Question:
Anyone Have Any Tips on training yourself to eat slower?

Hi all. I'm seven months post-op tomorrow and have lost 122 pounds. I'm feeling really great. However I still haven't gotten the eating slow thing down. Although my pouch is working and it gives me that negative reinforcement it doesn't seem to be enough. Anyone have any tips on how to slow down. Little tricks that I can play on myself so I don't have that icky feeling that comes with eating too fast. Thanks.    — Eric D. (posted on March 25, 2004)

March 25, 2004
try putting your fork down in between bites,chew each bite 30 times
   — Cathy G.

March 25, 2004
When I had surgerymy surgeon required us to use a baby spoon and kitchen timer for a few weeks after surgery to help trian ourselves to eat slower. I still once in a while dig out the baby spoon and retrain myself. I also keep a very a close eye on the clock.
   — Mini Gadget

March 25, 2004
My nutritionist suggested, if you are eating while watching TV, only eat during the commercials.
   — vllgmz4

March 25, 2004
I find if I read or watch tv i can eat slower. use a smallr fork spoon as well but my mouth just waters for food when im eating and I just want to enhail that food LOL... I enjoy it when my grandchildren are here cause I can eat better... feeding her and just taking a bite once in while..but really reading a magazine or book while eating helps me not to eat as much or fast... good luck!
   — WLS_Deb

March 25, 2004
This one's tough, isn't it? The further out we are the more normally we can eat, so it's easy to get careless about this. I find it's something that really takes vigilance and mindfulness to keep up. As others have said, putting the fork down between bites really helps. Use smaller plates and utensils, like a salad or even a seafood fork instead of a dinner fork. Pay attention to cutting things in small bites, and only cut one or two bites at once. DEFINITELY give yourself a modest portion size rather than eating out of the container or pot. Stop every few bites and try to assess how full you are. If you're getting full before you've finished your serving, you can either slow down more and let things slide through, or decide you're done. If you're done, get rid of the plate. If you leave it in front of you it's too tempting to keep picking at it as your system works the meal through and you develop room. Most important, though I'm TERRIBLE at this, is to not eat in front of TV or a book. We need to concentrate on eating, not have it be a mindless, secondary activity. Now if I could only follow all this good advice!
   — Celia A.

March 25, 2004
I second the "putting the fork down" one- That REALLY helps me-......Take a bite- put the fork DOWN until you have swolled- sure works for me :)
   — WABBIT F.