Daily Post--4/16 and 4/17/08

Family get togehters are like this. I end up bringing my own food and drinks.

I am surrounded by events/times like this several times per week.... it is hard, because I can eat anything I want to. I don't do pizza crust or bread (just because I shouldn't), but I do scrape off the toppings, or scrape out the insides and eat them... I also don't do carbonation or coffee, so always bring my own tea or water.

Maybe a little bit, but I usually find something or sometimes I take my food with me. It all works out. I don't feel bad about it, because I knew that this was going to happen at times. Jules

Fortunately (or not), I can eat almost anything. However, there are some things I almost always avoid (sweets and white bread) so I avoid those things and just eat modified versions of what others are eating. For example, I will eat the meat and veggies from a sandwich or the topping of the pizza and throw away the rest. It's been working so far.

It sucks that is for sure...but I can't just hide in my house right? So, I bought a very large purse - stuff it with stuff I can eat - and if someone asks why I am not partaking in the goodies I tell them the truth while munching on a protein bar or something. I have noticed that the more honest I am the next time I go to their house they have added a little something they know I can nibble on...so why complain..just deal. I chose this surgery..they didn't.

I guess in many ways I am very fortunate. My work does not have me attending meetings so I never have to worry about that kind of thing. We are either responsible for bringing our own food and drink or we have to order out. As far as any kind of buffet line type food it wold only be at a family function and because there are three of us who have had WLS (and maybe soon to be 4) every member of the family is more then accomodating at preparing things that we can all eat. Guess I am very blessed. Sally

This happens all the time - but look at it this way - even those without WLS have had situations where they serve something they don't like, or are allergic to, and they have to deal. Same with us. I used to carry jerky or nuts in my purse for those "emergencies", but now, I modify whatever it is as much as I can and move forward. One meal isn't going to ruin everything.

MMMMmmmm....free food. I have observed others at these sorts of things (I teach and there's always breakfast/lunch at any conference we attend). I think since we've been programmed so long to obsess about food, we've lost perspective. Most of these functions have food we can eat (IF you are six months or more out). First, no one is watching you eat; no one cares. There are all sorts of folks out there who eat "special"...vegetarians, diabetics, people on diets, etc. They all pick and choose what to eat, just like us. Get in there and grab EXACTLY what you want. Be first in line to get the turkey or beef boxed lunch. Don't be demure or you'll get the fat-loaded chicken salad with the pasta side. Once you have it, don't be shy. You do not have to eat the whole thing. Do what you want...tear that sandwich apart and eat the protein. Toss the bread or wear it on your head---don't be afraid of it; it's just bread! The vegetarian next to you is doing the same thing, but he's eating the bread and leaving the meat. Once you've eaten the meat and cheese, and in most good cases , the lettuce and tomato slice, you should be pretty full. Throw the rest away. Your mom won't yell at you. It's OK; it's yours to do what you want with. No starving kid in China wants it. On cookies: after you eat your protein, if you want a bite (just a bite) break up the cookie and pick out a bite-sized piece of your favorite part (I like middles). Put it on a napkin and GET UP and throw the rest away, then come back and enjoy your cookie bite. Water: I always bring my own bottle; then I can refill it from any water fountain. It you forgot your water bottle, grab one of their cans of soda or bottles of juice and go pour it out (I know--blasphemy) and fill it with water. Breakfast: never much good here even when they have yogurt (always the high sugar kind). I always bring my own protein bar and drink their coffee with it. Someone always asks where the basket with those is. Remember, you had WLS to get more enjoyment out of life so enjoy every moment, even a free lunch! Karen

It's a challenge all right but I keep a protein bar in my bag at all times as well as carry water and the crystal light single packets.

I am lucky in that I can eat anything I want, so I do eat a little, but that is the key, I only eat a little. I do eat what ever I want, but in moderation. Portion control is the issue, and that is what I am working hard to control every day. Gayle