Why do I struggle to eat those last 2 bites?

[LeighaMason 19]

So I am eating and there are 2 or 3 bites left on the plate, my band is giving me the "almost pain" pressure in my sternum that says I am full, so then in my mind I am saying to myself "If I wait a few minutes I can probably eat those last bites." Why? I am full. Hello! Why do I still need to eat those last bites. Why cant I just throw them away? Its not like they are going to help me in any way. Nobody else wants them. So why does it take a conscious decision to put them in the trash?

[JoJo1 0]

Because our Mothers drummed it into our heads from the moment we were able to eat solid food. "Be sure to clean your plate because people in Ethiopia are starving and you are very lucky to have enough food" My mother came from a very deprived childhood where there was often not enough food. She was never overweight, but she managed to have 5 kids who all have weight issues. She just enjoyed feeding us, because she could. I remember watching her eat and she did not clean her plate and she often left one or two bites. I was envious of that. When I was a teenager, I remember yelling at her because I thought she was the one who made me overweight. Later I learned that I had to take responsibility and deal with it. I too struggle with leaving one or two bites and often more than that, but I just think back to when I watched my Mom and remember that I really do want to throw it out........ Hugs!!!

[ForMyFourBoys 0]

I agree...as a mom, I always try to get my kids to eat those last few bites...WHY? I will try to be more conscience of this now...thanks! I also have a question...I was recently banded (12/21) and I seem to get that pressure feeling (between my shoulder blades) when I take the first couple of bites...then if I can wait it out and get past that feeling...then I can can eat a fair amount. I can't imagine that is the "full" feeling already? I am a little confused...maybe I am just eating too fast. How will I know when I am truly "full"...I wish I clearly knew that...any help you could give is appreciated.

[BetsyB 9]

This is where having an dog with bad table manners comes in handy. Mine sits and drools and stares at me. When I reach the full point, I just say, "Oh, ALL RIGHT!" and give the leftovers to him.

[b9409 1]

A tip I read about once said to pour (not sprinkle) salt over the food that is left on the plate once you are full. This will prevent you from eating those last few bites. (And it feels "easier" than throwing it away).

But, I am exactly in the same boat! I force myselt to eat even though it hurts sometimes. I feel like such a failure because I am 6 months out, have only lost 20lbs, and have a hard time stopping eating, especially since I know that after I burp, I will have more room to eat.

[JoJo1 0]

I agree...as a mom, I always try to get my kids to eat those last few bites...WHY? I will try to be more conscience of this now...thanks! I also have a question...I was recently banded (12/21) and I seem to get that pressure feeling (between my shoulder blades) when I take the first couple of bites...then if I can wait it out and get past that feeling...then I can can eat a fair amount. I can't imagine that is the "full" feeling already? I am a little confused...maybe I am just eating too fast. How will I know when I am truly "full"...I wish I clearly knew that...any help you could give is appreciated.

I am not sure but I read in a different thread about something called "First Bite Syndrome" I understand it is fairly common. The knowledgeable person who posted it said that if you start the meal with a few swallows of warm liquid like tea or even Water, it helps. Hope it helps you, but other than that I do not know. Hugs

[juliansmom2003 3]

A tip I read about once said to pour (not sprinkle) salt over the food that is left on the plate once you are full. This will prevent you from eating those last few bites. (And it feels "easier" than throwing it away).

But, I am exactly in the same boat! I force myselt to eat even though it hurts sometimes. I feel like such a failure because I am 6 months out, have only lost 20lbs, and have a hard time stopping eating, especially since I know that after I burp, I will have more room to eat.

I really like that tip--I just might try doing that. Leigha--I'm in the same boat as you doll! It's always a learning experience, isn't it?!?

[Startingoverat50 3]

This questions is exactly what I have been asking myself the last couple of days. For some reason I have been really struggling with stopping when I am full. I know the signals but I have been pushing past them and then I am miserable.

Then to make it worse even when I feel stuffed I start craving something else. I am 10 months out and I still struggle with the head hunger thing constantly. I guess it will just never get any easier. Atleast I have the band to limit me from totally going crazy. I have to keep reminding myself that the band can't do it all. I have to exercise some willpower or this will not work and that is just not an option.

[thinneranniesoon 0]

My dog sits next to me on the floor just staring, he will sit up and beg, and I remind him to wait until the full point hits. He then lays down, as soon as I hit that spot, the food is pushed onto a paper plate and given to him.

I am happy for not pushing myself, he is happy for being able to have some of my good food, and my band is happy because I stopped before I started hurting.

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

I am not sure but I read in a different thread about something called "First Bite Syndrome" I understand it is fairly common. The knowledgeable person who posted it said that if you start the meal with a few swallows of warm liquid like tea or even Water, it helps. Hope it helps you, but other than that I do not know. Hugs

I'm a mess, I have both the first bite syndrome and the last bite...the warm tea or a couple sips or warm Soup (egg drop is the bomb!) seem to "loosen" things up a bit for me and then I'm fine. Took a while to figure that out, I kept thinking I was eating too fast or taking bite that were too big but I'd pay attention and I wasn't.

I almost always try to convince myself I can take another bite or two...and then regret it if I do. Luckily I have a 5 year old who is a mooch and constantly asking if he can have a bite...works for both of us!

[Humming Bird 275]

The first time I went to weight watchers in the 1970s (yes, I was in the 5th grade) they told me to do 2 things while eating , 1) put your fork down between bites so it slows down eating and gives the full signal time to get from your stomach to your brain. 2) Always leave at least 1 or 2 bites on your plate to avoid going back for 2nds. Maybe we (bansters) should always leave 1 or 2 bites on our plate to avoid eating past our full point.

If I eat that last bit after being full I slime, have a runny nose, or have a major sneezing fit.

Edited March 17, 2010 by Humming Bird

[Whillow 0]

I do the same thing!!

I also have a doggie - my cocker spaniel who knows i dont eat everything, she sits at my feet and shares my dinner with her me.

[JoJo1 0]

Today I ate my half sandwich that I brought for lunch, but then felt like I needed a little something more. I made a small salad and after about three bites, I realized I had over done it. Damn it!! I hate when I do that. I have been miserable for over an hour now..... When will I learn?