My psychologist really wanted me to set an alarm for every 15 minutes - but that would be really disruptive to a classroom full of students.  I tried to train myself before coming back to work.  I realized that 2 oz was about 4 swallows.  So I try to take four swallows of water, Crystal Light, whatever I have - every so often.  I've been able to keep from chugging, but I'm sure that some of my sips are 12 minutes apart and others 20 minutes apart.  I've not been as good about the semi-solids.  I have eaten a few things that were...risky.  But I really have chewed them until the soupy stage - just because I am fearful. 
Now I'm fearful of how to try the semi-solid foods...how quickly might I react? - that sort of thing.  I guess you are right, though.  I just have to redefine my relationship with food.  I feel the smaller stomach, so I think I can use that to my advantage as far as helping me to truly learn a new limit with food. 

 heya, 

I get to switch to soft/pureed foods on tuesday and i am so excited i could jumpe up and down! all liquids for three weeks is a hard hard thing. but nothing solid has passed my lips except for the chunks of my meds/vitamins and so i'm proud of myself for that. 

i TOTALLY wondered if my surgeon just poked some holes in me as an experiement too! I think that is because other than a lot of burping and being full  more easily it doesn't seem like that much has changed...but that isn't true really, it just seems that way. i think that the difference will be more noticable once we start eating actual food. 

wanting something at a meal time makes sense but we have to change what we think of as a mealtime and how we look at food in general. so maybe that is the purpose of the regimented eating? i dunno, i still have meal times but my doc doesn't have me on a schedule, just guidlines for what to get in everyday. 

i am thinking happy good thoughts for you guys! 

-Maggie

jenharring: LOL, I will have the loose skin issues too, but I will take it over what I'm dealing with now....I'm so  happy for you too!!  Prayers that everything goes great and that we mend quick!  I'm ready, oh, so, ready!!! 

I love that saying, though im bound to have giggle, but it will be lose skin, lol. I am also having surgery on Tuesday. So super excited.
Praying for our quick recovery!

Best of luck and prayers for your upcoming surgery!