Gareth J. Hollands from the University of Cambridge, U.K., and colleagues, examined data from 72 studies (meta-analysis) that compared at least two groups with respect to their choices of food, alcohol, or tobacco packaging, portion size and tableware (dishes and glasses) size on food consumption.

They concluded "successfully reduce the size, availability and appeal of larger-sized portions, packages, individual units and tableware can contribute to meaningful reductions in the quantities of food (including non-alcoholic beverages) people select and consume in the immediate and short term.”

http://acsh.org/2015/09/change-your-setting-to-help-you-eat-less/

In other words, one might conclude that in part obesity in the U.S. is related to the large overly generous portion size of meals served in many of our restaurants. Many undergoing WLS change their tableware (the size of their plates, bowls, glasses and spoons) after surgery. This change reduces portion size or the temptation to overeat. Even after 28 months post-op I use a miniature metal spoon to eat which slows the rate that I eat (I tend to gobble food down).

OK, this is a little embarrassing to admit, but what the hell ....

Most of the time when we eat at home I layer my food servings into a 1 cup coffee mug -- with starch on the bottom, green or colored veggies in the middle and meat on the top. I eat the meat first, then veggies, then starch.

I also eat with a salad fork, not a dinner fork.

Last night I made chicken stir fry and brown rice, so the cup was layered with (from the bottom), brown rice, stir fry veggies, and chicken (boneless, skinless, white meat in small cubes).

It is such a simple solution for me, and I'm so used to it now. This way, I always eat Protein first. And at 13 months post-op a cup is the MOST I can eat at a single sitting.

Needless to say, at restaurants I just eat the protein first.

It is appalling when you go out to eat and they bring you a ridiculous amount of food. It is absolutely no wonder how we in this country are obese.

It is the one thing that I noticed first after going out to eat post surgery. My husband and I will share a meal and there are still leftovers! Oh and he is not a WLS patient and is obese himself and recognizing he is overeating.

I really wish that restaurants would recognize this, create smaller portions and charge less money. It would likely assist the country in losing weight overall.

just controlling portions would make a huge difference.

@@Djmohr ... amen!

Serving sizes are out of control!

On the other hand, since we now take home leftovers from restaurants, we're getting a lot more value from eating out than we used to. Hubby and I have never failed to make a second meal -- or sometimes even two extra meals -- from leftovers at a single restaurant meal.

Our surgeon gave us little cards to hand to restaurants saying that we had WLS and would like to select items from the child size menu.

Our surgeon gave us little cards to hand to restaurants saying that we had WLS and would like to select items from the child size menu.

Lawd.

If only I'd had a sign that read something like that.

I'd worn it around my neck when hitting up the drive thru's.

Vsgann2014 what a great idea!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing!

@@Nancy1955 my son and I had surgery the same day and our doctor also gave us cards to show the restaurant so that we can order from the child's menu. Unfortunately only one restaurant has let us. Other than that the rest have made us order off the regular menu in which we just decide on something and ask for another plate, and take the rest home.

Our surgeon gave us little cards to hand to restaurants saying that we had WLS and would like to select items from the child size menu.

I wish!!

... I layer my food servings into a 1 cup coffee mug -- with starch on the bottom, green or colored veggies in the middle and meat on the top. I eat the meat first, then veggies, then starch.

That's awesome.

I eat on desert plates only or 1 cup bowls at home the bowls and cups are never full but sure makes me feel like I'm eating the same as ev er ryone else

All you have to do is ask your surgeon for the card. Mine didn't give me one but was happy to help. My kids love (as a VERY RARE treat) Buffett style restaurants. I'm not a fan other than I can choose what goes on my plate. They still charge full price for a 1 cup meal! It's crazy!

Do you find that you have to pay a split plate charge when you share a meal with your spouse? I get that all the time!