Thanksgiving FREAKOUT mode!

 I don't see any reason to stress. Make what you want and that's it. I see no reason to strive for only healthy things, if that's not what people want or expect anyway. 

I only make the traditional stuff, and eat what looks good to me. We have an increasing vegetarian and vegan crowd, so those folks make and bring what works for them. None of us feel a need to alter what anyone else will have.

Remember the day is about enjoying the company, and a nice meal. Don't make new rules for yourself.

This kind of thinking would make my head explode.

I'm so glad the DS freed me from this.

Make the traditional feast, and just eat what works for you - turkey, veggies, etc.  If you focus on protein/veg first, you likely won't have room or be tempted by much else.

This year I'm invited to two Thanksgiving dinners, one on Thursday and one on Friday.  (A friend's family is traveling on Thanksgiving, so she's doing hers on Friday - works for me.)  I'm looking forward to both!  There isn't anything I can't eat (granted, smaller amounts), although there are things I avoid most of the time.  HOWEVER, for me, Thanksgiving isn't one of those times.  Along with the turkey, I plan to enjoy a few forkfuls of mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, whatever there is, and a bite or two of dessert, if I have room left. The only thing I don't eat much of at a special occasion like Thanksgiving is bread or rolls - not enough flavor to justify taking up the room in my stomach. I love my sleeve!

 I have served a heathy TG and Xmas to people you might think would complain.  


No one did.  And they ask when I will do it again!

We play board games after dinner or a family card game we have played since the kids were little (oh hell)  Lots of fun.


Relax and enjoy the company.  If people feel they have been done wrong cause they can't gorge, they aren't coming to enjoy the spirit of gratitude anyhow. ewwww...

t

 It's only FOOD!  Not a big hairy monster with fangs hiding in the closet.  Cook what you would normally have cooked for Thanksgiving (was hosting your idea, or was it forced on you?).  Make some of the selections healthy.  Eat some turkey and some vegetables.  Send all the treats home with the guests.  It doesn't have to be a huge ordeal.  OR, you can do what I've done for the past several years.  I tell everyone I have plans for Thanksgiving (I do, but I don't tell them what).  I stay home, I roast a turkey (no stuffing, no spuds, no gravy, etc.).  The cats and the dog show great admiration for my prowess at catching and roasting a huge bird, I get good protein, I eat some of it (so do the pets), I remove the rest from the bones and make soup or store the rest in the freezer, I sip some wine, have a DVD fest, take the dog for a walk, and thoroughly enjoy the peace and quiet.  I have no idea why people have to over-stress the holidays.

Best of luck!

Hi,

This is ALL about you and not them.  Do what you are comfortable with.  You have to remember that you are now in control of the food.  Food NO longer controls you. 

The first Thanksgiving I experienced after sleeve surgery was about 1 month after I had surgery.  I put about 2 tablespoons full of anything I wanted on my plate and probably had 2 bites of 4 or 5 things.  So I NEVER felt deprived.  I felt good about how I controlled the food. 

I sent things home with other that I thought might tempt me and the things that were left I put in the garbage--YES I did.  Honestly that was the first time in my life I think that I ever put good food in the garbage.  I learned it was OK to toss it out.  I kept some turkey because it was good protein.

You will find your way around this holiday.  This really is ALL about you and NO one else.  You are going to do just fine and be very successful.  Oh, yes the day after Thanksgiving I also did a lot of walking. 

Hugs,
Suzanne

I used to think and feel the same way.  HOWEVER....I have changed.  You are the host opening your home to others.  Fix whatever you like and eat whatever you can eat for your health and your surgery.  No one is going to (or should) complain.  Anyone who does,  I simply would remove their name from any future lists!  LOL

During holiday events I often occupy myself taking photos or doing an activity throughout the dinner.  Even entertaining any children, planning a shopping trip with a few of the people in attendance, and I have even had name drawings to give out door prizes and set up Bingo and/or Scrabble games!  If the weather is nice, maybe have a nature walk planned to take in the beautiful world around us!

Good luck and have a wonderful time!
Don't worry.....Be happy  :)

Leslie