YOU can do it, Kathi!
I don't know what kind of table etiquette you follow, so I'm just going to offer tips based on my adventure into normal eating.
First, this is a rite of passage represented by new rituals. Buy a special set of flatware and dishes, a placemat you love, and no one else is allowed to use. If you're familiar with the Japanese tea ceremony, you'll understand this. If not, read about it. It's beautiful, sacred, honoring the participants.
- Do nothing else while you eat. Your food is your entire focus.
- Portion your food according to protein content and pouch size.
- Arrange the portions beautifully on your plate. Scroll down through my albums to see what I mean.
- Chew. Liquify. Swallow. Keep chewing. Liquify. Sliiiiide on down.
- Put your fork down between bites, while you chew.
- Pay attention to the eating utensils you use. If you're using a spoon, why? You're eating solid food. Fork. Knife. No spoon.
- Stop when you feel pressure within. You may think you're not full, but after WLS, it's hard to tell, and you can get painfully ambushed.
- In your head, sing songs of celebration and praise for YOU. You did this! You saved your life!
- Love every bite. Food should be delicious.
- Never allow an atom of shame or guilt to creep in. You're PERFECT.
I could go on and on. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are no longer standing on the outside. You're not just normal; you're ORDINARY. Ordinary people don't eat themselves to death. They eat without occasion, because they're hungry, it's time for a meal, they're socializing, it's a potluck.
When I made it to normal food, no one could have cared less. But I not only cared, I realized I'd been reborn and had an unblemished slate upon which I could write my new life.
I was challenged to praise myself after years of self-loathing and blame. But I just said the words over and over and knew my starving self-esteem would gobble it up, and over time, I'd experience the joy of being ordinary.
Hope this helps. But YOU, you're a newly named goddess! I'm worshiping you right now!
I wish there was a stronger word than congratulations. I'd say it to you.