Hello everyone. Later this week (Wed. to be exact) I actually get to start real food. I understand that you are to take small bites and chew...chew...chew....then chew some more. I am with True Results and they want us to wait 2 minutes between bites and to limit each meal to no more than 20 minutes. Ok...anyone have any suggestions how to do this?? I have been on MANY weight loss programs/plans and know that one really shouldn't watch tv or read when eating....but when I read I have found that it is much easier to wait those 2 minutes between bites...(I generally eat by myself or dinner with my 3 year old who really isn't much of a conversationalist). Does anyone else have any other suggestions?? It is so difficult to take a bite...chew...swallow...then wait for 2 minutes while looking at what is still on the plate. Is it so horrible to read if it helps me to slow down???

Also...I had a rough weekend and have "gained" several pounds (I have only been banded about 3 weeks and am now on the "mushie" stage). Is it normal to have a gain as I switch from thick liquids to mushies then from mushies to real food?? Please help ease my mind...

Thanks everyone!

I had my first fill at 4 weeks, also when I was starting solid foods. After that I began to gain weight.....unless you are good at dieting you will gain untill your band can take over which may take a little time.

I stink at dieting.....that's why I needed surgery.

Oh, and all these rules they want you to follow....you need to start them now to learn new eating habits. Because there will come a time, in the near future, when that will be the only way you will be able to eat.

I got an app for my iphone called slow eater pro. You can set it for whatever time peroid you want for intervenals and it totals up your bites too. It dings or vibrates when you can have you next bite so you dont have to stare at a clock. It has helped me alot already. 20 minutes is a LONG time to eat. My husband has had two large servings and been done at about 5 minutes and I am still chipping away at my 1/2 cup.

I do watch TV right now so I am not alone sitting at the table, stairing at a clock. But I wait till my phone dings before I take a bite.