Question:
How long should it take to eat our meals?

Hi everyone :) I am 9 mos Post op and have lost over 100lbs. I am so very happy!! I keep hearing two different takes on how long it should take us to eat a meal. For example...I've heard one should eat their meal in 15 minutes. But..I've also heard to eat your meal over a 45 minute period and anything less is too fast. There is a discrepency between the two. I must admit, I think I eat too fast (1/2 sandwich in 15 minutes) after, I have the a very full feeling. Is this bad, good or what? I'm confused. Thanks for your help :)    — Paulette M. (posted on May 16, 2003)

May 15, 2003
You should take at least 15 minutes, but no more than 30. Anything less than 15 and you are eating too fast and not chewing enough. Food starts to leave your pouch when you take too much time (more than 30 minutes) and you can end up eating more than you should...JR
   — John Rushton

May 16, 2003
ditto on John's answer. I always stop by 20 minutes though..ok not ALWAYS - like family gatherings...I tend to nibble more than I should. Thankfully, that is only 1 every couple of months :>)
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 16, 2003
John's right on with this one. Good, sound advice. After 15 or 20 minutes your 'meal' ceases to be a 'meal' and becomes snacking. Know what I mean? I'm one of those totally against snacking. I also think anything short of a protein first meal, THREE times a day, is a mistake.
   — Ginger M.

May 16, 2003
The other posters are right - eat normally and fill the pouch. My DH is about 5 weeks out and I have to caution him not to try to keep up with me, though. Early on, one needs to take it a little slower, but later, it becomes grazing and you never get full!
   — koogy

May 16, 2003
Early post-op, it will take you much longer. And many doctors/nutritionists suggest 30 minutes. I personally think even that is too long. Although I do eat slowly and chew well, if I ate THAT slow, I'd be eating larger quantities and jsut don't want to do that. It used to take me about 20 minutes to eat, now at a year post-op, I'd be surprised if it took me longer than 10. As long as you're not stuffing your face and you are chewing till mush, you should be fine. I think you're timing is perfect! Goodluck to you :-)
   — Lezlie Y.