Chewing - I shouldnt need help..but I do!

In order to build some good habits before surgery I am trying to follow the 30 minute rule and chew my food really good.  Turns out I actually only bite and chew twice before I swallow.  I am trying to chew to a liquid but the food really tries to go down the back of my throat.  I never can get it to a "liquid" .  I am able to chew till its a lot of liquid in my mouth and its mostly chewed but still chunky (that sounds a little more gross then I mean it to).  Any advise? Any one out there have issues chewing food to the right consistency?  Any tips or thoughts appreciated.  I feel like at my age chewing should be the one thing I got right!

Sarah

Just chew it a lot.  I think you're overthinking it.

Don't worry about it. You'll be on liquids and purees and such until the point when stuff doesn't have to be liquified anyway.

I had this same idea and same problem. Magically, after surgery I don't have this problem. I can chew, chew, chew. So, yes, I agree you are over thinking it.

Thanks Everyone. not the first time I over thought something!

Here's what I was told by the NUT:  Chew your bite of food 10 times on one side of your mouth, switch to the other side, and finish with 10 more chews before swallowing.  Another suggestion:  put the utensil down for 3 minutes in between bites.  (I fail miserably at that one before and after surgery) The best tip I have for you is to use small-sized dish ware and baby silverware to "fool" your eyes/mind you are eating a full bowl or full plate.  My bowl is a sauce bowl and my plate is six inches in diameter.  Baby silverware "forces" small bites.  It really works, trust me.  The 30 minute no drink rule has already become so ordinary I don't even need to watch the clock anymore.  Kudos to you for being so dedicated to your new lifestyle.  Best Wishes.  

What helped me was to chew everything 30 times before swallowing it. It sounds ridiculous to have to count, but eventually you stop counting and can just feel when you've chewed enough. After surgery you jave to chew right or you'llake yourself sick by getting something stick and getting the foamies. You learn you're lesson real fast when that happens!

It seems like it would be the easiest thing to do.   NOT.  I was told to chew 30 times and that works when I remember.  I have to visualize my tiny little pouch and that helps but I have gotten the habit of cutting, meat especially, into tiny bites and chewing just that one, putting my fork down and lean against the back of the chair, swallow, start over.  

Even at 4 yrs post op - if I don't chew well - it comes back up!  That is a big incentive to pay attention.  I usually chew about 23 times before swallowing.  I am mindful of the kind of food I'm eating.  Meat, raw veggies that don't have much water content (like carrots) must be chewed well or they won't stay down or make me nauseated.

I think it is good to practice before hand.  Also stop drinking with meals before surgery (I also gave up soda pop before surgery).  Being prepared is always a good practice.

Best wishes to you.  Penny

I have baby spoons and forks and little salsa cups and small dishes.  I am doing better than I thought I would.  The not drinking after has been the most difficult thing for me, as I could down a quart of ice water during a meal.  And, I remember my mother telling me not to wash down my food.   It is getting easier.  Soft food tomorrow for 2 weeks, then on to regular.