I'm four weeks out today and the past two days have been difficult. We hosted Christmas eve last night and while I could have done way worse than I did, I still feel guilty. I had a small amount of mashed potatoes with Italian beef, a couple of crackers with cheese, a bite of a cookie and a bite of apple pie. And today, I have had the same thing plus 2 skinny cow wafer bars...... I'm scared this little indulgence is going to set me off on a binge of sorts. I'm with my family now and they are ordering Chinese for dinner (my partner's Jewish so I guess it's tradition for her and our daughter). I'm angry I can't participate with them.... and I don't even really like Chinese food... I don't know, I think I'm feeling sorry for myself and a little disappointed I wasn't able to resist everything.

It's not about feeling guilty. You already realize where you went wrong with your meals, and understand its a whole new way to live and eat. I'm sure we all have had a miss step at least I have. I work in retail and countless unhealthy vending machines and fast food all within looking distance. I have fallen off the wagon many times and with that I make a very hard effort to avoid these situations until I was able to handle it. My coworkers and friends understood what I was doing and they too help me when I needed. Keep making those changes and get your friends and family on board and it will be easier as time goes on. Hit the gym a little harder this weekend you'll be fine

Dang, you did good compared to what I had.

I'm 7 weeks out and I ate stuff I shouldn't have also. We had Christmas for the last 5 days somewhere. I too feel guilty but the thought of all those people telling me not to do the surgery and the thought of hearing I told you so was enough to get me back in gear again. I don't want to be the center of gossip. Tomorrow is a new day. No more crap in my stomach.

Any time you embark on a lifestyle change or a new journey, you are going to have roadbumps. We are not perfect human beings. So, reflect on why you did it and how you will overcome it in the future and move on. Don't beat yourself up. Use positive self talk just as if you were encouraging your best friend!

The best advice I can give you is reflect on why you did this surgery. And remember that even through we had this surgery success is still completely in our hands. This is a tool that we need to work, we still have to come up with the discipline to make smart choices for the rest of our lives. This early out, I would stay as strict as you can. This is the time to try and build new habits.

As time goes on, and I mean after the honeymoon stage (the first six months) you will have to make choices as to what you can and can't handle. Some can do a little moderation, but most of us with an addiction to food need to stay clear. Because those bites are never just bites.. They are the opening of the door to old behaviors.

I know it is hard.. I had surgery last year a week before thanksgiving so I wasn't on "real" food for Christmas yet.

But this year I am, and it is a challenge not to give in to the temptations, especially when those around you are eating with sweet abandon.

Thank you for your replies..... I have been down this road when I had the lapband and did well, until the band made it impossible to eat anything. I am trying to build the new "good habits". It's just hard. Most of the time I am good at passing up things I want. I guess I was just giving myself permission to have a few things that weren't the best choices because it's the holidays. I KNOW there is always going to be something or another to rationalize bad behavior...... OMG, my therapist voice is coming out. I guess I need to use the same strategies I ask clients to do to avoid temptation over their addictions....

Hi

One more thing....

Some days I'm completely fine and don't mind my family eating anything and everything around me (and trust me they eat) but other days for many different reasons I can't handle it. And when I'm feeling that way I just let them know how I'm feeling.

And excuse myself until they are done.

This may not work for everyone. But sometimes I just don't feel like watching everyone eat pie so I don't

Get some wonton soup broth. I love that soup!