Daily Post--1/1/08

Hi Lea and everyone else! Happy New Year! Holiday parties went ok this year. I'm only 3 months out so people were too busy "wow"ing when I entered a room that I spent most of the time that I would have been eating talking about what an amazing ride I've been on for the past few months. I always brought something WLS friendly to contribute to the buffets, like nuts or FF cheese etc. Then I had some of that with a few nibbles of the other stuff. I totally didn't feel deprived in the least! I brought a water bottle or crystal light with me and really didn't miss the alcohol at all! To be honest I really enjoyed this holiday season as much as any other year!

I guess the tips I can give is, if you slip..pick yourself back up and start again....don't give up...and realize it's alright to indulge once in awhile. The Buffets...I try to always pick proteins first, my hard thing was chips..the salt for some reason.. alchoholic beverages..well...had a great time...paid for it though..hopefully learned from it...

Hi and happy holidays to all... To be good.. I helped the hostess and tried a bit of everything but just a bite, and I did share a wine cooler with my b/f. I aslo brought shrimp and a salmon dip, with ALMONDS.. I did not want anyone to cook special for me, and the people who did not know, I did not want to explain it all, so when I was offered something.. depending on what it was, I either had a small bite or declined it.. But I was good aside from the wine cooler, well 1/2 a bottle.. Cynthia

I don't drink alcohol (I'm too scared) so I bring my own can of diet iced tea ("Nestea Zero")... delicious!

Some strategies I use...sometimes I eat before I go to a party so as to fill my pouch--when I'm full I'm not as tempted, or comfortable, to eat more. I always bring a veggie tray to parties hosted by friends or family--good filler and they take awhile to chew! I limit alcohol consumption--a light beer or a glass of wine, and try to drink water all evening. As a pre-op I would have taken advantage of all of the food available and eaten everything in mass quantities, as if I would never see it again! Instead, as a post op, I try to focus on the people and the conversations. It's still a struggle, even 3 years out, but I know how I will feel (miserable) if I'm not careful! Having said all of that, I still need to lose 20 pounds, so I'm trying to motivate myself by connecting with the forums. Thanks in advance for your insights! Christy 230/169/150 Highest/Current/Goal

Hiya! The best advice I can give is MODERATION! I allowed myself just a touch of everything. So I didn't miss anything! All of the yummy food and even dessert was mighty good. Take 1 bite of everything, and you'll be satified, without missing a thing! Nothing was different from being pre-op, just that I ate less. I still had what I normally would have, just a LOT less. Woohoo!

I ate my protein prior to going out to a party... one's not temped that way. As far as alchohol I'd take two sips only for an entire evening... then it was H2O of NF coffee. I resisted. Oh, how was it different? I lost a lot of weight and wasn't fearing the scale. Thank you, Kim

This year was definitely different for me. I totally avoided the buffets and was able to eat a small amount and only "good" stuff. I typically don't drink so I didn't miss not having a glass of something this year. In the past I would have eaten from sun up to sun down and complained all afternoon that I overate...what a much better way to spend my day. Holly

due to my work schedule; we didn'tparty much- a good thing! where i was faced with goodies; i tried to stay away from the carbs- the obvious- eat the lunch meat and cheese off the sammie tray w/out the bread-that ype of thing-keeping a glass or bottle of water nearby helped also....

I just made sure I brought something "safe" for me to snack on. That way the rich, overly fatty snacks wouldn't tempt me. It worked. To one party I brought hummus and whole wheat crackers...people loved it.