Question:
When do you stop

When do you start to actually put the correct amount of food on your plate? I am almost 4 weeks post-op and still find myself putting on the "pre-op" portions. When does it become automatic to put less on your plate? We were told to clean our plates (starving children in China and all), so it is very hard to me to throw away ALL that food (but I have been - well, actually I put it in tupperware and save it - you should see my frig, tons of little tupperware bowls everywhere!!). Thanks Hugs Jann    — paschool (posted on March 6, 2001)

March 6, 2001
I also had a problem with portioning. I would give whatever was left to the day but I have to stop because she is getting fat!
   — Helen C.

March 6, 2001
Sorry...I was thinking "dog" and typed "day"!!!
   — Helen C.

March 6, 2001
Use a small plate. It really helps. I'm 2 years post and I still use a bread or salad plate when I prepare my meals at home.
   — Roseann M.

March 6, 2001
My a wonderful friend of mine made a great suggestion when I brought this problem up to her a fwe weeks ago. I LOVE to paint! And we have one of those "paint shops" here in town where you go in, paint a ceramic, leave it for them to fire in the kiln, and pick up a week later. I'm planning to make myself an entire set of little plates. Make sure to tell them it will be for eating purposes so they'll fire it properly. I plan to use the money I'll be saving on groceries to pay for my new craft project. If you aren't crafty or don't like my idea ... consider purchasing toddlers snack plates. They are small and most can be put in the dishwasher. P.S. My parents thought I was a starving child in China too ... now I look like a Sumo wrestler! LOL! Best Wishes ...
   — Rachael R.

March 6, 2001
Jann, you do learn approximately what the appropriate amounts are. I can now judge weights like a pro!! I have a nice scale I keep in the kitchen & I weigh or measure almost everything, but I can eyeball 4 ounces of chcken or beef within a gram ot two! :) Same with measures; you get so you can recognize a half cup. It is flat out shocking, once you get to this point, to go to a restaurant & be served a four cup portion of pasta or SIXTEEN ounces of meat!! The portion sizes in many restaurants are completely outrageous. I did gradually get tired of throwing out so much food & have adjusted how I purchase & cook food so I don't waste as much as I did in the early months. Keep weighing & measuring now & in time, putting the right amount of food on your plate will be second nature. I, too, used a smaller plate in the beginning & that did help; I still do sometimes now. I'm almost 11 months post, 160# lost.
   — Kathy W.