Getting my brain and my stomach on the same page

[Scg]

So I'm almost through week 6, and in my stage of soft foods, I am having a tough time with meals. Not because I'm getting too much and am worried my sleeve isn't working, not because I'm not getting enough food, but because I feel like I make myself sick in the process. Going out to a restaurant is near impossible (had to do it twice so far), I get a plate, eat an appropriate portion, then look at my plate, see a ton of food left, and think "boy, maybe I haven't eaten enough," then "BOOM!" Ive made myself sick and my insides feel like their about to come back up.

How long or how do you go about making sure that your eyes don't hurt your body? In the same way many have said after losing their weight, they don't see their new selves, how do you get your eyes to re-identify "an appropriate portion?" How do I get my mind to trust my sleeve over my eyes? It's a conundrum for me at this point. Thoughts are appreciated.

[Delores512]

I have a co-worker that had the sleeve about a year ago and he says he can only eat about a quarter of what comes on a plate when he goes out and it takes him a really long time to eat it too. Has that happened to you too? If so, then you kind of know how much is the right amount - so maybe you can ask for a take home container (whether or not you really take it home is up to you) and determine the amount you should eat to not make yourself sick and put the rest in the take home container. That way you won't see the food on your plate and feel you need to continue to eat it because there is so much there.

And if you do take it home, separate it out into equal portions once you get home and there you have a lunch or two and/or dinner.

[lyrehc]

I was told that if I go out to eat I need to ask for a to-go box when the order arrives and package 3/4 of my meal. Can you try that?

[Scg]

I think that you both have provided a good plan of action. I'm getting most of my meal boxed before I go because my brain and stomach aren't on the same page yet. Thanks

[Truebody]

The idea that we can just eat a little and ignore the rest has to be the one thing we would all struggle with. My idea of the right amount to eat - is the amount on the plate. Comes from, eat up your dinner messages from well meaning family and different times when wasting food was really frowned upon.
I can only think of quickly taking away what you know to be too much would be the best course of action.

[Pip]

Interestingly enough I have my first going out lunch with work coming up this week...checked the menu and there is no taking meals home ...man Aussie restaurants are tightasses...so really trying hard to work out what to eat...no soup ..perhaps a side salad but that would look weird ...arghhhhh

[compact]

It's about learning to waste food, isn't it?
The doc who wrote Skinny jeans at last (it's free to download) makes it one of the rules of doing well after WLS.
We have to be able to throw food away that will harm us.
It is a bit dizzying, the challenge of connecting mind with body and we'll get better with practice.
Pip, nothing wrong with ordering a side salad. People with small (or normal) appetites do that sort of thing all the time. I couldn't really eat a salad though..
I've found soups and fish best because they're soft. Buffets are good because you have more control over your choice.
Move your food around, eat small amounts, keep the conversation going.
If anyone comments just say "I've had enough, really." Or "I'm learning to stop when I'm full," "The rest of it doesn't inspire me, really.."
If you spend long enough time at the table (normally not the way to go) you may even have room for some soft dessert (icecream or mousse).
Try not to stress. It'll be more fun than you think. No one ever got humiliated at dinner for not eating enough (not since we grew up, anyone).
Nel

[Grace]

I bring along an insulated lunch sack that looks like a purse, with a cold pack and my own spillproof containers inside.
When the meal shows up, I immediately cut off what I wont be eating and put it in the containers, close it all up and it's
out of sight, out of mind. Then I enjoy the rest, sometimes transferred to a bread plate on top of the larger one.

This is my lunch sack, but there are a lot out there.
Amazon.com: Fit & Fresh Retro Insulated Designer Lunch Bag, Damask, 7x6.5x14 Inches: Health & Personal Care

[Lissy]

Those are good ideas. I haven't tried eating out yet because I just got onto normal food. I would just share with my daughter or order a side of veggies. One thing that helped me is to use a small plate and baby fork or spoon so it visually looks like a bigger portion then it actually is. When I'm at home I only put a couple tbsp of food in my bowl and if I'm still hungry I will have more but generally I'm done and have left overs. I suppose I'm lucky that I grew up in a house that never had the finish your plate rule and I don't enforce my daughter to do that either as long as she has eaten a balanced meal.

[WyomingDiva]

...my own spillproof containers inside.[/url]

I like that lunch bag - and what a good idea! What spill-proof containers did you get?

[Joelle]

I eat what I can about a quarter or less and then pass it to my hubby or someone else at the table.

[tonilee2]

I now live in Michigan, which is one of the unhealthiest states in the country. No one walks...cars rule...appetites and people (sorry to offend) are big...food is broasted, fried, barbequed with gravies, potatoes, pies, etc, etc, Even pre-surgery when my husband and I eat out, we take at least half of my food home in a take-out box for husband's lunch the next day.

Leftover boxes and NO GUILT...they are gonna be my solutions!!! However, the way portion sizes are here, I imagine we will not be eating out for 6 months or more.

Husband is happy about this 'cause eating out costs lots of $$$$$$$! We're keeping a register of monthly expenses and it's amazing how much we spend on eating out or take-out...not good.

[tonilee2]

I bring along an insulated lunch sack that looks like a purse, with a cold pack and my own spillproof containers inside.
When the meal shows up, I immediately cut off what I wont be eating and put it in the containers, close it all up and it's
out of sight, out of mind. Then I enjoy the rest, sometimes transferred to a bread plate on top of the larger one.

This is my lunch sack, but there are a lot out there.
Amazon.com: Fit & Fresh Retro Insulated Designer Lunch Bag, Damask, 7x6.5x14 Inches: Health & Personal Care

Grace...this is an even better idea than leaving food on the plate 'til the end of the meal. I love it!!! Gonna try it post-surgery!

[Delores512]

Grace - That is a terrific idea. Thanks for that tip.

[Delores512]

Toni Lee - My husband and I went out to breakfast today and I asked if I could try something on his plate (which I rarely do, and I mean rarely). Of course he said yes and then he said, I think we will be doing that a lot after your surgery. So as long as he orders something I like and can have, I think we will both be better off and happy - food and money wise.