I played the flute in my high school marching band. This isn't about that.
As agonizing as this whole 3-month "waiting" period is, I figure I might as well put it to good use. I've read on several blogs about the First Bite Syndrome--where your first bite of something is just a little too big; or it's eaten just a little too fast; or you didn't quite chew thoroughly before swallowing. And you're stuck. I don't want to do this. I really, really don't want to do this. So...
...mealtime is changing drastically at my house. I am now serving meals at the table. I know--shocker! We don't have kids or a kitchen table. But, we did purchase a fabulous dining table 2 years ago and it is rarely used. So, we're eating a the table. AND...there is a timer on the table. AND...it's set for 20 minutes. I am practicing taking small bites, chewing thoroughly, and eating slowly. I hope that if I can learn to follow the 'band rules' now, it will save me some heartache (& heartburn) later.
My best time so far is 16 minutes. Obviously, I still have some work to do.
Here's my question for the already banded out there:
What 'band habit' do you wish you had practiced before hand?
6 comments:
You know, I actually don't follow the timing rule for eating my meals, but at my first fill appointment I am going to ask if I should be. I take anywhere from 30-45 minutes to eat. This could be why my weight loss is so slow right now. I know I'm not eating tons of calories, but I think I may be eating too much.
But really, I didn't do any of the "stuff" you're supposed to do afterward before hand. Except the pre-op diet. I figured when I got my band, I'd just have to "do it!" lol It's working (except for the timing as I mentioned above).
It is my understanding that 30-45 minutes to eat is a good thing. My 20-minute timer is to prompt me to eat more slowly. So, in that regard, you're doing great already!
Everything you practice now will make the transition easier on you!
Paying attention to when I was no longer physcially hungry! I mean...I just never thought about it before!
My Doctor told me to eat slowly, take at least 20 minutes because it takes that long before the stomach gets the signal that you are no longer hungry, especially if you are eating smaller amounts.
But do not take longer than 30 minutes, because then the stomach has started to digest the food & you can then start eating more food, which is then too much for those that want to lose weight!! So far I haven't been following this rule, but I will be.
Thanks for explaining the 20/30 thing...that will help tremendously!
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