I have heard that some people find it really helpful to buy small dishes, utensils, cups etc. so that when they eat 1/2 cup of food or what not, it's easy to gauge it and it doesn't look like you are eating so little with it on a big dinner plate or something.

So I was wondering if any of you have done this and what did you buy? Toddler dishes? Smaller versions of adult dishes? I know when I did a pre-op diet for lap band (which I never followed through with getting) I was using toddler spoons to eat things like applesauce or whatever... and drinking from sippy cups.

Would love to hear any experiences/products!

I didn't buy anything special. I ate and still eat off little saucers or small salad plate. My sister-in-law left a couple of baby spoons here when she visited with her infant so I used those for a little bit.

I had some old bowls that have measurements on the inside of the bowls. They are plastic and worked wonderfully during the stage when I was on clears and full liquids. I still used them when I hit some mushies, but now I can just eyeball portions.

For all my measurements, I used the children's 1oz OTC medication dosing cups especially when I first started mushies/soft solids. This ensured that I didn't eat too much, and was able to monitor my intake.

This isn't related to portion size: Right after I had my surgery it seemed like I was using spoons and bowls all the time because of the liquids, and I didn't really feel like doing a lot of dishes, so I bought some paper bowls and plastic spoons. Made life a little easier for me.

I also bought those 6 oz foam cups and plastic spoons (they are smaller than normal)...that way I could dish up about 1/2 a cup, heat it, eat it and throw it away...I now eat most meals out of those 4-6 oz glass custard-type dishes. They are okay in the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher, so now my daughter can make the supper plates and know how much to put for me!

I went all out & bought some china bread plates & finger bowls at a local antique shop. Makes my meal feel a little "fancier". I also purchased cocktail forks and spoons to help me get used to eating slowly.

At 3 months out, I don't really need these anymore. However, my kids still like to set my place with the China - just makes it feel more like an occaision than just another meal.

I went to TJ Maxx and they had cute stacks of desert plates. They help me eyeball things, and it is less disappointing when your plate looks like it has food on it rather than only occupying a little section. There are a few foods that I do like to use a baby spoon with so my bites are a little smaller, but for the most part I use regular spoons/forks.

The only thing I bought special were two little plastic condiment dishes from Walmart. They hold just about a half-cup of stuff, so now I use them for cottage cheese and yogurt, when using a regular bowl would be ridiculous. Otherwise, I have these really pretty ceramic salad plates that I've always loved and never had much use for, that I use all the time now, and I just use a salad fork and small teaspoon. just remembering to full up just the tip and not the whole thing.

I do the same. I use ramekins for portion size on beans, etc. , salad plates for all meals, and small forks and spoons. I like the presentation to look like a full meal, and it makes me enjoy eating more. But then again, we use cloth napkins everyday for the same reason. )

Thank you everybody for all the suggestions!!! I think I'll go to Wal Mart or Target and look for some condiment bowls and things!

I've been using regular plates and utensils but just today was thinking that I need a small bowl and plate. Eating is partly visual for me and seeing the smaller plates fuller will make me feel like I am eating a good size portion when in reality it is a small portion. Of course I am going to listen to the physical cues from my stomach but it is also mental for me.

I've been using regular plates and utensils but just today was thinking that I need a small bowl and plate. Eating is partly visual for me and seeing the smaller plates fuller will make me feel like I am eating a good size portion when in reality it is a small portion. Of course I am going to listen to the physical cues from my stomach but it is also mental for me.

Yes... that is a big part of the reason for me too! Mentally feeling like it's more food... also being able to limit the portion size easily

I forgot one other thing that I bought and love. In the baby section at walmart there are these little tupperware thingys called take n' toss. They are dishwasher and microwave safe and i will make 2 oz of meat or small servings of cottage cheese and yogurt and they are perfect to take work.

Thank you everybody for all the suggestions!!! I think I'll go to Wal Mart or Target and look for some condiment bowls and things!

At Walmart, look near where they have the Rubbermaid stuff and kitchen utensils, measuring cups, etc... that's where I found them. Have fun shopping! :confused1:

I have heard that some people find it really helpful to buy small dishes, utensils, cups etc. so that when they eat 1/2 cup of food or what not, it's easy to gauge it and it doesn't look like you are eating so little with it on a big dinner plate or something.

So I was wondering if any of you have done this and what did you buy? Toddler dishes? Smaller versions of adult dishes? I know when I did a pre-op diet for lap band (which I never followed through with getting) I was using toddler spoons to eat things like applesauce or whatever... and drinking from sippy cups.

Would love to hear any experiences/products!

I used (still use/ I'm 4 1/2 months out) a teacup saucer for my plate and just a regular teaspoon and fork. I didn't go and buy anything new. . . but let me tell you, after you are used to using these plates when you go anywhere to eat, the portions seem HUGH!!!!!! :confused1:

I used (still use/ I'm 4 1/2 months out) a teacup saucer for my plate and just a regular teaspoon and fork. I didn't go and buy anything new. . . but let me tell you, after you are used to using these plates when you go anywhere to eat, the portions seem HUGH!!!!!! :confused1:

I can only imagine!!! Even now at over 300 lbs restaurant portions seem huge to me and I can rarely finish anything. I hope after surgery I can just steal little bits and pieces off the plates of others Oh you don't want your broccoli? I'll take that. Can't finish your chicken? Thank yoooou.

Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone!! I'll check out Wal-Mart today. I am also looking at Bento boxes on Amazon but they all seem too big for early on, might work better in a year or so after surgery when I eat more normal sized portions.