Question:
How do you make an 8-bite meal last for 30 minutes??

I'm 3 weeks post-op and have lost 45 lbs so far, as of last week and thrilled with this surgery, however, I eat such small meals at this point that I can't make them last for any length of time. Then I don't realize how full I am until 15 minutes after I'm done eating. How do I make an 8 bite meal last for 30 minutes?    — thumpiez (posted on February 4, 2003)

February 4, 2003
Take smaller bites! How many ounces are you supposed to be eating? At 3 weeks I was eating 2 ounces over about 20 minutes. I had to make myself slow down and actually taste the food. (or suffer the painful consequences).
   — koogy

February 4, 2003
The usual rule is 10 minutes per ounce of protein, so if you are not yet up to three ounces it may not take you 30 minutes....chew a lot and find someone to eat with who talks alot!
   — Linda 1.

February 4, 2003
I don't do 30 min, everyone is different, your body will tell you that and guide you. I eat everything in less than 15 minutes and I have never gotten sick...I find that when i make my meal last for longer than 20 min, I can eat double or triple, so I don't! Good Luck! Heather (Open RNY 8/15/02 - 305/214/150)
   — heathercross

February 5, 2003
I'm with Heather....If I take that long I feel like I'm eating way tooo much. I'm usually quite comfortable with my 15 minute meals, and YES I do chew everything well and take fairly normal sized bites and have NEVER had a problem. Your body will tell you what it will or will not accept and you'll figure it out. Lots of luck and big losin'
   — Deanna_K

February 5, 2003
I've got a lap band but this question is the same regardless. I time my meals to last no longer than 15 minutes. I just eat and chew and chew and chew. Then talk a while or read or whatever. Then eat and chew and chew, etc. etc. Make the meal NOT the main event. The conversation or tv or book is the main thing and you just happen to be eating while doing it. I don't know how long you've had your surgery but it takes quite a while to learn to slow down.
   — M. B.

February 8, 2003
Hi, I am pre-op myself, but have heard of a great trick I plan on using. Get yourself an egg timer. Turn it over with each bite and don't take the next bite till you can turn it over again. It automatically keeps you eating at a slow pace. If you finish sooner than 30 minutes you still won't have rushed the amount you are eating.
   — Karen G.