Having found Tiffs document she posted for dietary needs pre and post VSG I have just been reading it.... whilst eating my brunch (late Breakfast, early lunch). ( I have to say it was brown rice and ratatouille, so pretty healthy).

I made myself eat it with a teaspoon and chew chew chew stuff until almost liquid, before swallowing.

I have to say I found it really hard and it really made me realise how much I stuff in my mouth normally, and also that I swallow food unchewed - no wonder I manage to eat so fast - I am normally one of the first to finish.

I'm getting closer and closer in making this decision ( I think it is already made in reality!!) and maybe, just maybe this might help me on the way, and also help post op if I try and get into these habits now then maybe my transition to a better dietary future might be a little easier.

Has anyone else done this or think its a good or bad idea??

I think it would be a good ideal to start prior to surgery to get use to

the new eating habits. I too have been a fast eater for years and it

allowed me to eat larger amounts. But even if you don't after you have

surgery you will slow down and make sure the food is chewed good or

you sleeve will let you know about it. I'm four weeks out and just now

getting to eat real food again, but even while on soft foods I can tell

if I have chewed the food good enough. I have not had real bad pain

just an uncomfortable feeling like it is not wanting to go down like good.

It has helped me to slow down. When I go out to eat with co-workers

they now finish their plates by the time I finish a half of cup of soft foods.

Good luck on your journey.

I think it's a fabulous idea to start pre-op. Those little changes will come in handy during the post-op diet, and first few months after surgery.

I had the eating habits pretty down pat because of the band so having that foundation really helped me eat with the sleeve early out.

One other thing that really helped me was sitting my utensil down in between bites. That was a big habit to change, but it helps tremendously.

Good luck, and keep us posted on how things go.

Another great trick is using "cocktail" utensils. They are very small and force you to eat a little slower since the fork tines and spoon size are smaller.

Good luck!