The 30 second timer should be used as follows.
1) First take a morsel of food
(“morsel” – i.e. piece of food the size of a 50p)
2) Chew carefully for 15-20 seconds
3) Swallow
4) Wait 30 seconds (turn the timer over)
5) Take the next morsel
6) Chew etc
for banders they suggest that Remember – eat SLOWLY! Follow the guidelines and use the band-timer to slow down your eating. If you have not finished your meal after 20 minutes, get up and leave the table. Don’t linger over the plate and make sure you throw any remaining food away. Dont know if that would still apply to you in your own situation, but I found the timing thing helpful when Im used to rushing around and therefore rushing through dinner