I am curious to know what if any tools you used to help you with portion control. I see there are several products on the market. I'm very visual and need to see what my portions should be. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have for me. Thank you.

scale and measuring cups.

Small plates- I never eat off a full-size plate.

Small bowls- like 1 cup size bowls

I didn't buy anything. I already had this stuff.

I used what the NUT recommended - easy, cheap, and good guideance.

I started out measuring with measuring cups (1/4 cup size, 1/3 and eventually 1/2) and then of course measuring spoons.

I already owned all that plus a scale. With the sleeve, volume is more important then weight though.

I use a teaplate as my "dinner plate" which helps with portion control even though i don't measure anymore.

I eat using appetizer utinsils. I hated the suggestion of "baby forks" but appetizer ones from bed bath and beyond are great.

I also bought a $5 mug warmer which I used to keep beverages warm, but also to put my little plate on if it is something I really want to keep warm.

i use the 'cupcake meals' from www.emilybites.com because they are already portioned out, and they taste great.

other than that, my NUT showed me a few neat tricks, such as a 'serving' of meat is no more that the size of a deck of cards.

after a while, you will get used to how 'big' your portions should be, and you will know how much is too much before you put it in your mouth.

Thank you for your replies and great ideas. I'm revising from band to sleeve in January and look forward to trying these ideas.