or it going down difficult. I guess you could say that fear helped me chew throughly.

Its a very hard habit to break until the first time you get stuck. Then it becomes much easier!

Until you are banded it is hard to know what you can eat. Everyone is different, I can eat anything and have never had any issues. I have 8.5 in a 15cc band. I stay away from breads, pasta, rice etc. only because I choose too. Good luck!

Until you are used to taking little bites, try using a baby/toddler spoon and fork. Also, using a dessert or salad plate will make you more used to the size portions you should be eating. Good luck. (PS: I. also, am not the best chewer, it takes practice.)Karen

Now is the time to practice the behaviors that you will need as a bandster. Just make it a game.. if you forget right now, it's not a big deal. Later on, you will know if you took too big a bite or didn't chew well enough.

Just practice tiny bites, chewing well, using a smaller plate. You can do the small utensils if you want, I never have. I want to be as "normal" as possible.. I just take small bites off the regular utensils. You can also start practicing not drinking with your meals and holding off as long as you can after eating to drink. Between meals try to drink as much Water as you can.

Congratulations on making steps to a healthier life!!