Support Group ~ Holiday party with food?? WTH??
on 12/3/12 5:39 pm
Does seem to be a bit of an oxymoron. We had a WLS reunion at the hospital, attended by all the staff and surgeons....same thing...lots of refreshments. I was mortified at the thought of eating in front of them....just seemed wrong!
In theory, I get it. In a perfect world where everyone was at the same phase of their journey, it's a good way to share WLS friendly, healthy yet yummy holiday foods with others. The big problem lies with the fact that not everyone is at the same place in their diets. If its anything like my support group, there are people at all stages from pre-surgery to veterans. If someone is on the clear liquid diet or, like me, restricted to purees because I'm so early out, then even the healthiest dishes are a major bummer.
I know we all have to learn how to get past that--to function in the "normal" eat-all-the-bad-stuff world and be happy with what we can/should have..but I totally get the hesitation as the support group is supposed to be a "safe place".
Well…..I think this might be about perspective. Remember just because YOU had WLS, the rest of the world did not, so why not view this as an opportunity. At some point you’re going to have to deal with these types of situations, so why not make the first time in the most supportive place you go to? Just think, if you’re feeling weak, you’ll have your WHOLE support group there. This won’t be as easy for you at a business luncheon, a fabulous New Year’s party, or on a dream cruise that often have buffets. I say go, but make a game plan on how to approach these types of situations, and make this less about the food, and more about fun, then put that plan in action with the goal focused on success. You might start by planning what new party outfit to wear, maybe work with the leader on introducing a few fun party games to play, and think about the friends you’ll have time to chat with.
You might try to reframe this as a learning experience too in which you can sample interesting new WLS friendly recipes that you might adopt as your own.
Remember I was SMO myself and actually over 100 lbs. heavier than you, so I understand these challenges, but life goes on and we have to learn to enjoy these situations rather than view them as personal attacks.
Well…..I think this might be about perspective. Remember just because YOU had WLS, the rest of the world did not, so why not view this as an opportunity. At some point you’re going to have to deal with these types of situations, so why not make the first time in the most supportive place you go to? Just think, if you’re feeling weak, you’ll have your WHOLE support group there. This won’t be as easy for you at a business luncheon, a fabulous New Year’s party, or on a dream cruise that often have buffets. I say go, but make a game plan on how to approach these types of situations, and make this less about the food, and more about fun, then put that plan in action with the goal focused on success. You might start by planning what new party outfit to wear, maybe work with the leader on introducing a few fun party games to play, and think about the friends you’ll have time to chat with.
You might try to reframe this as a learning experience too in which you can sample interesting new WLS friendly recipes that you might adopt as your own.
Remember I was SMO myself and actually over 100 lbs. heavier than you, so I understand these challenges, but life goes on and we have to learn to enjoy these situations rather than view them as personal attacks.
Considered this group has had talk about entertainment and getting togther doesn't have to be about eating, I was just disappointed.
Oh yeah, I do have a really HOT new outfit to wear, lol!!
I agree with Sexy Kat (I think that was the name?) and to consider this a learning experience. I would look at it as a life challenge to overcome.
Our support group is having a holiday party on the 13th. I'll have to see what's in store, as it's my first time to gather with them for a party.
Maybe you can bring your own food/drink so that you don't have to deal with making choices? That's what I plan to do.
I think part of this process is understanding and trying to navigate life situations. It can be easier to do when you are around a support group then alone. I would consider it a 'dry run'. We all need food to live. Pot lucks are everywhere. Food is everywhere. I agree that get togethers don't have to be about food, but since we cannot always avoid that situation, sometimes they will be.
But I do agree that if you feel you cannot handle it, then you are making a good choice by not going.
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HW:288 CW:146.4 GW: 140 RNY: 12/22/11