Learning To Slow Your Eating
After about a month after your lap band procedure, you will begin to incorporate solid food back into your diet. This transition brings with it certain guidelines and dietary requirements so protect your health, further your results, and help keep you motivated in achieving your goals.
The paramount guideline in eating solid foods is to eat slowly and chew foods until they reach a soft feel. Swallowing food in too large of pieces may block the lap band/stomach opening and prevent the passage of food. The following are hints to help you eat more effectively and safely after your surgery.
- Learn to cherish the taste, texture, feel of those small bites of food.
- Remind yourself when eating to Eat Slowly. Make a sign that you can set in front of you for reminding.
- Family members need to be aware of why you are eating slowly, as to provide moral support and general understanding.
- Cut food into small bites, no larger than a teaspoon.
- Make sure you allot 30 minutes to an hour to eat each meal.
- When eating, chew all food a count of 30 times or more before swallowing.
The overwhelming theme here is to chew your food. This will help control bite size, intake problems, and the speed you consume, helping to tell you when your new appetite has been fulfilled.
