So I am a fast eater and honestly I haven't practiced eating slower prior to surgery.

However, I am going to start this week and wanted to know if y'all had any helpful tricks/ideas that you do that helps?

I know that putting the fork down in between bites is one, but it seems like I forget that really quick.

What have y'all found that works the best for eating slower? I hate vomiting and want to avoid that at all costs, so eating slower is something I need to learn!

I found a small metal spoon in the store and bought it. I eat a lot of soft foods such as Soups and chili and I use this spoon.

Timer on my phone is the only way I am accomplishing it so far. I set 2 timers - one goes off every 1 1/2 minutes and I won't take a bite until it goes off and then reset it for the next bite. The other time is for 30 minutes and at 30 minutes, I have to stop and get rid of my plate. When I am with others and not able to watch the clock, it is harder, but once it becomes more habit, it will get easier (or so I am told).

Timer on my phone is the only way I am accomplishing it so far. I set 2 timers - one goes off every 1 1/2 minutes and I won't take a bite until it goes off and then reset it for the next bite. The other time is for 30 minutes and at 30 minutes, I have to stop and get rid of my plate. When I am with others and not able to watch the clock, it is harder, but once it becomes more habit, it will get easier (or so I am told).

So is it an app or just your stopwatch thing? I'm trying to explore all options and ways to s-l-o-w down.

I use an app "eat slower" I like what @@Daisee68 said for the 30 min timer and then getting rid of the plate, trying that today

My NUT has me practicing this whole thing and honestly it's harder than people realize. Especially for me because I have kids to feed and kids who need stuff and I'm hopping up and down and all around and I never get to just sit and consciously eat. It's hurry up and shove it down before the next thing comes along I have to go do. It's frustrating, but I've started making rules to help like if they didn't ask for it before we sat down, they have to wait type things and only refills will be gotten is after daddy finishes. I've started singing silly songs between bites to help time me. If you don't want to sing them out loud, do it I your head and when you finish the song it's time for the next bite. Like one of the songs I use is "hickory dickory dock, I don't want to wait for the clock! The food is getting cold the bread becoming a rock, hickory dickory dock!"then I repeat it 3 times. By then I'm ready for the next bite. Or I'll walk my fork around the entire circumference of the plate like I'm being a clock. It's childish, I'll admit, but it works for keeping me timed without a timer. I just set the egg timer for the 30 min mark and I've really gotten the hang of it! The only part I am having trouble with is that I over spicy my food and then I'm crying for a drink of water to kill the heat while I wait!

@@_Brooke_ - Just the timer on my phone. No app needed. Though I do know that there are some that exist. I also use it when I know I need to drink more so I set it for every few minutes and make myself sip - for an hour or so.

@@Sajijoma, that is really cute! !! I'll be singing that little time all night now LOL^_^

After the first time you get chicken stuck because you didn't slow down and chew well or you eat faster than the food can move and it hurts like heck, you'll be more aware. I used small spoons and forks and a eating timer on my phone to prevent future mishaps. It really hurts!

@Daisee68...Those are great ideas. I am going to try doing them. It can be hard to slow down when you're used to always being rushed. And it makes sense to be done in 30 minutes.

I love all the ideas and helpful tips!

@@Daisee68 I tried the timer thing last night and it was so much harder than I thought it would be!! I definitely need to practice more.

@@mskami77 What you said rang a bell with me. My mother said the same thing a few days ago!

Have you checked out the Bariatric Timer app. You can download to your phone or tablet. It can help you with eating and drinking times.

I got to check out the bariatric timer app on tablet. It seems like it takes forever for me to eat and then I realize I'm gulping the food. That's not going to work post op!

I got to check out the bariatric timer app on tablet. It seems like it takes forever for me to eat and then I realize I'm gulping the food. That's not going to work post op!

I found an app and it's called "slow mow eating timer".. it was .99 but I feel like $1 is definitely worth it! I have been using it all day to really concentrate on eating slower and I have to say this app is quite impressive. You can set it to make a sound, buzz, or flash on your screen which is helpful if you're out and about. I tried the bariatric timer, but wasn't feeling the whole donut bit. Lol

I use a timer, a small spoon/fork, and eat with my nondominant hand...

I use a timer, a small spoon/fork, and eat with my nondominant hand...

I had not thought about eating with my left hand! That's a great tip!