Advice needed!

I was working really long hours this week. Monday from 8-10pm so we ordered in dinner at work. Tuesday and Wed from 8-10 so we ordered in dinner at work. Thursday until 7pm and Friday until 6pm. Since I was so busy at work, I didn't have time to eat. I ended up having protein bars for breakfast and lunch. And no time to exercise this week. I actually hit 1000 calories twice this week. I also had went to a party last night-- drinking wine and eating at the same tme. I did not eat much, but I know I shouldn't be eating and drinking. How are all of you handling the holidays and work stress? I could really use some advice. Since I gained weight this week . Advice appreciated!

Well, first of all, what is it that you ordered in. I do not work anymore, but I do know about stress. My husband is deployed once again this year and so I am being the mom and dad again for a year, and it gets very stressful. As far as how I handle it, I just refuse to eat anything that is on the no no list. I haven't had one bite of refined sugar in the 5 months since my surgery. I make sure that if I have a snack it is protein filled( i.e. nuts, soy crisps, bacon...) Even if you order out you can make healthful choices, but without knowing what you ate we can't help you with that. On the days that you know you are going to be working late, make sure you bring something in to work with you so that you do not have to order out I guess. Well that is all I can think of. Nickie

Thanks Nickie- I actually did try to make OK choices.... but again, someone else chooses the food, and choose from what they offer. On one night I had a chicken breast salad (dressing was already on though). Another night I opted for the fish in curry sauce and green papaya salad. Can't remember the third night option. I have been slipping a little bit on the refined sugar-- but not drastically.

Andrea, Seriously babe...............stop stressing over chicken breast, salad and fish!! I think you're doin' fabulous. I think us "working girls" get extra stressed around the holidays!! Baking, shopping, wrapping, decorating, traveling AND WORK!!! Who has the time?!?! It's been crazy around our house too. My husband works for the post office (insane at C-mas time!!) and I decorate peoples homes for the holidays. I had six this year!! OMGosh, I haven't even been to the grocery store since before Thanksgiving!!! It's been take out everyday!! Seriously!! Some how I've dropped 11 lbs since turkey day. It will all be over in a week. So, no worries! A little holiday indulgence is nothing to worry about. Also, I noticed that you have been using a personal trainer (former post). How is that going? How did you find one who will work with your specific needs (WLS) and how much jack ($$$) are we talking about? If that's too personal of a question...then never mind? Seriously, it sounds like you are doing great even in spite of the added stress!!! Keep it up, C Leigh

Thanks for the pep talk. I just need to make it through the week- your right! I love my personal trainer, but I went through three to find him. I wanted someone who was experienced with non-exercisers (even though I have exercised in my past, just not recent past). My first two trainers I tried left me so sore I could not event sit down on the toilet. I had to "collapse" . I finally found one that started slowly. He had me slightly sore for about a month and then he increased the level. It is expensive.-- $80 a session BUT I live in NY. When I had one in San Francisco 4 years ago it was $55 a session. (She also ended up making me quit because I was so sore and frustrated) The other thing to keep in mind is that you can buy a few sessions and go back every few months for a "retooling"

Hi Andrea, I have the same question, What are you eating? I honestly don't think it's what you are eating it's how much? I eat pretty much the same thing all the time. I'm too scared to try something new and different because I don't want to get sick. I still don't eat real sugar or anythjing like that and I definitly stay away from cakes, desserts and things like that. Are you able to eat regular sugar? Not me. OMG will I get sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Try to stay focused and think why you had the surgery to begin with and how much you have accomplished so far. Maybe that will help. I keep looking at myself in all my new clothes and like what Im see so I try to stay away from the foods that will put the weight back on..Good luck and take it one step at a time!!! Cheri

Andrea, I know that I just replied, but I was noticing that you posted this at 4:30 in the morning. And here I thought I was the only one awake at that hour!! I get up between 4:00-4:30 every morning. It's the only time of day that I can get any solid work done. The house is quiet ( except for my husband's snoring) and the phone is not ringing off the hook! What type of work do you do that keeps you so busy at this time of year? C Leigh