ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR FIRST THANKSGIVING?

7 years ago I entered my Mothers home , it had been 6 months since my WLS and i was down about 90 pounds. Feeling great , looking great ... and ... not prepared for what was coming next .
As the food was being put on the table , I noticed my family members where watching me put food on my plate .
I started out with Turkey ( 3 oz ) 3 small pieces of sweet potatoes. A couple spoon fulls of stuffing with gravy . I made a SF cranberry sauce . I sat down to eat and here it came .. the questions ... " HEY CAN YOU EAT THAT " , IS THAT SUGAR FREE ? WHAT IS DUMPING .. I finally told them I was not there to be treated and would they appreciate it if I did this to them ?

So be prepared ,
1,  Mentally prepare yourself for a barrage if questions , especially if you have not seen your family for a while. If you choose not to discuss it , that is your prerogative.
2. As for me , I like to taste everything , so my plate looked huge , but what I explained is that I am a taster ... and WLS patients are limited as to what we can eat . So Thanksgiving is a treat .
3. If you are unsure of what is being served and you are newly post op , bring a protein shake , or protein bar. BE sure to always pick protein first .. always, always... if you are at the soft stage , have some mashed potatoes ,. instead of butter, try putting some turkey gravy , but make sure all the fat is skimmed off of it , There are so many ways to eat during this time to enjoy yourself , You just need to be creative .
4, If asked to bring something , be creative and do a sugar free pumpkin pie - or SF banana pudding ( write me for these recipes ) 

Just go and have fun , and try not to make food the focus , make family and  Thanksgiving the holiday the focus .
http://images.obesityhelp.com/forums/ohsupportgroup/Lets_Tal k_Turkey_November_2008_Handout.pdf

http://images.obesityhelp.com/forums/ohsupportgroup/Happy_Ho lidays_Having_Healthy_Habits_December_2008_Handout.pdf


Here is to a great Holiday . I hope when you come back , you have some great stories to share .

Hugs,

Tink

Happy Thanksgiving Dear Tink,
This is my first Thanksgiving after RNY. I've hit the 100 pounds lost mark.
Thanks for the GREAT suggestions. I am printing them off to keep on the refrig.
Hugs dear one~
Annie

 I am 6 years out and STILL get this. It sometimes feels like they are waiting for me to mess up for the I told you it wouldn't work.   It isn't only at the holiday meals but any meal that someone thinks they know what we are or have gone through.
Scarlett1962