Weight Loss Surgery Patients Face Holiday Eating Challenges Head On

Source: Baylor Health Care System

 

Newswise — For most of us, the holidays are a non-stop food fest that challenges our resolve to eat healthy. From office parties and cookie exchanges to holiday parties and tasty gifts, the temptations are all around. Holiday challenges are even greater for people who have undergone weight loss surgery.

"Because people who have undergone weight loss surgery can only eat a half cup of food at a time, they have to focus on portion control," said Gregory Barnes, M.D., weight loss surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor All Saints Medical Center in Fort Worth.

Portion restrictions, along with the need to avoid drinking any liquids within 30 minutes of eating, require some special eat-smart strategies for enjoying the holidays.

"Although the holidays may challenge their commitment, I believe that weight loss surgery patients can stick with their goals and remain on track if they'll do some advanced planning," said Dr. Barnes.

Try these tips for not just surviving, but actually enjoying holiday parties and food:

- Eat something healthy before a party so you don't arrive hungry.

- Consider bringing a healthy tray of vegetables and dip or other healthy dish to your family gathering or a holiday party.

- Because you're limited to only a half cup-sized portion, be very selective at a buffet. Look for non-fried, healthy options, and keep in mind that a bite or two of a dessert can often satisfy your craving.

- Grab your drink and focus on socializing since you will need to wait before eating.
- Stand away from the table or buffet so you'll be less tempted.

More than any other time of year, the holidays are a time when a support system is critical for success.

"Our weight loss patients need to find a friend or group that can hold them accountable and keep them focused on their goals at this time of year," said Dr. Barnes. "Having support is one of the most effective ways to achieve all the benefits of weight loss surgery."

I can see me at a holiday buffet now...................

"Can you just give me a teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie please" lol

you are not allowed to reply to your own post!

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!! I will note that for next time. :o)~

I love this!

When we were in Jamaica, I kept saying "just one rib" instead of the 5-6 they want to put on your plate... I loved the buffets in Jamaica where I could put what I wanted on my plate vs. being served... I hate leaving food behind!  Lee kept telling me "it's all inclusive, just don't eat it" but I couldn't get out of the mindset of being served something I *KNEW* I would not eat...

*Grins* the best was ordering Parmesan Jerk Chicken Pasta and asking them to leave out the pasta!   But I LOVED the chicken!!! 

Yummmmmmmmmmmmm Great now you got me all kinds of HUNGRY!!! And no fair I have never been to Jamaica  ;o)~ But I want some chicken now............and a rib..........and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie! LOL

Oh and maybe a WEE bit of carb~bread I mean cornbread!! Yum now that sounds DELISH!

i have a mock cornbread recipe made with beans.  it's not bad.  www.southbeachfriends.net/wiki/index.php

I do believe that the food I am going to miss the most during the upcoming holidays is .... DRUM ROLL ... homemade chocolate chip cookies.  This will be my first WLS holiday.  I usually bake them beginning the day after Thanksgiving right on through Christmas and keep lots of cookie tins filled with them.  I also love baking peanut blossoms (the peanut butter cookies with the hershey kiss on top).  I could eat them, and eat them, and eat them ... never leaving a crumb behind.  Guess I need to get ready for the challenges ahead beginning with Halloween, huh?  No Reese peanut butter cups for me this year, or Kit Kats, or Almond Joys, or Snickers or FROZEN Milky Ways in the freezer.  Hungry yet?  

TOTALLY HUNGRY!!!!!! lol This will be my first Thanksgiving. I was 2 weeks out at Christmas time last year so I was on liquids only lol BUT I AM EXCITED FOR THIS YEAR! WOO HOO!!!

We can have cookies. Mikey made some oatmeal cranberry cookies with Splenda a few weeks ago for me and they were DELISH and he has made Splenda Cheesecake too. We can improvise honey. lol