I haven't had surg yet. After the Nut seminar, she had us go on a "balanced eating plan". Part of what we are supposed to do is, no drinking w/meals and take 30 mins to eat. My question is....those that have HAD surg and now only eat tiny amounts of food...do you still take 30 mins to eat??? Thanks!!!

You don't really want to take 30 minutes to eat, but when you don't, you will experience pain at the top of your sleeve, just below the sternum. Believe me, when you experience that pain, you will slow down. It morphs from an unwanted discipline to a choice.

I'm 4 months out and if I really needed to, I can eat in under 30 minutes. Usually that happens in restaurants when the wait staff is staring at you to finish. It depends on the food really. Sashimi I can get down (2-3oz) no problem in 20 minutes, taking time to chew, etc. But give me fish or chicken with veggies, and I usually don't want to rush it so I'll take 30-45 minutes. For lunch and snacks, like 2oz of cottage cheese with some applesauce, usually 15 or less. Soups are also a little easier. But this only recently happened for me. The first 1-3 months it could take me up to an hour to eat meals, chewing, putting the fork down between bites, etc. Seriously, the first time you eat too fast and you get the slimey painful feeling in your chest, you learn.

Thank you for the replies. The slow eating/chewing chewing chewing is very hard for me! Will keep working on it!

I am almost 5 weeks post op and eating soft foods - definitely learn how to slow down, chew and enjoy. I struggle with eating too fast still and the pain and uncomfortable feeling is not worth it.

Your eyes are still bigger than your stomach - time to align the mind with the body!!! Good luck to you!!

April

Sleeved 5/1/2012

Starting weight - 256

Weight to date - 224

I usually take about 20 minutes. I don't have time in my day for 30 minutes every single time I eat. When I am alone, I will eat about a quarter of a cup and then just wait a few minutes. I do chores or other things and generally distract myself. However, I haven't really had the pain that others describe if I eat too fast. It is important to take the time to chew really well or it is rather uncomfortable though. It takes some adjustment but comes a bit easier post op I believe.