I haven't had surgery yet and won't for another month but I have been trying to hang on to my 38 pound loss and keep hold of my good eating habits.

Did anyone else find themselves having the same issue I had? I started on Christmas Eve with great intentions. We purchased a ham and I made dressing for tradition and an apple pie. I knew I would have some of everything and didn't buy a bunch of extra sweets and goodies to tempt me. Christmas went perfect, there was just enough excitement and it was a beautiful day and we kept busy. I ate what I expected to eat and it was a happy day.

The day after Christmas is when things started to unfold. My problem is that I find out that I am a boredom grazer. Even though we didn't have much in the house to pig out on, I still found myself checking the fridge for something to snack on. I picked at the ham, pickles, left over pie, etc. I wasn't hungry but I kept picking. When I am bored and stay home I tend to graze and eat things when I am not even hungry. Of course this is how I got myself into this shape in the first place.

The thing is I didn't eat a ton compared to what I would have normally eaten but I did eat to much and I knew I was eating to much. It just confirms the fact that much hunger is in your head and that we need to listen to the stomach and not the head. I ended up being overly full, afraid to get on the scale and ashamed that I ate more than I should have.

Don't be too hard on yourself. You've done an incredible job with the pre op weight loss, but you're only human. Once you've had the surgery you'll have the tool you need to help you through situations like this. Don't discount all your hard work over one mishap. You're going to do fantastic so hang in there! You're definitely worth it!

Everyone does this occasionally--even people who have never struggled with weight. Look on the bright side. Habits are tough to break. Lucky for you, you figured out a tendency you'll need to watch later. I used to not think I was an emotional eater until it hit me smack in the middle of the head. Emotional eating isn't necessarily stuffing yourself with Cookies and ice cream. It can be anything. (In my case it's comfort food.) I also eat from boredom.

I'm seeing a therapist to help me get over some of my food issues. Right now I'm coming up with a list of things I can do instead of eat when I get bored or tired or upset by something. It's tough because I go on autopilot when these moods hit me.

I get up and move, go for a walk (weather permitting) play with the dog, knit. I've never given myself manicures before, but that's also on my list since it will keep my hands busy. It's a lot harder to eat if my hands are busy doing something!

I grazed all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I picked at everything and had one beer each day. I really enjoyed myself for the 2 days but now I'm back on track. It only becomes a biggie when i eat more for 2 weeks or 2 months however that's not going to happen ever again. Do I feel guilty? Hell no.. I enjoyed myself but understood I had to stop.

You are doing great so forget it.... a new day is a new start and one I know you can do !!