[strela]

Had you ever eaten massive portions before?

Not really. I tend to gobble down everything in sight when I really get hungry though. But, others are correct in that its best that you "practice" in the time leading up to your attempt instead of just starving yourself to death. Your stomach needs to be large enough to hold all that food, and eating a lot or drinking mass quantities of water beforehand helps it stretch out.

Did you practice in the weeks leading up to it?

Yes. Four 16 oz ribeyes at a sitting, once a week, for 3 weeks before going. My cousin and I both went, but he filled up on the baked potato and big pitcher of iced tea and missed finishing the steak in time by two bites.

I did forget to mention - lay off the steak sauce and salt and pepper too. Lots of salt makes you feel fuller.

[Rodney King]

Thanks for the tips! Did you practice eating your steaks quickly? Also, should I go rare on the steak? I prefer medium rare.

[TheSpottedOwl]

Yes. Four 16 oz ribeyes at a sitting, once a week, for 3 weeks before going. My cousin and I both went, but he filled up on the baked potato and big pitcher of iced tea and missed finishing the steak in time by two bites. Holy cow! The salad and shrimp cocktail would do me in. I can't comprehend being able to eat all that food. Hey Rodney, good luck!