About 2 weeks ago I went to see the PA and was scheduled for a fill but I told them how I was throwing up all the time, they were happy with my weight loss and he asked if I was stopping for 15 to 3 seconds between bites and putting the fork/spoon down…well I could have smacked my forehead how could I have forgotten this very important step

So feeling kind of stupid I left and bought the $5 30 second timer and have been using it ever since

Even went back and bought another so I have one at home and one at work

15 – 30 seconds between bites is soooooo long but it feels so much better

No choking, throwing up . no feeling like you are chiking because it wont go up or down

I am so happy with my timer…but now I think other people are eating like pigs

Is the timer small enough to take with you? I seem to do great until I get with a group of people and talk then all of a sudden I have to leave and every time it is because I eat to fast and to big of bits.

No, but with a tight band I have learned to do it by necessity. I can feel the food and can tell when it has safely passed through the band. Sometimes longer than 30 seconds.

Eating too fast will overload the pouch, and is a sure way to get stuck.

I also put the fork down.

I guess do whatever you need to do to make the band journey work for you.

For me, it really seems to be too much trouble to go to those lengths, but I did not have the same issues.

I learned pretty quickly, with trial and error, to chew every bite and eat slower.

If the timer helps you, go for it.

I recite the alphabet in my head when I'm chewing, and I swallow at 'Z'. I don't time myself between bites, but I do wait till I feel the sensation of everything going down before I take another one. Hope that helps!

I too use a timer that my doctor gave me. It helps me to slow down. Without it I eat too fast. Good luck, Cyndy!

I don’t think I will use it forever but for now till I get used to waiting between bites

Its real small 3/12 in ..i used it at home and when I eat at my desk at work

Don’t use it around other people..have told my brother it’s a diet trick and am trying to get him to stop between meals when I am out I count 1 Mississippi 2 Mississippi ………….