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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. 

Well, we did it! We trekked to Atlanta by plane, train and automobile and had wonderful time meeting so many virtual friends we've met online and many more we had yet to meet.

It was soooo good to put hugs to the people we've come to know and care so much about as we have made all of our respective journies. 

The first day many sorted through stacks and rack of clothing donated to the swap meet. I'm sure that there were many who had to purchase a new piece of luggage to take home the new smaller lovelies that were so generously shared and passed down. 

After the clothing swap, many milled about and met in the lobby, but the event really kicked off at the meet and greet where we all met so many of those avatar buddies we have only met virtually. There will people that were just embarking on their journey and had not yet had surgery, newbies that were just a little post op and then a number of 'old timers'. Of course, every surgery type seemed to be well-represented, which was so nice. I think that many of us found that we much more in common in our respective journeys, regardless of the surgery type that we have chosen as the tool to help get control of our weight. 

Saturday morning started off with a corridors of vendors catering to our needs, from compression garments, to supplements, beauty aids to exercise DVDs, inspirational books that included book signings by their well-known authors and much more. 

Once the programs got underway, we had a series of speakers throughout the morning that delved into topics such as behavior issues, discussions of surgery types, and intimacy, then we broke for an absolutely fabulous, delicious lunch that was geared to the needs of those losing and maintaining their weight, but I doubt that I single diner felt the slightest twinge of deprivation. The food was beautifully presented, tasted great, varied and plentiful. 

After lunch they had breakout sessions that addressed a whole range of topics from plastic surgery in Brazil, to Zumba, cooking, tools to help maximize and maintain your weight loss, etc... They ran multiple small sessions so that people could go to more than one topic and so that they were small enough to allow you to hear and see well, as well as ask questions. 

The evening festivities were started off with a 'Fashion Show' where about 25 or 30 participants at varying points of their journeys were able to strut their new bodies, sharing the pride of their accomplishments with so many of their friends and peers. We were all so very proud of everyone who came out to share their new found, healthier, slimmer bodies. 

Finally, many danced away the night fantastic, getting in some pretty good cardio workouts. 

It was a lovely event and if there is an event coming to an area near you, I would absolutely suggest that you mark your calendar and make plans to attend.

Hi Gail,

I think that the fact that you are using your record keeping as a tool to help you see trends is what may be most important. I logged a great deal when I was losing, but I don't really do it anymore unless I find I've gained a few pounds. When I start logging again, I see the trends, make the corrections and I'm back on track. I don't think it matters 'what' you do, I think what matters is finding something that works for you and to be honest, what works for you is likely to change along the way. 

I look forward to hearing about your experience after your meeting with the team at Duke.

See you soon!