My eyes are STILL bigger than my stomach! (sorry long)

Yesterday I cooked Thanksgiving dinner--turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, candied sweet potatoes, squash, green bean casserole, pumkin pie...plus some other healthy things.  I cooked because actually Thanksgiving dinner is one of the few things I truly enjoy cooking, especially for something that takes a lot of time.  I tasted a little bit as I cooked but wasn't lusting after the food.  I actually enjoyed the process instead of obsessing about eating it all when it was done.

However, when we sat down to eat, and I was filling my plate, even though I realized I couldn't eat a quarter of what was on my plate, I still took it.  Of course that plate full of food was WAY smaller than anything I'd taken in past years.  But I guess I still wanted to see a substantial plate of food in front of me or something.  I'm having trouble expressing this.  I've done this quite a few times since surgery when eating buffet or family style.  Maybe I just don't want to look funny for having a tiny amount of food on my plate?  Maybe I still love the comfort of having a generous portion of food?  Anyway, I always seem to take way more food than I can eat...even when I recognize I'm doing it.

I do call Thanksgiving a success, because I enjoyed the day, I ate tiny amounts of whatever I wanted (and that was very satisfying for me), I ate more of the healthy choices, and I am very thankful that  I could have a nice dinner when many others in this world aren't so fortunate.  I am also extremely thankful I was able to have this life-saving surgery.

You know, I've always enjoyed cooking, but I've found that I enjoy cooking more after my surgery.  I think it's like you said, because I'm not obsessed with eating all the food once it's cooked.  I also have the same problem with my eyes being bigger than my stomach.  I always take more than I can eat and when I order an appetizer instead of a meal at a restaurant, I have trouble believing it will be enough, even though it ALWAYS is. I did the same thing as you last night at dinner, took too much on my plate.  I guess it just takes a while for our heads to catch up with our bodies.  :)

I am in the same boat as you as well. I cooked way like I had invited the Jackson Family over to my house but it was only my fianc'e and kids and mom. Then once I sat down (keep in mind that I measured 1/4 cup of food from each dish because we should be able to each about a 1cup or 1 and 1/2 cups of food after 1yr post op)to eat I could not finish because I was already full. Matter of fact as much as I LOVE stuffing and potato salad, it was so bummed because just eating that alone got me full to the point that I wanted to expell it. Even though I am blessed to have had this surgery, Thanksgiving is no longer the same for me. (SAD FACE)

The one time I've done that was at my grandmothers funeral.  We're from the south and for heaven's sake when someone dies around here they feed you!  I was about 6 months out so I couldn't eat "regular".  I got a lot of things on my plate and just tasted everything I wanted.  There may have been a few things (probably desserts) that I had more than a few bites of.  But it was nice.  I felt "normal" even though I still wasn't.  Plus, it kept the extended family from asking questions!

Ladies I hear you all talking about how Thanksgiving is not the same no more, but me being a Pre opter, I am so grateful to hear that the surgery has did this to you guys! I am so happy to hear that really soon I will not be able to woof down two large plates at Thanksgiving! I am so ready to have my RNY!

Your post made me smile...I'm nearly 2 years out and I STILL do this!  I order full ADULT sized meals at restaurants and I take more than I know I can eat at home too!  Not sure why but, honestly, it makes me feel so good that I can now say "No more, I'm full" and push that plate away!  I think it just makes me feel more "normal".  If you watch "normal" sized people eat, they do the same things! 

I've found since surgery that what I consider a large portion is completely different than what it was preop.  I was extremely mindful this Thanksgiving to make sure to not overfill my plate and I distracted myself with games and conversation so I wouldn't go back and try to make a full plate.  Was so nice and comfortable to be around a group of friends who totally got where I was in the process.  One sat down next to me and let me take nibbles off her dessert plate.  I got a taste of the variety of desserts but didn't come close to filling up on it.  Very relaxing atmosphere.  We did all go back for a second course about 4 hours later for dinner and I took home a small plate of some of the turkey. 

Cooking will always be a way for me to express love I'm sure.  For years my oldest has complained how I can take a perfectly good recipe and make it good for you.  LOL

I feel equally blessed to have been surrounded by good friends , plenty of food, and a new life.