Question:
How about Thanksgiving?

We kinda started a tradition last year where my mom comes to town a few days before and does all the prep/cooking at my house. I have a larger kitchen/living area etc. This year I will be approx. 5 weeks out and dont know if it would be wise to have to deal with the aroma/food for 3 days straight. I think I could handle it but my sweet mom wonders if I should put myself through that. What do ya'll think. Would it be better to do it at her house (150 miles)just for the day and leave it all behind when it is over. (She would be doing All of the cooking and cleaning here too) Thanks so much Yall are always so helpful..    — Marilayne M. (posted on November 3, 2002)

November 3, 2002
You know, I am 6 weeks out and find myself cooking for the family all the time. It does not bother me a bit. In fact, I will be cooking for Thanksgiving as well. I take a few bites of what I am supposed to have, and then I am done. I am not mourning the loss of food (YET!). But we are not all alike. If you are having doubts that you will be able to handle it, then by all means don't even put yourself in that situation. If your mother has offered to take care of it at her house, I certainly would let her at this early stage of your recovery....anything to make it easier! Renee D
   — Renee D.

November 3, 2002
well I answered your other (same) question lol but I didn't answer it correctly :>) Personally, I would tolerate the smells of food (which was all I could REALLY enjoy at 5 weeks anyway) just to have someone come clean my house! :>)
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 3, 2002
Personally if it were me I would have her cook it at her house. Not for any "sadness" about the food at all, but early on I did not like the smell of food much. Even now at 16 1/2 months post-op if we are at a restaurant and I have eaten my small meal, I get somewhat grossed out by the smells of the rest of the food on the table from my family. If we have a doggy bag, my kids know they will have to carry it as I dislike the smell. Maybe others don't feel this way! but not having to deal with the cooking and cleaning and stress of holidays in general might be a good thing for you to avoid this year. Sounds like a great mom to be sensitive to this issue. Best Wishes!
   — Molly S.

November 3, 2002
Just had a quick question to the original poster. Sounds like you have a wonderful mom!! Could I borrow her at Christmas or after my surgery in January? hehe
   — thumpiez

November 4, 2002
I was not quite 4 weeks post-op last Christmas. We went to my cousin's for Christmas and they were cooking for about 20 people. The aroma of the foods didn't bother me nor did the sight of it. I had a couple of bites of turkey with gravy, a bite of dressing and gravy and one green bean for Christmas dinner and did great. Open RNY 11/29/01 -156 pounds
   — Patty_Butler

November 4, 2002
You stated that you don't think it will bother you. If you don't think it will bother you, then have it at your house! At five weeks post-op (I don't know if it is lap or open) you might not feel like traveling 150 miles. Mine was open, and I know I didn't want to travel at 5 weeks. The incision was sore from pants rubbing, and in the car, I could feel EVERY bump!
   — Tammy .

November 5, 2002
My surgery was 12/17/01. Discharged 12/20 and had turkey, stuffing, potatoes and cranberry sauce for Christmas dinner on Christmas day. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday. Eating won't be a problem because you will know you can eat only a little bit. Plus, it is great to be spoiled by our families.
   — grammie5