Question:
30 Mintues to Eat

Hi, does anyone else have trouble taking the whole 30 minutes to eat your mail. Dinner is a little easier to accomplish this since it is bigger in size. Breakfast and lunch on the other hand is much smaller. I can't seem to take longer than 10 mintues for Breakfast and 15 Minutes for lunch. Am i the only one, and what could happen to me. i am 5 months post op by the way, I never Vomit or have any pain. Could I still be hurting myself????    — MikeL (posted on June 28, 2006)


June 28, 2006
p/s I meant to write meal not Mail. LOL!!!!!!!
   — MikeL

June 28, 2006
Why are you trying to make your meal last 30 min? I wouldn't worry about it hurting you if you eat to fast, that might only be a problem in the very beginning before your pouch was healed and if you are not vomiting then it's not to fast. My understanding is to make sure your meals are less than 30 min otherwise it's considered grazing. If it takes a long time for you to eat then you may be able to eat more because food will be leaving your pouch. If I were to take 2 or 3 bites and then wait 5 minutes and then 2 or 3 bites and wait 5 min etc etc, I would be able to continue all day long without getting full. I am 4 years post op and it still only takes 15 minutes for me to eat my lunch, sometimes I get full in 5 minutes if the food is dense enough. I hope this puts your mind at ease. Good luck. Amanda
   — bassett

June 28, 2006
I was told to chew slowly and well, not to drink with meals, stop when you feel the first signs of fullness and that meals should last about 20 minutes - but that anymore than 30 tops was too long because you could graze so I wouldn't worry too much about trying to make it last 30 minutes. I think the more important thing is to not eat beyond what you need to not feel hungry anymore. We obese people have always eaten to get very full, so it's a new concept to us!
   — sandsonik

June 28, 2006
It sound like you are doing all the right things so I would not worry about make a meal last 30 minutes. As long as you portion are the right size and you are not getting sick. Go with the flow. I am almost 5 months post op, most of my meals do not last 30 minutes unless I am eating filet mignon or other meat that require excessive chewing. But I gage the consistancy of the meat I'm eating. If it is tought I send it back. I dine out often. I have lost 68lbs to date. I have not experienced sickness since after eating anything. I think your doing well. You should check with your doctor if and get his or her thumbs up to be positive.
   — Mrsmanners862

June 28, 2006
As for me.. I have never taken 30 minutes to eat a meal in fact I have improvised since I have a different schedule than most people. First, I take my first protein drink in the early morn, maybe 6am or so when I get up for work.. Around 9 or so I will have about 2 or 3 oz's of wheat chez mixed with some Trix for sugar.. sometimes I finish that sometimes I dont. but it only takes me 10 min or so to eat it. The only time I take more than 30 min is when we go out to eat. I usually get a glass of water or coffee and do a little order.. like soup.. than 30 min later when it comes.. I usually finish half. When the main course comes, I rarely order now, but share some of my wifes order.. Remember, its no longer the food that matters that much, its the Protein and all the supplements that we now take. I am 91 days post RNY and have lost 80 lbs... only 100 more to go..
   — michaeljobie

June 28, 2006
Gosh! My husband is the same way! He eats twice as fast as me and I had surgery 2 & 1/2 years ago and he had his 6 months ago! He sometimes gets sick too (I try and tell him to slow down, LOL!!). But you are probably doing fine if you are not getting sick. I have been known to take 45 minutes just to eat a small portion, but I do allow myself extra time just to get more nutrients in my body (but I am pregnant and need the extra stuff, and I didn't gain a pound until I got pregnant, so I think it is different for everyone)!!
   — GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS

June 29, 2006
Thanks for all your responses, it helped. I feel better now.
   — MikeL

June 29, 2006
Mike, I am three months post op and have an aweful time sitting down to eat! It tends to make me eat faster, I prefer to just take a bite and go about my business and then come back and have another bite in a few minutes. The hardest time is at dinner, when we all get together to eat and discuss our day. I make myself sit there and talk and just keep reminding myself to slow down! I am down 54 punds, and feeling great! Good luck!
   — earthangel

July 13, 2006
I've been told to take 30 minutes to eat just 1/2 a sandwich. I spoke to my P.A. the other day to get some pointers and reminders to keep myself on track w/ continued weight loss. I was told to eat until I was satisfied (not full); take a few minutes between bites and that my pouch (at 17mo post op) can hold about 1/2 c food. I also choose to eat or drink 30 to 45 minutes before or after a meal. If you chew your food well and eat slowly, it should take you atleast 30 minutes to finish a meal. If you eat too fast you risk getting sick and dumping and/or you never get the feeling of being satisfied or full and that may cause you to snack or graze more. Good Luck.
   — CHARLYLVN




Click Here to Return
×