Staying in Control...

Many of you may know that I host in-person, local support groups where we have 'discussions' on various issues. I thought I might try to see if we can translate that to an online discussion. 

The topic we will be addressing this evening is 'Staying in Control'.

Dr. Judith Beck has written some books on learning to 'Think Thin.' Her book and accompanying workbook, the Beck Diet Solution are a '6 week' program to help people learn to 'think thin.' I want to address a different topic each time we meet. While it is not necessary to purchase her books to participate, I'm sure it would help. You can find the books on Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com or Borders.com and can often get used copies at a very reasonable price. You'll also need to get a journal and some 3x5 cards.

The topic in the book deals with 'Staying in control when eating out', but with Thanksgiving coming up, I thought a discussion of Staying in control... might be appropriate as we look at managing the temptations and decisions surrounding eating around the holidays. So, the discussion for this discussion thread will be strategies we can put into practice that will help us make decisions that support our goals, instead of sabotaging them as we approach the holiday season. Please think about any upcoming special occasions, parties and celebrations and the techniques that that might make these occasions fun and successful as we lose weight or maintain the losses we have already achieved. If you have a copy of the Beck Workbook, you'll find some information on this topic on page 171 and the page 216 of the Beck Diet Solution book.

I look forward to seeing some of the strategies you might have as we all share some strategies as we all learn to successfully enjoy the upcoming holiday season whether you are losing your excess weight or maintaining your goal weight.

 

I am more than two years out from my surgery and have noticed that I am approaching this upcoming holiday season differently.

When I was pre-op, when I ate without regard and to be honest with wild abandon.

During my first year post op, when I was tentative and didn't know if I would ever enjoy my favorite foods again and how that might impact me. I did a lot of 'special' foods that first year, when I was just a few months post op as the holiday season approached. I enjoyed them and the season. I didn't really feel left out or like I was being punished because I was reaping the rewards and benefits with the weight loss and resulting metamorphosis. 

Last year and as I approach this year, I have found that with a bit of fore thought and planning, I can enjoy the foods and celebrations without putting my weight and health at risk. I find that when I load with lean protein... maybe that means shrimp ****tail, or a sweet juicy serving of succulent turkey, I am satiated and don't have much room for things that might undermine my goal of staying at a healthy weight. I do enjoy indulgences, but I plan them and/or account for them. I find that being aware and accountable, is the key for me, whether in my daily life or when I'm planning to go out or enjoy a holiday event. This doesn't mean that I have to sit by the wall and eat salad all the time, it does mean that I need to think about what I'm doing and ensure that I have balance. 

I think the best 'strategy' for me, is to lead with a couple of ounces of lean protien. This allows me to load with what is best for me, while allowing myself to enjoy an indulgence in moderation. For me this is the key. 

Hi Barbra,

I loved what you had to say about the holidays and their challenges. I am almost 4 years post op and remember my last thanksgiving before surgery as being my "final blowout". I feel so blessed today to be able to say that holidays don't scare me anymore and I don't focus them around food. I also have my protein first and as we are vegetarians in my house I am not challenged with all the "bad foods" anymore. In fact I make a very healthy green bean casserole alone with a baritric recipe for pumpkin pie. That is the only sweet treat I give myself all year around.

I wish you a very happy thanksgiving and take care.

 

Hi Barb,
I am delighted to report the wonderful desserts that  were in front of me at Thanksgiving no longer shout my name.
For that I am grateful.
I have a sliver of pumkin pie and was totally happy.
                                                          Annie

Last year on Thanksgiving I was on liquid protein for pre op.  For Christmas I was on liquids for post op. 

This year is my first challenge but I am not afraid, suprisingly.  I began a strategy early out of using recipes that people create or that I create to make my everyday meals as enjoyable as holiday meals.  With that in mind I find myself ready with recipes that are bariatric friendly and not unfriendly for most of the guests that I will be with.  Additionally I will prepare things that are not for me, but I have enought that I will be happy.

When I travel, no matter where I go I have an insulated bag that looks like my purse.  Inside it is stocked with emergency supplies (protein bars, protein cappucino, sf pudding, crystal light and extra vitamins, for example) just in case there is something there that I can't have.