Lesson #2 - Eating slowly

[NellieFL]

I'm sure most of you are like me. You could finish a complete meal within 5 minutes flat. I've always referred to it as "Mommy eating" - I ate quickly because I never knew when I was going to be needed - you know, Mommies are ALWAYS on call! Anyway, I started with my pureed foods (and those that I just choose to chew very, very well) - everything went down well, but I spent the next 30-40 minutes fighting the food! No foamies or true nausea, just a ball in my pouch, with every little burp threatening to bubble up more than air! (I'm sure you get the picture.) Totally uncomfortable - just shy of painful.

I made the decision that perhaps, just perhaps, it was because I wasn't following the directions of eating S L O W L Y. OMG what a difference it made!!!! I literally took 30 min to eat 2-3 oz of meat (if that much) and other than "feeling the food go down" - no discomfort, no pressure, no fighting nausea - nothing!!!

This was a hard lesson learned - but learned it is! Take it from me - please chew your protein slowly and take your time!!! Put the fork down between inserts (LOL) and drag it out! It'll be worth it!

[jackj]

I've been fighting with this too ever since I started my journey in May. I started out great and even noticed food tasted a lot better when I slowed down and took my time eatting it, but somehow I've gotten back to my old ways. I'm not a "Mommy" lol but I always have something to do or somewhere to be and cutting time always seemed like a good place with meals. I hope I can break this habit in the next couple of weeks before my surgury.

[Gothikim]

You ain't lyin'! I was doing OK with soft foods, but the transition to "real" food was a wakeup call. A couple of weeks ago, I didn't follow the rules and ended up with a bit of turkey burger stuck in my tummy. It hurt like the dickens! Tiny sips of water softened it up enough to go down finally, but man, that sucked!

Got to SLOW it down

[twnsn2000]

I have the same problem. Even tonight I noticed by the time I swallowed my bite of chicken I had another piece in my mouth. Eating at the same pace that I did before surgery hasn't made me sick yet, but I really do need to start eating slower.

[sheli]

The only problem that I have when I eat or drink too fast is the hiccups. My husband thinks it is hilarious.

[JerseyGurl]

I like to learn my lessons through other people.. so thank you all for sharing lol I will start practicing from now

[Harley Granny]

Great reminder! Thanks!

[KathyL]

I just keep learning from all of you. Hopefully I can remember all your good advise when I get on the other side.

[NellieFL]

So glad you all appreciate the lessons! That's why I'm sharing! I am a total believer in learning from others' examples!!! You're welcome

[mzmo]

You and I were sleeved on the same day and my dietician told me I couldn't have any foods until at least 4 weeks out. I'm still on full liquids for another week or so and then I can move to soft foods like refried beans, cottage cheese, canned fruit, etc. then at about week 5 I can go to eggs, protein bars, etc. but no meat until about week 6 and even then just fish like baked fish, tuna, tilapia, etc. Wow the difference in dieticians. Good luck though on your journey.

[Khartt]

Thanks for the insight!

[NellieFL]

You and I were sleeved on the same day and my dietician told me I couldn't have any foods until at least 4 weeks out. I'm still on full liquids for another week or so and then I can move to soft foods like refried beans, cottage cheese, canned fruit, etc. then at about week 5 I can go to eggs, protein bars, etc. but no meat until about week 6 and even then just fish like baked fish, tuna, tilapia, etc. Wow the difference in dieticians. Good luck though on your journey.

God Bless you Monique - I would be going BAT CRAZY if I was still on liquids!!! I'm officially on pureed foods, but seriously - I'm cutting the food up small (when I can) and chewing really, really well until it is the consistency of puree. I cannot handle putting baby food in my mouth! (I've always had a problem with texture - can't eat flan or many other custardy things.) I am not cheating with what I put in my mouth, but I am slowly adding approved foods into my diet. So far I've had eggs, chicken, lunch meat, string cheese, black beans and pork. Honestly, I've never seen anyone with fruit allowed before protein - for me that's down the road, like week 6.

You're right, it is amazing the differences in the doctor's programs. Good luck with following yours.

[tonilee2]

Thank you for posting about this because it surely is a situation so many of us go through! I've refrained from posting about all the pain I am having with eating at 3 months out. I'm fairly certain MOST of my pain has to do with 1) how much I am taking in per bite, and 2) HOW FAST I AM EATING!!!

For a variety of reasons, I feel compelled to just try getting something into me. I'm losing weight kinda rapidly and I'm also losing muscle mass, strength, energy, stamina and HAIR. So, at meal time (dinner usually), I think, "Okay...all is good...let me get this protein into me and I'll be good to go." So, I'm afraid I am bolting my 1-2 oz of food and man-oh-man...do I suffer.

The pain is so severe that I'm not only doubled-over in pain but I've taken to vomiting (occasionally) and I get the sputum-phlegmy-foamies thing. UGGGGHHHH!!!!

Of course, this starts the entire "pain with eating" and "fear of eating" cycle all over again, sadly.

Yes, eating small amounts, small bites and eating SLOWLY is sooooo important. Just wish I could easily re-train myself.

It HAS been quite discouraging for me.

Glad you posted this reminder. Now I do not feel so alone. Thank you!

[mrslml2002]

To quote one of my favorite movies, The Christmas Story, "my mother hasn't had a hot meal for herself in years". I tend to eat fast too. I think that if I eat fast enough maybe my body won't notice. Lol!
Thanks for the reminder. Good luck to you.

[RRT]

Yup it's a hard lesson to learn and quite painful.