This is my first Christmas season after WLS, and I'm ok with not partaking of all the goodies and treats at parties and get-togethers - not hungry for them and not missing them. But it seems like eating the food, talking about the food, ooh-and-ahhing over the food is the main activity at these festivities.

If I'm not participating in the food-as-recreation aspect of the party, what can I do to still be a part of the festivities? How do you handle it?

you can still talk about food and participate in conversations without over indulging in the food. Or maybe think of some other topics and try to start conversations about that instead

@@Dancing Fool, whatever you do, continue to do it alliteratively. At least, change the subject and admiration of the food with your native wit and charm. I suspect that people don't really want to make food worship the focus of the get-together; somehow we've been trained to think it's expected by the host or we have nothing else to say for ourselves. Bring up whatever topics you would talk about in social settings any other time. You'll probably be greatly appreciated for it.

I would still participate but just walk around with a bottle of Water or something else to drink. Don't exclude yourself from festivities :-) Maybe there will be mixed nuts or a cheese platter?

Thanks for your suggestions. Perhaps I do have native wit and charm, but 'm not skilled in conversation and small talk. So.... taking Twinhappy's suggestion to walk around with a Water, and turning it up a notch, if I bring a fabulous fancy goblet to the party for my water and some berries to float in it, I will have a festive conversation starter right there in my hand!

I think I'll try it!