Do you have a plan for the holidays?

I don't know about you, but I think that Thanksgiving has to be one of my all time favorite holidays. That said, it's also one that has ruined me in the past. Of course, one of the things I'll be giving thanks for this year is knowing that I won't 'ruin' myself this year because I have my 'tool', but also because I have a plan. I don't really think it matters what your plan is, but it does matter that you have one. I don't think it really matters which surgery you had or where you are in your journey, but what does matter is thinking about what you are going to do and then following through.

For me, I know that among other things, I will have pumpkin pie with whipped cream, but I'll probably work to reduce some of the carbs while maintaining the flavor.

* I'll limit how much I have and be aware of how much of whatever it is that I'm consuming.

* I'll load with protein before carbs and fats, but to be honest, I'll have carbs and fats and I'll enjoy them without feeling guilty because I have a plan.

* I'll also go for a walk to help walk some of it off.

* I'll be sure to go a little leaner a day or two before Thanksgiving and a couple of days after... Probably a few more protein and salad based meals, dropping the amount of carbs.

* I'll weigh myself to keep an eye on how I'm doing. Don't get me wrong. I'm not obsessing of freaking out about the upcoming holiday.

I'm actually feeling really confident and comfortable about the approaching holiday knowing that the combination of my tool and my choices will hold me in good stead, allowing me to maintain my hard won losses... and the health and quality of life gains that came with them. 

So.... What is your plan for the holidays?

I am planning to eat my protien first and veggies then eat a very small amount of stuffing/potatoes. I will also be more active. I am cleaning house and shopping. I don't have my tool yet so I am not going to beat myself up if I slip

I am planning the same exact things.  I thank you for posting this because it helped me realize we are here and it's time to start putting the plan into action.  :D

Boo

Hey Boo,

I think that's the key... Have a plan and put into action. As you may see from different responses. It's not so important what the plan is, but that we have one and work it. 

Wishing you a happy holiday,

Barbara ... I am from Nashville TN. I saw your recent posting and thought I would ask you a few questions. I have a surgeon and am completing the required psych. eval. this week. I'm hoping to schedule the surgery in January. I am 5'4" and weigh 214. I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high cholestrol and triglycerides. So, I think I will be approved for the surgery. They have set my goal weight at 131 pounds.

My question is why it takes 2-3 years to get the weight off with the lap band? Does the band slow your metabolism down? If you are exercising regularly, can you not get the weight off within a year? It's just a bit discouraging to read that I should lose 55 % of the weight within 2-3 years. I would hope to lose 80-100 % within 2 years.

This is all new to me. I have lost many pounds since my mid 30's ... I will turn 47 this week. My metabolism really began to slow down in my mid 30's. My most successful weight loss was with Body for 'Life. I execised 6 times a week and ate 6 small meals a day. That was in 2001. I lost about 90 pounds. But, within 3 years gained most of the weight back. Since that time, the most I've lost with other diets is 20-25 pounds.

Any insights you may have will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Cindy