I really REALLY try very hard to make an effort to slow down when eating, and I do pretty good when I'm alone and milk it out to 25-30 min. as I obsessively watch the clock. The problem I have been experiencing is eating socially with friends and family. Everyone seems to eat so darn fast and I feel kinda weird still eating and chewing knowing I have about 20 more mintues to go.

Now, knock on wood nothing has happened pb-wise. But am I harming anything? And how do y'all handle this situation? I don't want to annouce to everyone I have lap band and I need to take my time and not being social is not an answer. HELP!!

I am going to rephrase the question.

Are we supposed to eat slow so we can feel fuller off smaller portions- or-

Are we supposed to eat slower so the food doesn't all buld up in our little pouches and stretch it?

I am getting so paranoid!!!

I would have thought it would be easier when your out with family and friends I mean you can take a bite and then talk you know? I find when I'm out I eat soooooo slow and I'm not even banded yet and I notice I get dirty looks from people because they must think I've ordered something huge and I just keep eating it you know? Like recently I went out with my sister to a pasta place and we both got entree size pasta's as there pretty big and I just eat slow for some reason, always have and there were people behind us just looking really rude and kept staring, needless to say I didn't finish my entire meal because I was p*ssed off that some people can be that rude - usually it doesnt affect me but this time it did anyway back to the eating lol, maybe just talk while your around family, like about your week or something, it will take the focus off food and give you time to eat without looking like you haven't if you know what I mean?

I really struggle with this as well. I'm going to try and put my fork/spoon down between bites.

you're supposed to eat slower for both those reasons.

The best thing you can do for yourself is stop worrying about what others think. They just dont really care that much about what you eat and drink and most probably wont even notice.

Nothing may have happened pbwise so far but eventually it will if you dont learn to slow down in ALL situations.

The only time I feel weird about this is when I feel a bit blocked and know I need to stop eating to let things clear. It feels awkward to just suddenly stop eating. I usually make a trip to the bathroom just to give myself some time if that happens.

i dont mind eating slowly, thought now and then i forget! if my mind is one someting ie someone is talkign to me,, but not very often.. what i dont like is the food is cold by the time you get to the end of it! espeically someting much better hot, like toast or soup.. or roast!

guess its a small price to pay for weight loss. (my real dream)

I really REALLY try very hard to make an effort to slow down when eating, and I do pretty good when I'm alone and milk it out to 25-30 min. as I obsessively watch the clock. The problem I have been experiencing is eating socially with friends and family. Everyone seems to eat so darn fast and I feel kinda weird still eating and chewing knowing I have about 20 more mintues to go.

Now, knock on wood nothing has happened pb-wise. But am I harming anything? And how do y'all handle this situation? I don't want to annouce to everyone I have lap band and I need to take my time and not being social is not an answer. HELP!!

U know what when I am eating around people that don't know that I have been banded they ask me why are u eating so slow and i tell say... didn't u watch that show on VH-1 called I can make u thin? He talked about chewing your food more, and putting your fork down between bites and it has seem to help me.. u should try it.. because it may help u...lol and they are like wow let me see.... But by u slowing down they will realize that they are swollowing 1/2 a cow without chewing... They need to learn how to chew as well.. it's not just u...Oh and to answer your question to the 2nd post it's both... u want to eat slower because u will feel fuller faster, and so u wont stretch your pouch...

Edited June 2, 200818 yr by mstrina27

I can empathize(sp) with you on the eating to fast. I am not on solids yet, but I worry I will eat to fast I have almost always had jobs where you eat between customers and you don't really chew your food. It is so ingrained in me that I am afraid I'll try it and get sick. So basically I am kinda afraid of going on solids now.

My husband is a very fast eater and I have found if we are eating together, I also tend to eat faster. I have already told him he will have to slow down once I have surgery because of that. We'll see how that goes. I agree with what someone else said, try to talk between bites and chew really well. If you notice you have been distracted, bring your focus back to your meal and take note of how full you feel. And remember not to drink!!

I hear ya on trying to eat slower. I grew up army and meals were generally quick, mostly cause we were all so busy with stuff it was hurry up and eat then taste it later mentality. After a life time of eating like that its hard to break the cycle.

I am still on the mushy stages but one little trick I have found is if I eat with my left hand (I am ambidextrous but right side strong) I have to slow down and think about what I am doing. It has really helped slow me down, and take my time. My big bad habit is to read when I eat, and that doesn't help me eat slower, but since I started eating with my left hand it has improved a lot.

I think it also helps not to load up your fork. I was suprized at how bad I was at eating till my surgery. I would shovle way to much food in my mouth and then try to chew it effectivly and would wind up eating to much and feeling sick. Now I try to think of what I would put on fork for 2 or 4 year old and chew the heck out of it. It seems to help me. Enjoy the Day, Mari

So how many minutes do y'all spend eating? I mean if it's a snack and not a meal, do you take 30 minutes? I read some post about taking 15 minutes to eat a saltine- and that is a little extreme to me!!!