Has anyone else had this problem?

I was banded on 1/12/09. I can only eat a small portion before I feel my chest getting tight like something is stuck in there.

But my problem is, I want to finish eating what I'm eating! Then I end up making myself sick. I didn't realize that there would be such a strong psychological hurdle.

I just want to be able to finish one piece of pizza! I don't need to eat 4 pieces like I used to, but I at least want to enjoy a whole piece and not just bites of it.

How do I get over this? Even when I have dieted in the past, I'm used to having a big salad or a big turkey sandwich on sugar free bread. I'm not getting mentally satisfied with just a few bites.

Any suggestions? Should I put a tiny portion on a plate so I can feel like I finished it? That way maybe I won't feel like I still have food to finish.

I love food. Sometimes I get sad when I can't finish too. It is good to know that there are others that have a hard time with that part of our new life. I am learning every day to slow down and enjoy every tiny bite. But it is hard.

banded feb 25 2009

lost 19 lbs.

I have learned to my dismay that my eyes are definitely bigger than my stomach. To solve this every thing I eat is measured BEFORE it goes on my plate which is 1/2 cup. I always cut up everything in very tiny pieces. I then gauge how fast I eat and my wait times between bites so that I finish the same time everyone else is finishing. That way I don't have to watch everyone still eating and I don't have anything. Mentally if I eat the last bite about the same time everyone else does, I don't feel as if I was deprived. Listen and try everything others suggest but you will have to find what little tricks work for you ... At work in our lunch room many times people bring in treats for everyone. I position myself away from and try to keep it out of sight. I am not to proud to ask for help from my co-workers by asking them to move it to the other end of the table...They have been great! I also try and focus on the non scale victories (NSV)! Just think YOU have made a conscious decision to make your life better--healthier! That is a NSV! Just keep trying different ideas and talk to yourself...(POSITIVELY)! Find things that you can side track you mind.

I don't think I have ever or I haven't recognized the FULL feeling....but I do know that I don't get hungry between meals. I guess I'm lucky in that respect but there have been times ...like right now .... that I have to find something to do to keep me out of the kitchen.

Good Luck and work to find what works for you.

Deb

Highest lifetime wt. 386

1st visit to doctor 376

Surgery date 342

Today's wt. 302