All I want for Xmas is will power

Last year during the holidays, I was basically still recovering. I had a stricture, and a tendency to toss my cookies. Thankfully I rode out the tempting treats everywhere last year without too much trouble. This year is a whole new story. Not only are there yummy batches of Holidays treats everywhere, but I also seem to vendor lunch meetings a couple of times a week. For the first time, the scale went up 3 lbs, and its not going down. Any helpful advice from those who have surived a few holiday seasons? Thanks, Torrey (281/179/160)

Torrey, I can see the challenges around myself. One of my neighbors baked cookies and brought them over on Monday, I had a few then threw them away. Several of my neighbors are big on baking during Christmas, I told them yesterday not to bring them to my house, the temptation is too hard. I'm going to the grocery store today to buy a meat and cheese tray to have out when others are eating the high carb, high sugar foods. I am hoping this helps me get through the next couple of weeks. I too have seen the scale flucuate much more lately than early post-op when the I lost fast and steady, it is causing me to re-evaluate how much I'm eating, even healthy choices. Dana

I'm in the same boat at you; this is my first holiday season where I can pretty much eat anything I want. My goal for this season is to simply maintain my weight. I'm going to do that by: 1. Eating five 200 calorie meals during the course of the day, plus allowing myself 500-600 calories in the evening. 2. Continuing to work out 4-5 times per week for 40 minutes each time. I actually schedule time in my day for this so it doesn't get shoved aside with all the other things that need to be done during the holidays. 3. Allow myself to have some treats or special foods, but really limit what and how much I eat. I want to spend these "extra calories" on things that are new and different, or super special, not just things that are common and readily available a lot of the time. I'm also going to limit my splurging to actual holiday gatherings (Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Years Eve, New Years Day). If I go to lunch or dinner with friends, I'll order a high protein, low fat meal with some veggies and/or a salad. Anyway, that's my plan of attack. I know how well it worked in about a month. Good luck to you in finding a plan that helps you maintain or lose during this challenging season! Kellie 396/217/165

ME TOO!!! Its always a bit of a struggle but this year I have made a pact to maintain my weight, last year beleive it or not I gained about 25pds !! YEP , I almost died when I weighed myself in January because I just didn't think it was possible. I had to pick myself up and get back to support groups,exercise and weighing myself. it didnt take me long to get it off once I got back on track with eating and exercise but most of important -WEIGHING MYSELF!! Yep every other week whether I like it or not I get on that scale and monitor myself, keeps me accountable as much as I hate to say it. This holiday season is a WHOLE different story, I decided not to bake any cookies, Splenda or otherwise until the week before or of Christmas so I can give them all away. Sticking with my exercise routines, but most of all not depriving myself(3.5 yrs out and can eat anything) but choosing my treats wisely. Stuff I really really like and oh yea , emergency food/protein drinks with me at all times. Keep a emergency plan in mind at all times. You will be fine..... heres hoping we BOTH get what we want for Christmas!!! Kim in Chicago

My thing - I step on the scale each and every day that I can. It really helps put things into perspective. If I gain weight and it stays for more than 5-6 days, I go back to the rules. I too can consume almost anything with random bad side effects.

I keep a lot of food at my desk, including fruit cups and nuts, so I have some healthier snacks available. Sometimes I just get the munchies and I want to eat for the sake of eating. At least if I have nuts, I'm getting in my protein. --BT

The way I look at food, especially sweets or anything that is not beneficial to my body or overall well-being, is if it is not fueling my "tank", I need to use extreme caution. Being in the mindset that your body is like a car and food, that is not good for me, is like putting sugar or dirt in my gas tank. This helps me remember that moderation is key. And if I am not going to be able to restrain myself, then I need to stay away. Knowing that I became obese because I was a Food Addict. I came to terms with the fact that I need to allow myself the ability to treat myself with self-care always. I had weight loss surgery to save my life. I don't want to take the risk of going back to old habits that might put my life at risk again. Knowing that you are around food items, that are going to constantly tempt you, saddens me. It almost is like an alcoholic working in a bar. I can't even imagine your struggle on a daily basis. I now help individuals deal with daily situations like these. Putting yourself in a place of self-care and self-love everyday is so essential for long-term WLS success. Self-worth, self-love, self-care = Will Power Helping people with tips and strategies, like the car analogy above, really seems to make a difference in people's lives. If you are interested in other tips, take a look at my profile and email me if you would like. I know you are worth it. Take care of yourself, Jeff Cadwell (365 in 2003, 200 maintained since 2004)

Thanks for all your responses. I can really use your support. Work is really stressfull right now, along with the Holidays and cookies, I'm feeling a bit out of control. I've put healthy snacks in my desk and will do my best to stop my bad behavoir. I'm one of those people who weighs every day. I once gained 10lbs in a week, so I'd rather know as quickly as possible if I'm creeping in the wrong direction. At least caught myself at a 3lb gain, which I've managed to lose one of. I wish everyone the best of luck and the happiest of holidays. Cheers, Torrey (281/178/160)