The holidays after WLS

I am a BIG fall/winter holidays kinda girl.  I always have been.  I am also quite the cook/baker.  It's in my blood.  My parents are both cooks (dad's specialty is bad foods, mom's is healthier), my granddad on dad's side was a baker...so as a result I totally LOVE cooking and baking.  I was scared that this surgery was going to affect that for me, but I took a hard look at my eating habits, and I cook/bake A LOT, I don't really EAT what I bake (not much of a sweets kinda girl) and I eat less than my partner and kids do.  I did the Thanksgiving meal...and realized this would be my last holiday as a fat chick. 

How has WLS affected your holiday season?  I'm curious as to what to expect for next year.  I will only be 11 days post-op on Christmas and plan on cooking for my family and out of town friend who will be in from CA, but obviously *I* won't be eating it, lol....

My pre-op appointment is in FIVE days....

I wouldn't cook on Christmas!! I really wouldn't. You are going to be one cranky ***** Just saying. Whether you eat while you cook or not isn't the point ...it's knowing you CAN'T eat it all is the kicker. Your hormones are going to be so out of whack ...and then add on top of it the fact that everyone else gets to eat and all you get is a protein shake. It just screams emotional break down to me.

But by next year ...you'll be good to go! This Thanksgiving I had turkey, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and a roll. I was satisfied. It's no different than any other Thanksgiving ...it was just a smaller plate.

Overall, I think it is pretty much the same but I try to cook healthier and eat much less. Was around my family this year and the amount that they consume is amazing....Also I am pickier about some things...I want everything I eat to taste good. Still have a hard time staying away from sweets and try to 'graze' on vegies during the prep time.

Not sure how that will work for you sooo soon after surgery. I hope you will have help in case you don't feel well. But next year should be fine.

happy times, deb366

How has WLS affected your holiday season? 

I'm about 7 weeks post-op and this was the first major holiday after WLS. It really didn't affect me that much.

I always spent Thanksgiving at my condo in Southern Utah. The family came down this year and I cooked the full Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimings. I was amazed at how fast they inhaled the food while I was doing my slow eating. But, they didn't try to push more food on me than I could take and were very concerned that preparing the meal might be too hard for me.

A post in the Men's Forum suggested that you take 1 tablespoon of your favorites and eat what you could. I followed that suggestion and had my first taste of a green salad (very, very good). I did a small portion of sweet potato (with Splenda) and a small piece of turkey. I really wanted stuffing and potatos but decided against it.

I enjoyed my meal and sharing it with the family. The left-overs today were also great and I've had no problems either with things coming up or eating too much. I feel like I've starting embracing this lifestyle change and really like that I'm now wearing pants that are 4" smaller.

Not sure you're going to feel up to cooking a Christmas dinner 11 days post-op. I'd really encourage you to consider other options. You may not have the energy or stamina and I think it could be difficult on your physically and mentally.

This Thanksgiving was very easy for me. I did all the cooking which didn't bother me and it made me laugh how people looked at me with my little plate and when i got full they just couldn't believe it. Since surgery i have been cooking alot and love to give it away. When Thanksgiving meal was over i picked out a few protein items and gave the rest away. So in conclusion WLS has made my holidays even better. Good luck to you on your surgery we will all be praying for your safe recovery.