I was banded July 16th; saw the nutritionalist on July 25th; and scheduled for 1st fill tue (aug 6th).

My information instructions are extremely vague so I'm turning here for help.

What are some guidelines about chewing?

(all my packet says is to chew well)

What size bites do you take?

(my packet says small---define small)

What are some tips on drinking?

esp. taking smaller sips? (I still catch myself gulping)

Any information is appreciated!! I do not want to fail and not sure where else to find this information.

I was told chew until its like applesauce and bites no bigger then my thumb nail

Thanks!!!

-how about how long between bites?

-also do you have any tips on how to control the amount you drink

-and how fast you drink

About 30-40 sec between bites and no chugging water sip it like wine

My doctor says....

Bites no bigger than a dime or your pinky nail.

Chew until mush about 30 seconds depending on the food.

Minute between bites.

As for drinking sometimes my band makes me sip my Water and other times I can gulp. Depends on the day and how my band is feeling.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Put your utensil down between each bite while you chew.

I would say a good size bite is about the size of an acorn if you're tight to about the size of a walnut if you're loose.

If you can gulp and it doesn't come back up then gulp away.

It's hard learning these methods for eating when you don't need to yet. Hopefully if I continue to practice these habits, by the time my band actually starts restricting my diet I will have learned how to eat with it.

I chew until I don't feel like there are solids left. Often I'll take a bit, chew, swallow part of it, chew, swallow the rest.

I agree with the above poster. If you can gulp your drinks, then you are fine. You're not doing damage and you'll know if your sips are too big.

As far as bite sizes, it could vary based on the type of food you are eating. For example, I try to cut Protein down to the size of my ring finger or pinky finger nail. If a softer food, I go larger (a nickel or so).

Good luck!