I am in the paperwork started, met with the doctor, waiting for insurance approval, etc. phase of this procedure. This is a great forum, I've learned so much already! I'm trying to start making changes now so the pre-op diet will be an easier transition. I have a lot of room for improvement! Among other things, I scarf my food down in lion-sized chunks. I have just discovered that I really don't like chewing my food as much as is needed. I get to chew 18 and then I almost can't help swallowing. I really dislike the texture of food when i chew it to a paste. Is this just years of habit? I'm fine with things that are pureed or mush before they go in my mouth, but making that texture with my teeth is just making me icky. How do i retrain myself to chew? Thanks!

Hi Marbear I understand your struggle..However, after surgery you will need to chew approx. 30 Times per bite. I was told I needed to chew my food to baby food consistency. Not easy.....it helps to practice now pre - surgery. Best wishes . Tina

Is the chewing 30 times per bite, waiting 5 minutes between each bite, a temporary thing, or as time goes on, you do not have to chew to a pureed texture?

Is the chewing 30 times per bite' date=' waiting 5 minutes between each bite, a temporary thing, or as time goes on, you do not have to chew to a pureed texture?[/quote']

I'm 2 1/2 months post-op and no longer have to chew obsessively. I still take small bites but I just chew normally.

I haven't heard the waiting 5 minutes between bites before. That's a long time! I've been trying to practice chewing with my front teeth, kind of nipping my food to death, in an effort to keep it in my mouth longer. I really don't like practicing this at all, but by god this is not going to be my show-stopper. I try to focus on each bite and pretend I'm getting it ready to feed a baby bird. I have a strong aversion to gum as well, no idea why. Maybe I should just eat more to desensitize (I'm kidding!!). Thanks for the replies!

ETA: Aaron what is "chewing normally" in terms of chews and timing between bites? I feel silly even asking, pretty sure I should know this lol. Thanks again!

Is the chewing 30 times per bite' date=' waiting 5 minutes between each bite, a temporary thing, or as time goes on, you do not have to chew to a pureed texture?[/quote']

The chewing thing should be forever. It is actually the way we should have been chewing our food all along.

As far as time between bites, I've always heard 2 minutes, but hey, I've already bent that rule into a pretzel.