The hardest thing, as I have mentioned before, is slowing down my eating and taking human bites. I'm fairly intelligent so you'd think I'd be able to sit down and eat without having to pay such close attention...Especially since, when you eat to fast or swallow too much at a time, it kind of hurts. You feel like you have to burp and can't.
I'm left with this question 'My God have I eaten this fast all my life?" There were many times I was left eating while others had already finished. I never thought of myself as a fast eater, but now it's very obvious (not to mention painful at times).
I haven't found much that I can't tolerate. yesterday I had sushi and the salad they serve first is something I love. I wasn't going to try it, felt it might be too rough on the new tummy. Of course I did it anyway, took tiny bites and it was OH SO GOOD..I ate slowly and asked for a take out box for what I hadn't eaten. I had no pain or discomfort afterward...yet at night when I had the left overs for dinner, I ate it too fast and paid the price.
At the meetings the talk about baby size spoons, a cocktail fork, smaller plate. I'm thinking to myself, am I that lame that I have to have these tiny eating utensil's to keep from eating to much at one time...I mean really!!!! The answer is YES...since my friend came to my rescue with a tiny silver baby spoon and cocktail fork with 3 tines, I have managed to slow up and not be hurting after dinner. That tiny piece of food looked like nothing on a regular fork, but looks HUGE on a small fork, same with a spoonful of food.
Bottom line on this new lesson in life. Listen to those who have gone before you, there are reasons for everything. You may not think so, especially if you are as thick as I am. But get yourself a tiny baby spoon (mine is silver and old, love it) and a shrimp fork and a small plate, which I've had all along. It all helps with the visual aspect of eating.
AS for the dieters that may be reading, this will help you also. If it takes you longer to eat, by taking smaller bites and chewing more, you will eat far less in 20 min. (the time it takes your tummy to tell your brain it's full) the normal...less calories = weight loss.
Some times I wonder if I had learned all these tricks, I mean really learned, would I have ever needed the surgery? Who knows, but not a day has passed where I haven't been thankful and happy about my choice..I needed a tool, I needed to know that I could never over indulge again. As far as I'm concerned I gave up nothing and got so much in return....
Wishing you all the happiness I feel today....
