So I know it’s early but I have to do some extra prep this year because of my surgery. I actually usually cook ?‍? thanksgiving dinner every year (and Christmas) and Christmas morning we have cinnamon rolls. Obviously that’s not something I can do this year. Part of me is wondering if I’m just going to cook it like everyone wants it then go cry in a corner. What do you guys do? I have to submit a menu to the family by beginning of October so it can be debated, revamped, and planned for financially since we have to work around a bunch of different work schedules.

Just some guidance and suggestions would help. I was thinking about making eggs Benedict for breakfast Xmas morning for me (paleo style with avocado at the bottom, and instead of an English muffin a sweet potato hash-brown, smoked ham and mushrooms mushrooms, and homemade hollandaise sauce (maybe????) sorry off track!!

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just make sure there are some lean protein options available for you to eat. You won't have much stomach capacity, so just fill up on healthy stuff, and you'll be fine

And if you want a bite of a cinnamon roll, or whatever other food is special to you on for the holidays, then if I were you, I'd go for it. This is a lifestyle, not a short term diet. If you go off plan for one day, just make sure you get back on it the next. Totally not the end of the world.

When I cook for friends and family I cook as normal. I have chosen to change my life and am happy with the decision I made, I don't need to attempt to change anyone else. I know what I can eat and what I can't, I just choose to eat what is best for me regardless of what I cook.

I am Preop with surgery date of 10/4/18. I usually cook a big Thanksgiving dinner, and we have a more low-key dinner at Christmas. I am considering switching that up this year since I will only be about seven weeks post op at Thanksgiving. I plan to make all the things we normally have, but a smaller amount of each. Plenty of places I can leave out butter and/or fats and sugar that no one will ever even notice. I will have a bit of turkey and a bite or 2 of sides. This is my plan as of now. We shall see what changes once I’m post op!

If you are cooking, you get to set the menu. Cinnamon rolls aren’t good for anyone. Set a good example

Nyjenn it’s a treat that we litterally have 1 time a year. I won’t be setting an example to anyone.

I've been wondering the same thing. I'm in the pre-op phase, but am shooting for an early-mid December surgery date. My thought was to cook Thanksgiving dinner for myself and my grown children and grandson, and then freeze leftover plates for Christmas dinner. But I'm not sure about that. I just wonder how tired I might be at Christmas if it's only a couple weeks past my surgery, and would I even be able to tolerate some food smells at that time. Maybe the best bet would be to send them all to a Bob Evans after Mass.lol

On 09/07/2018 at 17:20, Megan Sadler said:

Nyjenn it’s a treat that we litterally have 1 time a year. I won’t be setting an example to anyone.

I’m just saying the food doesn’t make the holiday. Your family will do fine without cinnamon rolls. Just explain to them that things will be different moving forward

@NYJenn I have to say I disagree. Food may not make the holiday, traditions are special and meaningful to families and individuals. Cinnamon rolls one day a year won't make one bit of difference in @Megan Sadler success after WLS, but it would be something her family misses.

On 9/7/2018 at 9:39 PM, JustMeInCleveland said:

I've been wondering the same thing. I'm in the pre-op phase, but am shooting for an early-mid December surgery date. My thought was to cook Thanksgiving dinner for myself and my grown children and grandson, and then freeze leftover plates for Christmas dinner. But I'm not sure about that. I just wonder how tired I might be at Christmas if it's only a couple weeks past my surgery, and would I even be able to tolerate some food smells at that time. Maybe the best bet would be to send them all to a Bob Evans after Mass.lol

Maybe it will be a good chance to start passing on the Christmas dinner tradition to one of your children?

To each their own then.
I explained to my family that when I had this surgery, things would look different for the whole family. We are a team, and we are all Making healthy changes. I don’t see it all “punishment” I’m teaching them to be healthier individuals.

My husband and kids are on board I mean my extended family who don’t actually give a shit. Now while my kids and husband are working on changing over to healthier food that I can eat every day it’s a special day. I’m sorry you don’t understand that. I hope one day you do.