Although surgery is several months in the future, I decided that starting today I would CHEW CHEW CHEW my food. That is going to take some retraining since I have been inhaling my food for 67 years. Started out ok but without even realizing it, I inhaled most of it. (and actually didn't even taste most of it).

Louise

That's great that you are getting a jump start on chewing! Ugh, I'm still having problems! Sometimes I do want to just inhale my food too but it would hurt so bad! I know I've slipped a few times and accidentally ate way to fast! So good job for getting the practice!

I've been at this for 5 months, now, and STILL have to remember to chew well! I remember well enough at a restaurant, and I really enjoy the chewing there, but forget when I am in a hurry, especially. RETRAIN THE BRAIN!!!!!!!!

Almost 7 months for me and I slip up now and again and I'm reminded every time why it's important lol. I really try to eat something every 2-3 hours and it helps. Even if it's string cheese.

It is so important that you are trying now. For me this was one of the things that was hardest to master. Obviously when you do not chew you basically inhale you food eating way too fast.

Post surgery that can be one of the most painful experiences. I still struggle with it and it can literally ruin a meal. it happens mostly when you are eating and not paying attention. Usually that is when I am having a meal with other people and I don't pay attention.

You will learn fast!

Trust me once you don't chew something once, you'll never forget that feeling and you'll chew your food until it's Soup in your mouth from now on. Good for you for getting a head start on something that's so hard.

Also, talking while eating. I'm always asking people to leave me alone while I eat so I can focus on chewing.

Congratulations on taking a great first step to retraining yourself even before you have your surgery!!!

Agree with @@CanyonBaby, @Bashlee, @@Djmohr, @@Casey235 and others - all the way up this thread!! Too much food, or eating too quickly, or not chewing food sufficiently can cause some intense discomfort when you eat. Once in awhile I get carried away and eat too much too fast, usually when my food is really hot and tastes so good to me, and have to stop eating for 15-30 mins. until the discomfort subsides. Huge reminder to do what I'm supposed to do all the time

Chewing slower is definitely a huge challenge, but one of the best things you can do. I have only gotten a little sick twice. Both times, I don't think I chewed well enough.

I practiced on a clock -- a bite a minute. It was great to notice everything, like how resistant I was to putting my little fork down. I didn't want to let go of my implement! I was such a shoveler. Love being a dainty eater now. Good luck to you and congratulations on choosing to get healthy! Way to go practicing ahead of time....smart cookie.

I practiced on a clock -- a bite a minute. It was great to notice everything, like how resistant I was to putting my little fork down. I didn't want to let go of my implement! I was such a shoveler. Love being a dainty eater now. Good luck to you and congratulations on choosing to get healthy! Way to go practicing ahead of time....smart cookie.

Great ideas...THANKS!

Louise

Chewing slower is definitely a huge challenge, but one of the best things you can do. I have only gotten a little sick twice. Both times, I don't think I chewed well enough.

The fear of getting sick is front and foremost, which is why I am leaning towards Gastric Bypass. I am 67 and my bad habits have had plenty of time to become "the normal" which is why I am starting all this so early. The two worse things to have are a toothache and nausea. YUCK!!!

Louise

Chewing slower is definitely a huge challenge, but one of the best things you can do. I have only gotten a little sick twice. Both times, I don't think I chewed well enough.

The fear of getting sick is front and foremost, which is why I am leaning towards Gastric Bypass. I am 67 and my bad habits have had plenty of time to become "the normal" which is why I am starting all this so early. The two worse things to have are a toothache and nausea. YUCK!!!

Louise

I think people tend to get sick more frequently with the bypass. If I eat fat or sugar, my body can usually handle it. After bypass, if you eat the wrong foods, you will likely get very sick. I also probably pushed the limits on what I could eat when. Zofran works great for nausea.

I LOVE sweets, not so much chocolate but the candies that are almost pure sugar. This is why I am leaning towards bypass. Of course, with my age and health issues, the doctor will determine what options I have.

What is it like to be able to eat ONE piece of candy and then stop. I don't know because I have never been able to do that. One piece opens up the floodgates and I can't stop.

Louise

I think with any of the surgeries you have to watch how fast and how much you eat. With bypass you have to worry about dumping syndrome so If you love sweets you will have a hard time with that surgery. I am not a candy lover, so it wasn't an issue for me. I went with the DS, which would be a good choice for you because there is no associated dumping syndrome. I will say that I am a month out and I am still experiencing nausea and vomiting daily. Trust me you wont have a problem with inhaling food because you have no room for it. Further into recovery you of course will be able to eat more, but you will have to use self control.

This CHEW CHEW CHEW thing is harder than I expected it to be. I am not doing well at all.

The bypass surgery actually might be better for me because it means I CAN'T eat sweets. And I sure don't WANT to experienced dumping syndrome. I think I might do better that way.

There is so much to think about I can't begin to take it all in.

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