9/21/08...way late!!!!

Sorry all for my tardiness...I've been apple picking and having a family gathering.

Today was tough with all the not so good food choices.

How do you deal with gatherings??

I try to prepare ahead of time, but it doesn't always happen.

I dont get to see my family as much as I wish, so when we get together, I allow myself to relax, and indulge a little bit. I figure that way, Im not going to "cheat or sneak" bites of this and that, and its more enjoyable that way.  No guilt
Vivienne

I find that I tend to overindulge a little, not at all like I used to.  I try not to feel guilty, as this is not a daily thing.

I just keep my eyes on the prize!  If I decide to have something out of my normal routine, then I plan for it.  And those episodes are few and far between, so I don't feel guilty.  Anyway, I'm at a point with my weight, that I'm okay with where I am, so I allow myself to indulge a little now.  Isn't that what it's all about  ???  - everything in moderation.

I still have a tough time with over indulging at gatherings. But it also depends on what type of function it is. My husbands work functions I am ok at, but when its with friends I guess I am having such a good time I eat without noticing it, and feel for days to come!

I ifnd that at all gatherings there is always someone in a corner by them selfs. So I look for tht person then go up to them and start talking. I have also cozied up to some elder person there and offer to help them get there food, drinks or what ever so really no one notices that I ate a very small amount!

Karen

It's not so hard to avoid the bad things - most of the time.  I'm fortunate in that my mom had WLS a couple of years before me, and one of the girls at work had it a year after me - so there's always someone around who knows how I feel - and usually we keep each other accountable. 

When I do slip and eat something I shouldn't, many times, I get sick - so with that possibility pending, it's easier to just say no...   so when I say "yes!" and eat something bad - I just have to get back on the basics bus and try harder next time... 

I try to plan ahead, and if I eat something not planned, I try not to go overboard and get back on track the next day.     Jules

As some other people said, I plan for it.  If I know I have an event to go to, I make sure I'm on the ball for the day before and after.  Since I believe in balance, and not deprivation, I usually don't go overboard and it doesn't give me problems.