I've started my pre-op diet already, and it hasn't been too bad so far. My surgery is 12/27- 5days away. As of recent, the diet is making it so hard being around my family, I've already skipped a couple Christmas Parties because I don't want to cheat. The house is full of relatives that are staying until the 26th. Everything smells better and the baking is killing me lol. I'm trying to hide away with my protien shake but the smells are everywhere. I'm trying to find will power so I don't have to hide away from away from everyone. Any tips?

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Hot Soups helped me. Hot broth too.

Banded 10/12/16

Sometime before surgery I made two lists on my phone. List 1 was all the reasons I was having the surgery. List 2 is a list of all the things i'm looking forward to being able to do as I get healthier. In the tough times/weak moments (even still) I pull out those lists and remind myself why I'm doing this. Helps get my head back in the right place.

At parties and so forth - since you're on liquids make sure you always have a Protein shake or Water in your hand and whenever you feel tempted to snack, drink. Also focus on being the social butterfly in the room and talking to people, mill about so you aren't standing next to the same cookie tray/yummy appetizer tray etc letting it tempt you for any extended period of time.

And to encourage quality time with family rather than being a hermit, suggest going out and doing an activity - even just taking a walk through the neighborhood, going to see christmas lights etc - anything that isn't focused on food.

I totally feel this honestly I don't think there is anything you can do but dig your heels in and be stubborn. I saw on here once "No food will taste as good as skinny feels." It got me through a couple family event my mom insisted I be apart of (a baby shower) there was a ton of food and I swear every where I turned in that damn place there were baked goods and nachos staring me down. At one point I sat down and BAM an entire platter of nutterbutters in onsies and literal faces staring at me post op thanksgiving my family literally just sits another platter of Cookies in front of me knowing that's not an option. At the end of the day it's good to make yourself suffer through some of these events. You know the restrictions aren't always going to be there and it's good to show yourself you can handle yourself in these situations and still be alright. You gotta keep living and being apart of your family after you get it done but your going to have to change alot to be a success in the long run. Don't let this ruin a holiday that I believe is more about family then anything, do your best to enjoy them even if your out of your element. You got this! And congratulations on your upcoming surgery day!

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I was on my pre-op diet during Thanksgiving and opted not to go to my family Thanksgiving dinner because I knew that I wouldn't be able to resist the food . My family understood and were supportive of my decision. Ultimately I think you have to do what's best for you, this is only one Christmas, next year you will be in a much better position to eat only very tiny amounts. Ask yourself if you can truly avoid the temptations present at the parties left while you are on your diet, if you think the answer is No then you owe to yourself to make your apologies and bow out gracefully. But take care of yourself first this year only before worrying about what everyone else thinks.

I really the idea about the list of reasons why I'm doing this! I'm going to make mine right now. I'm trying to be social and ignore the good smells of food. Thank you for the support

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This holiday season is my first since my surgery (June 2016), and I recently realized that I apparently have a much, much stronger association with food at Christmas time than I do at Thanksgiving (somewhat odd considering Thanksgiving is pretty much all about food whereas Christmas is many more things). At Thanksgiving, I felt very in control, no temptations for overindulging at all. Once December hit, big difference for me in the amount of willpower I've had to muster up to control urges for things that haven't tempted me up to this point.

I feel really good that I have kept them in check, but it is definately showing me how much habit, history, and memories come into play when it comes to how and what we eat.

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yep so much this. had no problem at thanksgiving. struggling right now. grew up kinda poor and christmas was less about the presents and all about the food and treats and family traditions of certain items. From baking cookies with mom after finishing my homework - like seriously a different batch of cookies every night for about two weeks! To making fruitcakes and fudge with dad and mom and all the other special items and meals with the whole family pitching in to prep and cook together. And getting special treats (candy) from my mom's family in england that we only got that one time of the year. Christmas was all about decorations and indulgent foods. Having the onslaught of holiday treats being brought in at work this week hasn't helped (since everyone places them on the file cabinet next to my desk and all the co-worker gifts of cards and candy. So far, I haven't indulged at work and my great nieces are getting an nice stash of candy to divide between them. but it has taken every ounce of willpower and a lot of getting up and going for a walk around the building!

This holiday season is my first since my surgery (June 2016), and I recently realized that I apparently have a much, much stronger association with food at Christmas time than I do at Thanksgiving (somewhat odd considering Thanksgiving is pretty much all about food whereas Christmas is many more things). At Thanksgiving, I felt very in control, no temptations for overindulging at all. Once December hit, big difference for me in the amount of willpower I've had to muster up to control urges for things that haven't tempted me up to this point.

I feel really good that I have kept them in check, but it is definately showing me how much habit, history, and memories come into play when it comes to how and what we eat.

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