Dear sleevers, I thought of starting this new thread and please let me know if its already somewhere here on the forum. I got sleeved in Sept this year and though things have been fantastic the festival season is bringing its own challenges. Workplace is now filled with chocolates, cookies and mince pies. There are are at least 3-4 parties each of us has to attend till the 25 th and that adds more pressure. As most of us have struggled with saying no to food all our life i wondered if we could make this thread as a bank of information with techniques we can use to distract ourselves from food, deal with the stress, and keep on top of our sleeve. I would really appreciate any positive suggestions to be on the right track , especially from the veterans. Thanks.

Love PdxMan's reply.

I am also on my third holiday season post op. In addition to doing almost the same as PDXMan (I do drink alcohol but only two max), I also:

Eat low calorie versions of my fav treats, such as adding nutmeg and Splenda to warm milk instead of drinking eggnog, coffee with a splash of milk and sugar free pumpkin syrup instead of Starbucks holiday coffees, eggnog frozen yogurt instead of ice cream, sugar free hot apple cider, and spinach dip made with Greek yogurt with veggie dippers.

When indulging in full calorie treats, I eat them out instead of having them at home.

I weigh every day to stay in goal range.

I consider staying at goal and healthy my christmas present to myself, not a punishment.

I enjoy non food holiday fun, including walking the neighborhood to see the lights, making crafts with the kids, burning holiday scented candles, and donating time to charities.

Lynda

Thank you all for the great advice. I really appreciate it.

My advice would be to not completely cut yourself off. It's okay to allow yourself a treat now and again - NOT every day, of course! Also, keep high-protein things on hand at all times - nuts, cheese, jerky ... things like that. And water!! I never believed that water would help stave off cravings, but it really works!!

Something else to consider - for some sleevers, dumping syndrome does happen - I happen to be one of those lucky few that it affects, LOL. So if you're one of those and sugar, carbs, and /or high fat foods cause this for you, let that be a deterrent!

You can also bring some healthier versions of treats to share with co-workers

My advice would be to not completely cut yourself off. It's okay to allow yourself a treat now and again - NOT every day, of course! Also, keep high-protein things on hand at all times - nuts, cheese, jerky ... things like that. And water!! I never believed that Water would help stave off cravings, but it really works!!

Something else to consider - for some sleevers, dumping syndrome does happen - I happen to be one of those lucky few that it affects, LOL. So if you're one of those and sugar, carbs, and /or high fat foods cause this for you, let that be a deterrent!

You can also bring some healthier versions of treats to share with co-workers

Thanks

I actually look forward to the holiday "challenges"; I take a leaf from Eggface's book, she finds ways to make high Protein low carb treats that are also visually appealing. protein truffles, protein cake, protein DOUGHNUTS - I love the idea of having my cake and eating it too!

I'm 6 days post surgery and yesterday and today was miserable to be quite honest. My doctor said I can't have protein shakes until Friday but I had zero energy today. I didn't realize just how hard it would be to be surrounded by all the delicious food ????

I'm 6 days post surgery and yesterday and today was miserable to be quite honest. My doctor said I can't have protein shakes until Friday but I had zero energy today. I didn't realize just how hard it would be to be surrounded by all the delicious food dde14

I'm 9 days post surgery and actually left for my house before Christmas dinner at my parent's place. I took a long hot shower and am much happier than watching my family eat. Luckily they understand and were glad to help me load my car and be on my own. Until I can eat some sort of regular food, I am just choosing not to be around it.