Question:
HOW LONG BETWEEN BITES

I am 10 weeks post-op. I have had several instances of dumping and vomiting, and could not figure out why, since I chewed very well, and in my opinion, ate slowly. But I just recently realized that I must wait between 10 and 15 minutes between bites, ALWAYS AND WITHOUT EXCEPTION. If I ever try to eat faster than that, the nausea and cramps return with a vengeance. I asked my doctor about this, and he said that 10 minutes between bites is a good rule, and I should stick with it. I intend to, but I am curious if this will always be the way it is. Also, I would like to hear other's experiences in this area. Does everyone have to wait as long as I do between bites? How do you handle a busy schedule while having to eat like that? Thanks for your input, everybody.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on October 22, 2004)

October 22, 2004
Try cutting EVERYTHING into pencil eraser sized bits and let us know what happens.
   — bob-haller

October 22, 2004
I am the same way I don't get naseau but I get an aweful gas pressure after the second bite so I generally stop eating I am only 2weeks and 3 days out. My surgeons office says to not eat but for only 20 minutes at a time so I guess that would make my two bites . LOL I am ok with it for now someday I am thinking I will want more so I hope by then My body will allow it. Best wishes.
   — Shell G

October 22, 2004
So, then, in 15 minutes, you can eat less than one oz of food? That would not be normal. Your meal needs to be complete within 15-20 minutes or so, and could be as small as one oz. Cramping? What are you eating? Where is the cramping?
   — vitalady

October 22, 2004
I have heard some drs using the 10 minute rule in the beginning. What this does is gives you what it feels like when you are full. Most of the time you don't know what it feels like to be full and instead of over filling your pouch you give your stomach and brain enough time to kick in together and let you know. I don't believe in the beginning the 20 minute rule applies. What you should be aiming at is ounces of food. I started 2 oz for first two months each meal and have graduated to ~4 oz now. Now I have been able to tell when I am full and stay within a 20 minute rule to eat. In the beginning it is hard to sit an hour to wait to eat 2 oz. but it was worth it.
   — dcox94

October 22, 2004
I was taught to cut everything into tiny bites (the size of a pencil eraser). Then take a bite, put my fork down and chew it to death. Only when it felt comfortable, take another bite. Do this until 20 minutes at the max had elapsed and then stop. Stop sooner if I felt full.
   — Cathy S.

October 23, 2004
Well Janis I am only 2 weeks post-op and I so far have had no trouble with the dumping. I drinked my liquids until my 2nd week. 2 days ago I started the mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs and so far I am doing good. I take 10 to 15 minutes to eat 1 scrambled egg. 10 minutes for 4 oz. mashed potatoes. I feel fine with that time limit so far. I don't push myself because I definetly don't want the dumping thing. Hope you figure ot out soon. Good Luck!
   — Kerry

October 23, 2004
IN ANSWER TO MICHELLE CURRAN'S POST: Michelle, thank you for responding. Yes, I am usually only able to eat a regular-sized bite about every 10 to 15 minutes. If I do more, I feel the cramping in my pouch. More specifically, it is an intense pain, and an unbearable stuffed feeling, and I can feel the food pass through me. Very painful, and then the cramping moves down to my intestines. I am eating proteins mostly, cheese, chicken, eggs, protein shakes, beans, etc. Some of the other posts suggested taking eraser-sized bites of food. So I will try that and see what happens. I am getting a four-ounce meal in, it just takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
   — [Deactivated Member]