I've always been a fast eater. My boyfriend compared me to a soldier ramming through MESS hall today--in and out in under five minutes. I get hungry, I pounce on the food, I'm done. Apparently, I can't do that anymore. And I don't know why it is so hard for me to learn. I still have the hunger, so when it's time to eat, I eat too quickly, not realizing that I have eaten too much and then I am in trouble. Has anyone else struggled with this? What are some tips to tame the MESS HALL MONSTER?

How long have you been sleeved?

Just two weeks. I'm on mushed foods.

I do struggle with this, especially now that I am on real food. I have eaten too fast for about 4 meals.... After each I has severe pain, nausea, foaming, burping... And eventually, had to go and throw up. I am hoping I have learned my lesson, really slow down and listen to your stomach. Usually after about 4 bites, I will burp, that is my signal that I am full!

Will it always be like this?

Will it always be like this?

Seriously, the same question?!?

Okay I was just trying to figure out is that just temporary or does it get better! But never mind ....

Okay I was just trying to figure out is that just temporary or does it get better! But never mind ....

LOL! I was just saying that I also wanted to know that. That wasn't an attempt to dismiss your question.

Okay I was just trying to figure out is that just temporary or does it get better! But never mind ....

The further out post op, the more you can eat, but you shouldn't be able to eat what you could before.

Eating less and eating smarter is for life with VSG. If you're not vigilant even in maintenance phase your weight will creep back up.

I am almost 4 months out and I continue to eat too fast. Ii have thrown up a few times because I didn't give myself time to realize I had enough. It is just a new habit to learn and I think I am better because now I know my limits of most things but...will this be forever? Probably because I hope that restriction is there for a very long time.

I am the same way and am still on pureed/soft foods at 6 (almost 7) weeks out because of it. My NP is threatening dilation if I don't get better and I really don't want any more procedures.

I am now religiously using a cocktail fork and a baby spoon, as ridiculous as that sounds. I am also getting up and walking a bit after each bite just to stop myself from putting in another before 30-45 seconds has passed at least. NP wants a full minute, but that's just making me crazy.

Use tiny utensils, set a timer, walk around, count, do whatever you need to do to slow it down. It's better for your stitch line, your digestion, and your ability to keep food down and progress normally. Plus, you will learn to feel when you are full faster and that's what we all desire for maximum weight loss, right?

(But really, I want to stab myself in the eye at all times because of this!!!) (With my cocktail fork!!!)

I am the same way and am still on pureed/soft foods at 6 (almost 7) weeks out because of it. My NP is threatening dilation if I don't get better and I really don't want any more procedures.

I am now religiously using a cocktail fork and a baby spoon' date=' as ridiculous as that sounds. I am also getting up and walking a bit after each bite just to stop myself from putting in another before 30-45 seconds has passed at least. NP wants a full minute, but that's just making me crazy.

Use tiny utensils, set a timer, walk around, count, do whatever you need to do to slow it down. It's better for your stitch line, your digestion, and your ability to keep food down and progress normally. Plus, you will learn to feel when you are full faster and that's what we all desire for maximum weight loss, right?

(But really, I want to stab myself in the eye at all times because of this!!!) (With my cocktail fork!!!)[/quote']

Ugh! You have such a great attitude through this. Dilation may not be your first choice but maybe it will give you some relief!

Ugh! You have such a great attitude through this. Dilation may not be your first choice but maybe it will give you some relief!

Awwww, thanks. I really don't have a choice but to progress at my own pace of learning and healing, so the only attitude is a good attitude. That said, I beat the crap out of a punching bag in kickboxing last night. It's a great stress reliever.

Will it always be like this?

Yes.

Thank you for these great recommendations!