Daily Post--1/1/08

I hate buffets, and try to stay away from them because I don't know when to stop and then I get sick! As far as parties go, I try a bite or two of everything (things I want) and that seems to work. Moderation is the key I think, and the three bite rule seems to work. Alcohol I am sure to get flamed for this but I do drink it, a few times too much of it, it doe**** me faster and I know it is not good for my liver but once in awhile ya gotta giver a little. I would never drink and drive, but I am over 21 and my doc said in moderation..... I love captain morgan and diet dew of that I am guilty! Hope everyone has a great new year! Hugs, Jenni

I always made sure that I brought something to eat. Like for New Year's Eve, I took meatballs, a nut type snack mix, and a cheese ball. That way, no matter what anyone else brings, I know I have some protein. I never touched any alcoholic beverages just because it's a choice I made when I had the surgery to not test my limits with alcohol. As far as the party experience, it was about the same for me, I just ate off a smaller plate and didn't eat as much, but played a lot of games and talked a lot, lol. denise

I didn't really do anything so it was a piece of cake for me. I actually lost 4lbs over the holidays. Never had that happen before.

Hi Everyone! Since I am a pretty new post op, I brought my RTD Isopure Alpine Punch with my to the Christmas Parties that I attended. I did NOT drink (I probably wouldnt have before surgery either). I didnt eat at the parties either because I didnt want to "pick" at food. I stick to my 3 meals a day, it works for me so far! The party experience was really different for me since I didnt eat...and there were some really good looking food dishes. Before surgery I probably would have sampled everything....TWICE! LB

If we we going to a party or out to dinner, I would eat something at home, and just socialized and drank water/tea throughout the evening. Everyone has been understanding and don't question why I'm not eating (especially since I've told EVERYONE that I've had the surgery) As for work, I just never thought twice about it. I don't stay in the office for lunch, and since I have to get me fluid in during the day, I couldn't make time for any of the food if I wanted to. And I think the ladies in the office were helping me out by making stuff that they knew I didn't like I don't know if I'll be able to think this way a few moths from now, but a 2 months out and no appetite or desire to eat, I didn't find it too hard to avoid temptation. Jenny

The holiday parties I attended this year were almost "WOW" moments for me. For the first time in my life, the entire experience didn't revolve around food. I didn't plan my evening around what I could eat and how to eat what I wanted w/o anyone noticing. I surveyed what was there, chose to eat protein first and drank water. I even indulged in one "treat" at each event, whether it was a bite of cake or a cookie. I discovered that holiday parties could be about socializing rather than eating. It was very liberating and empowering to feel as if I was in control of my eating instead of the other way around. Laurie

I have not drink alocholic beverages due to medications I have been on. Now that I am off those meds I still choose to not drink. I only eat at on my schedule so if a buffet is severed at a party I just take what food I would normally eat at meal time. I dump big time with sugar or even with sugar alcohols so it was very easy for me to stay away from all the cookies, cakes and pies.

Hi all! I brought a covered dish that I knew I could eat from - I am only allowed to eat 3 oz and the llist is short on what I can have I also brought Crystal light. The buffet was beautiful. I ended up grabbing a very thing slice of ham and a spoon of maccoroni and cheese. No snacks or alcoholic beverages. I was full after eating. Resisted completely. The experiance was so much better than normal - and normally it is great. Usually I eat till I am miserable and we karokee and hang out. This time I helped cook, ate like I should. Every family member commented on it and said how proud I was and that they didn't think they could resist. I had so much fun singing and visiting with the family because I was not sick from eating. I think it was the best Christmas I ever had!

When going to a party where there will be food I always offer to bring something. I ask the host what other dishes will be there and then I prepare a dish that I know I can eat. If I am unaware of what will be available I make sure I eat something before I leave the house and take a protein bar along. If worse comes to worse, you can go into the bathroom and eat the protein bar My friends know about the surgery and I am very open, but not rude about what I can eat and what I choose to eat. As far as alcohol, I need to be more conservative in this department. I enjoy a few drinks, but never seem to stop when I should. Preop, I would have grazed the buffet all night and dran****il I passes out. Now I take a teaspoon size portion of the things I want to eat. I can always go back and get a little more if I choose. Kelly

I know this sounds really sad but I completely stay away from any type of buffet and I stay away from any type of alcohol. This is completely different because before surgery I wouldn't even think about eating till I had that I'm going to pop feeling and then waiting a bit and going back for more. For me it is just better to stay away.