Question:
Has anyone postop ever had a rough time eating their meals over 30 minutes?

Sometimes I have no trouble taking 30 minutes to eat my meal, but other times I do. A lot of times it takes me about 15-20 minutes to eat. I take small bites and I chew and chew and chew, just like I'm supposed to, but it doesnt take me the 30 minutes like it should. Anybody have trouble in this area too?    — Kris T. (posted on March 25, 2003)

March 25, 2003
my doc told me to eat over 15-20 minutes and I have a hard time doing that. After years of thirty minute lunch breaks, i am a fast eater. 30 minutes or longer to eat makes you get hungry quicker.
   — Delores S.

March 25, 2003
30 minutes is too long. It should be 10-20 min max per meal. The further out you get, the quicker you will be able to eat the small amounts we eat. If I take 10 minutes per meal, that is alot.
   — Cindy R.

March 25, 2003
My doctor told me to take 30-45 minutes to eat. I'm 10 weeks out, on solids. I can't take that long to eat. On the other hand, I often have digestive difficulties from eating too fast and/or not chewing my food enough. As a consequence, I'm trying to take longer, but it is especially difficult during dinner, when the family is around and talking. If you figure out how to do it, please let me know!
   — Beth S.

March 25, 2003
Hi, I'm on the pureed food stage. The most I can make my meals last is 20 minutes. I've tried to make them last 30 minutes, but find it impossible.
   — Debbie W.

March 25, 2003
I completely agree with Cindy and am similar, now at 10 months, if I take 10 minutes to eat it's along time. Most doctors say "30 minutes" as a guideline basically telling you to just eat slow and not stuff your face. Eating longer than that is really meaning you are eating way too slow and therefore can graze. It's best to measure your food about what you can handle, and then take a bite, chew chew chew, and then maybe wait a minute, take another bite. Your timing of food is really just fine, don't extend it to the 30 minutes if it is not already taking you that because that will probably cause you to eat more. I eat about 3oz and chew very well, but do it in about 10-15 minutes. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 25, 2003
I'm 5 weeks post op and can only stretch a meal out for approximately 15 minutes, maybe 20 if I am with others and am talking. I too, was told 30 minutes but can't seem to do it.
   — Fixnmyself