my personal challenge

Today I decided that I would challenge myself to become more aware of the way I eat and drink. I realize that this is something I am going to have to master again and again after the surgery and with each new fill, but I'd give it a try anyway. So far I realized, I suck at this! I keep catching myself taking huge gulps of water and my breakfast was finished before I even remembered to chew slowly. Did anyone else really have a problem with this? Does it get easier?

My surgeon and dietician had me practicing this for 5mo prior to my surgery.  Yes, it does get easier but you do have to stop and think.  We are so programmed to gult and eat at the same time w/out even breathing.

You'll get it.  Just practice. Christina

I still have problems sometimes gulping water or taking too big of bites of food.  It get's easier, though.  My problem is when I try to eat at work....usually we work through our lunch hour and only get a 30min break...so sometimes I try to eat quickly.  It's not a good scene after that.... But I think it is great that you are getting yourself prepared and trying to be more mindful of how you eat and drink.  Have you made sure not to drink while you are eating, and to wait about an hour after eating to drink?  (oooh, and of course...no carbonated drinks!!! get rid of them if you are still drinking them) I look forward to following your journey!!!  Keep me posted on things. Paula

I'm slowly breaking my diet coke addiction. I'm down to less than one diet coke a day, which is a MIRACLE compared to what I used to drink. My next challenge is not drinkin while I eat, that should be interesting as well. I drink a lot, I mean a lot alot, and I used drink at least 3 glasses of water with a meal. I'm down to just one and not even the whole thing, but getting rid of it all together. Boy oh boy...

Yep!  And sometimes I have to  because of it.  I find that I have to really concentrate on what I'm doing.  Eating can't be a mindless activity like it use to be or else I will get sick. I'm almost 2 years out and I still have to stop myself at times and slow down.  Old habits are really hard to break.

Don't beat yourself up over this. It really takes a lot of practice and it does not happen overnight. When I had my surgery I was required to do a 3 month "practice diet". Do you know what it still was hard to practice what I needed to do when I was going to be PO. And it really takes a long time PO to get a handle on it. But, I applaud you for challenging yourself to start this now and do what you are doing.  Chris

I'm still doing my 6 month diet required by my insurance, and I am in month 2 and my nutritionist has me doing things already that I will have to do after surgery.  I don't drink with my meals, right now she told me I could drink right up to and right after but not while I was eating and we'll gradually make it longer before and after.  I take really small bites and chew a ton!  That's probably the hardest for me right now, but my hubby who is very supporitive reminds me...lol Good luck and keep us updated on what's going on with you!

My boyfriend and my mother have been really supportive of me, and they both make a noise when they see I'm about to take a bite that is too big. Its funny how the people around us become so aware of it as well.

What you just wrote here makes me chuckle, that is so funny. What is so great about it is that you have support and that is a big battle that many people face. You will do great and keep coming back here for support. Christine