I seem to be wasting a LOT of food lately, which is fine, just....I can't seem to shake the habit of taking big portions. I will feel ALL kinds of hungry and get a big portion (since I don't have a fill I can eat pretty well) so I get a big portion and end up letting a lot go to waste.

I had a waiter roll his eyes at me the other night because I'd ordered two appetizers but only ate one. I didn't want to take the other home and he was offended about it. Sheesh!

Question is this.....how long before my eyes learn a better sense of the right size portion to take?

Boy oh boy oh boy, don't I know it's true. I still can't order band-size food. I was so jealous of my banded friend when I had dinner with her and her huband, because they shared a meal. My husband is thin, but he's a big hog and won't share. He wants his own plate. Dinner is especially hard, and I'm feeding my fur-children way too much people food.

I'm glad someone finally brought this up. I am 4 months out and just learning to eat SLOW SLOW SLOW and CHEW CHEW CHEW. As far as portions I am getting better, remember we ate so much for so long so it is going to take some time to learn new behaviors. I am definately eating half of what I use to eat.

I only have today to judge by, because it's my first day of mushy food. I had 1/4 cup, or 1/6 of a Stouffer's spinach souffle, and my stomach hurts a little. I think it was about 2 Tablespoons, which took me about 10 bites to finish. Is that about right? I know I stopped in time to avoid being sick, but I felt a lot hungrier than that! I don't have a fill, either. Cindy

I was told at my support group to try and use a small spoon(baby) and a very small plate I am not banded yet 1 week to go but that is what I was told to help with the portion thing, they also suggested to get a egg time ( 1 minute I think) and turn it over between each bite! good luck I'm sure I'll be in the same boat down the raod here!!

Carrie

I haven't had a fill yet and really don't feel like I need one. I find that I need to quit eating before I feel full. It seems that I feel the fullness a little while after I finish. eating. Especially the evening meal. Maybe I haven't learned to judge it yet and am not used to eating such small amounts.

Try this: keep telling yourself "I'll start with one appetizer and if I'm still hungry, I can always order another." Likewise, say "I'm just going to start with this small cup of XYZ and I can always get more if I want." Then you have a chance to pause and ask yourself "Am I really hungry? Am I full yet?" without having a plate of unwanted food making you feel guilty.

I tend to order a full meal at cheap restaurants, and a bowl of soup at expensive ones. This works nicely for me. I eat what I want when I go cheap. For example, I will order a meal at the local mexican joint, eat a little and have lunch ready for the next day. It makes for cheap meals overall. When I go to a more expensive place, my wife orders an entree, a side salad, and a bowl of soup. I usually take either the soup or salad, split some bread and sneak a nibble of a side item and viola!

I am 4 months out and still trying to learn also. My eyes are SOOOOO big when it comes to food, especially if I am really hungry. Hubby looks at my plate and says "You wont eat all that" I argue black and blue with him that I bet I can. I never do. We went to an all you can eat last night for my twins bday. Damn paying $20.50 for nothing. I even found myself trying to fit in more to get more of my moneys worth. I told hubby I wont go there anymore it is BAD for me lol

All you can eats are EVIL...just like the scales.

I might change my name to bigeyesandbellykellie hahaha

I was banded on July 26th and am supposed to still be on clear liquids. But I'm starving. I've already tried watered down tomato and mushroom soup and so far so good. Why can some of us have only liquids for 4 weeks when other doctors say you can have some mushy stuff after only a week? I don't have a fill yet - am I hurting anything to try mushy after a week?????

I am very lucky. I have a teenage son 17, that will finish any food. I simply eat what I want of whatever and hand the rest to him. I have no problem asking at resturants for a 1/2 size portion or a to go box at the beginning. I was nervous at first, but everyone has been good. then if it is left on the plate, I take it home. I think it is great to go out, get a meal I reallly like and it now makes 3-4 meals. cheaper to eat now!!

I was banded on July 26th and am supposed to still be on clear liquids. But I'm starving. I've already tried watered down tomato and mushroom soup and so far so good. Why can some of us have only liquids for 4 weeks when other doctors say you can have some mushy stuff after only a week? I don't have a fill yet - am I hurting anything to try mushy after a week?????

Can you have protein shakes. You need some protein to take away the hunger. It sure helped fill me up. If I had to stay on clear liquids I think I would have been hungry too. I was allowed liquids for 2 weeks then mushies.