The Holidays

That was so nice of your brother-in-law. That is a good idea. I may do the same.

My kids would be disappointed if I didn't cook. It's the only part I dread, but I will make it. I want to keep things as normal as I can. I'll put them to work. I enjoy cooking for my family and worried that will change.

Even after you finish your 90 days pre-op, you could wait another month for approval and even longer to get on the surgery calendar. You may want to bow out of the holiday meal this year. If by chance you get surgery before the holidays, you won't be able to eat more than a few bites if you're even cleared for solid foods yet (depends on surgeon's protocol, but some take a couple of months to get you to eating real food).

I always lose a couple of pounds during the holidays. For all events that have food, I circle the proteins first and enjoy the meats and cheeses. Once I've enjoyed a sufficient amount of protein, I will then get a taste of whatever else I want, knowing that there isn't enough room to overdo anything.

This is true. by the time insurance goes through, it may be mid November. I was considering delaying surgery but my deductible will be met. I just keep telling myself that I have over indulged during the holidays for many years. This change is for the best. haha I may cry, but I will live

My first six weeks after surgery I had three weddings, my brother's 60th Birthday party, and a BBQ for a hundred people in my backyard.

Honestly it was easier then than it is now. I couldn't eat, and you have fresh out of surgery determination. I stashed Premier proteins when I needed to, and like at the BBQ when I was running around I made sure I put aside the food I wanted to eat first, so it was there when I had a chance to sit.

Wow, that is a lot! Thank you, this makes me feel better.

I found the actual holiday proper quite easy to navigate. There are always nice proteins and a great selection of veggie dishes. Plenty to have a great meal without derailing. I would also "plan" for one small treat and was able to stick to that. Now where I did have a problem was all the cookies, candy and such that has such a stark increase around the holiday. I am an elementary teacher so I would just come home with basketfuls of beautiful tasty items my cherubs would give. I gave up after 3 days, talked to the kids and hubby, and had to toss it all. I just didn't have the willpower for all that. Since you are the cook that makes it easier IMHO- you can be sure there are a few options that fit into your plan on the table :)

Well I received my surgery date! It will be November 27. This may be selfish, but I am bowing out of Thanksgiving this year. I don't want to torture myself. Decided to stay home and hang Christmas lights. Thankfully, my family understands and I will go and visit after meal is done.

Christmas will still go on. I'm still hosting but I believe it will be easier than I realize. I'm too excited about surgery to mess it up. Just hoping I won't be too drained to do all the work.

I think it's likely that your first Christmas post-op will be easier than mine! I will be 11 months out from surgery and able to eat 'whatever I want'. At just a month out I literally did not care a bit about eating. Nothing felt/tasted great yet and it took me forever to eat. Eating was mostly medicinal for many weeks post op.

That is what I am hoping for. How weak were you?

After the first week getting the anesthesia out of my system, I wasn't weak at all. I was walking 2-3 miles/day starting at 2 weeks when I returned to work.