Question:
How long does it take to retrain eating habits?

I have trouble sometimes remembering that I can't eat like I used to. I don't mean the amount, I mean the bite size and the chewing. I've tried solids for the last 2 days, forget that I have to take small bites and chew, and throw the food back up. Have any others out there experienced this and if so, what have you done about it. I have to tell you... between the ulcer and the food, I'm getting real tired of throwing up! Thanx    — Janet C. (posted on January 3, 2002)

January 3, 2002
I am 6 weeks post, and for the first week I had the same problem with the "old eating habits", but after the first few times of throwing up, I learned fast. I have started to chew longer and eat smaller pieces, but I still have a problem with the eating fast. You will eventually get the correct eating methods down.
   — [Anonymous]

January 3, 2002
Hi Janet. I was told at a support meeting that I attended that using a shrimp fork and a baby spoon will help you get used to eating smaller bites. You might want to try that. I heard it really helps a lot.
   — Kim B.

January 4, 2002
Hi, It took me about 4 months but in the mean time I used a baby spoon or a shrimp fork like the poster below also served my food in a saucer plate ( to control that OLD anxiety of finishing the whole plate in 30 seconds!!!!) and already cut into small pieces so it was easy to just grab one piece chew the hell out of it and the swallow. Hope this helps.
   — Monica J.